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Oregon vs. Ohio State: NFL scouts will be watching closely as Ohio State faces Oregon in a 2024 season showdown featuring top draft prospects from both powerhouse teams.
The Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks are set for one of the most anticipated matchups of the 2024 college football season. Both teams are loaded with talent, and this game will showcase numerous 2025 NFL Draft prospects. Scouts will be watching closely as the Buckeyes and Ducks put their top players on display. Below are the top prospects from each team, divided by offense and defense.
Top NFL Draft Prospects: Oregon vs. Ohio State Matchup
Ohio State Buckeyes
Offensive Prospects And Matchup Analysis
Ohio State’s offense has been firing on all cylinders, boasting an impressive average of 6.2 yards per carry and a staggering 221.6 rushing yards per game, placing them second in yards per attempt nationally among Power Four teams. The tandem of TreVeyon Henderson, who averages an explosive 8.0 yards per carry, and Quinshon Judkins, with 7.8 yards per carry, provides a one-two punch that combines speed, vision, and physicality, making them an unpredictable and versatile threat.
Anchored by a strong offensive line, including key contributors like Josh Simmons (PFF grade: 89.0) and Donovan Jackson, the Buckeyes have consistently created wide-open lanes, which have allowed their backs to maximize yardage after contact and sustain long drives. However, while quarterback Will Howard maintains a solid 71.5% completion rate, his deep passing has shown inconsistency, completing just 5 of 11 passes over 20 yards for 196 yards—an area Oregon’s defense will look to exploit.
For Henderson, Judkins, and Emeka Egbuka, who is also emerging as a top target in the passing game, this matchup is pivotal as they are all vying for early-round consideration in the 2025 NFL Draft; their performances against Oregon’s aggressive defense will be closely scrutinized by scouts.
Emeka Egbuka, WR
Egbuka stands out as Ohio State’s top receiver, demonstrating excellent route-running skills, ball tracking, and the ability to make plays at all levels of the field. This season, he already has more receiving touchdowns than he did last year, showcasing his growth as a go-to target for the Buckeyes.
TreVeyon Henderson, RB
Henderson is a versatile back with three-down capabilities. His explosiveness and vision make him a consistent big-play threat. He’s also dependable in pass protection and effective as a pass-catcher, traits that will appeal to NFL scouts.
Quinshon Judkins, RB
A transfer from the SEC, Judkins has adapted quickly, averaging 7.8 yards per carry this season. His quick decision-making and athleticism have made him an impactful player in Ohio State's offense. Scouts want to see more from him as a blocker to further elevate his draft stock.
Donovan Jackson, LG
Jackson is a versatile interior lineman known for his strong hands and ability to engage effectively with defensive linemen. His agility allows him to excel in a zone-blocking scheme, and his strength makes him effective in a power scheme as well.
Josh Simmons, LT
Simmons is a nimble and athletic tackle who has shown great improvements in his pass protection and run blocking this season. With no penalties or sacks allowed so far, he has become a key asset on the Buckeyes’ offensive line.
Defensive Prospects And Matchup Analysis
Ohio State’s defense has established itself as a force to be reckoned with, ranking 3rd among Power Four teams by limiting opponents to a mere 3.2 yards per carry and just 90.2 rushing yards per game. The front seven, led by dominant players like Tyleik Williams (PFF grade: 91.8) and Jack Sawyer (PFF grade: 85.1), has proven adept at controlling the trenches, frequently disrupting opponents’ run schemes and collapsing pockets with a 27.5% stuff rate that highlights their aggressive approach. Edge rushers Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau bring relentless pressure, making it difficult for opposing quarterbacks to find rhythm.
The Buckeye secondary is spearheaded by standout defenders Denzel Burke and safety Lathan Ransom (PFF grade: 93.8), providing a reliable backstop. Ransom’s instinctive play, combined with fellow safety Caleb Downs’ support (PFF grade: 76.6) and Jordan Hancock’s coverage ability, ensures that Ohio State’s defense remains adaptable against the run and the pass.
With Williams, Burke, and Sawyer projected as top prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft, their ability to dominate this high-stakes matchup and prove themselves against a dynamic Oregon offense will significantly impact their draft evaluations and stock.
Denzel Burke, CB
Burke is an instinctive cover corner who competes aggressively. This season, he has not allowed a reception over 20 yards, showcasing his ability to keep plays in front of him. His competitive nature and athleticism will be tested against Oregon’s receiving corps.
J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE
Tuimoloau is a versatile edge defender who excels at setting the edge and rushing the passer. He leads the Buckeyes in tackles for loss and sacks this season. NFL teams will be watching to see if he can dominate against Oregon's talented offensive line.
Jack Sawyer, EDGE
Sawyer combines an explosive first step with physical hands, making him an effective pass rusher. His ability to pressure the quarterback consistently has been key for Ohio State, and he’ll look to have a major impact against the Ducks.
Lathan Ransom, S
Ransom’s read-react skills and closing speed make him a standout safety. Though he’s still developing in zone coverage, his ability to diagnose and react quickly against the run and in short coverage will be crucial against Oregon’s offense.
Tyleik Williams, DT
Williams is a force on the interior, known for his power and leverage. After returning from injury, he looked dominant in Ohio State’s win over Iowa, especially against the run. He projects as a three-down player at the next level if he continues his strong play.
Oregon Ducks
Offensive Prospects And Matchup Analysis
Oregon’s offense, led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel, has been dynamic, averaging 4.6 yards per carry and 164.4 rushing yards per game. Gabriel has excelled as a rhythm passer, maintaining a high 78% completion rate and amassing 1,449 yards with 11 touchdowns, but the pressure will be on him to perform against Ohio State’s relentless pass rush.
Oregon’s offensive line, which includes standout players like Josh Conerly Jr. (PFF grade: 77.7) and Iapani Laloulu (PFF grade: 81.1), has been effective in protecting Gabriel and opening lanes for lead back Jordan James, who averages 6.3 yards per carry. James’ ability to gain yards after contact is central to Oregon’s ground game success, but the challenge will be maintaining this efficiency against an Ohio State front known for its physicality and run-stopping prowess.
With Gabriel, James, and key playmakers like Tez Johnson and Terrance Ferguson eyeing the 2025 NFL Draft, this matchup will serve as a crucial test; their ability to navigate Ohio State’s defense, create explosive plays, and maintain consistency will be pivotal for both the game’s outcome and their NFL aspirations.
Dillon Gabriel, QB
Gabriel is a rhythm passer who excels in an up-tempo offense. Despite his high completion percentage this season, his red zone accuracy needs improvement. A strong performance against Ohio State’s defense could elevate his draft stock.
Jordan James, RB
James has emerged as Oregon’s lead back, averaging 6.3 yards per carry. Known for his contact balance and ability to create yardage after contact, he’s a name scouts are watching as he continues to develop in the Ducks’ offense.
Ajani Cornelius, RT
Cornelius, a transfer from Rhode Island, has been inconsistent this season but possesses the tools NFL teams value in an offensive tackle. His performance against Ohio State’s pass rushers will be critical in evaluating his draft potential.
Josh Conerly Jr., LT
A former five-star recruit, Conerly has shown flashes of potential but needs to build consistency. Scouts will be watching closely to see if he can hold his own against Ohio State’s top edge rushers.
Terrance Ferguson, TE
Ferguson is a versatile tight end who can create mismatches in the passing game. His size and reliable hands make him an intriguing prospect, particularly in red-zone situations. Improvement as a blocker will be key to his draft evaluation.
Defensive Prospects And Matchup Analysis
Oregon’s defense, while effective in spots, shows vulnerabilities, particularly against the run. They currently allow 4.8 yards per carry and 117.8 rushing yards per game, ranking them 41st among Power Four teams in terms of rushing yards allowed per game.
Key defenders like edge rusher Jordan Burch (PFF grade: 63.9) and interior lineman Derrick Harmon (PFF grade: 64.7) will be critical in generating pressure and plugging gaps to limit Ohio State’s dynamic ground attack.
Oregon’s secondary is led by Jabbar Muhammad (PFF grade: 72.9), who has shown some resilience—particularly when the defensive line creates pressure—the defense struggles in non-pressured scenarios, allowing an average of 11.1 yards per attempt on deep throws and area the Buckeyes will likely target. Brandon Johnson has also stepped up this season, showing improved coverage skills, but without consistent disruption from the front, the secondary risks exposure against Ohio State’s talented receiving corps.
With several of these defenders, including Burch and Harmon, being evaluated as potential early-round 2025 NFL Draft candidates, their performance in containing Ohio State’s offense will be instrumental in to increasing their NFL Draft stock and the overall outcome of this pivotal matchup.
Jordan Burch, EDGE
Burch, a powerful edge rusher, combines size and explosiveness to create pressure off the edge. He’s shown the ability to collapse the pocket and is expected to be a disruptive force against Ohio State’s offensive line.
Jeffrey Bassa, LB
Bassa was an All-Pac-12 defender last year but needs to show more consistency in his play. A strong performance against Ohio State’s offense could help him recapture the attention of NFL scouts.
Jabbar Muhammad, CB
Despite being undersized, Muhammad has a knack for finding the football. His instinctive ball skills could be his ticket to the NFL, though his speed and size will be closely evaluated against Ohio State’s talented receivers.
Derrick Harmon, DT
Harmon has been a revelation for Oregon, leading all FBS interior defensive linemen in pressures this season. His disruptive quickness makes him a tough matchup, and he could play a pivotal role in slowing down Ohio State’s run game.
Bryce Boettcher, LB
A dual-sport athlete with the Ducks, Boettcher has shown a high football IQ and physicality on the field. Scouts will be paying attention to his ability to cover Ohio State’s versatile offense and contribute in the run game.
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