The Ohio State Buckeyes have a history of developing players who go on to achieve success in the NFL. Six players from the company have received the NFL Rookie of the Year award since 2016 (defensive and offensive).
This piece will examine a few former Buckeyes who were successful right away in the big leagues. After leaving Ohio State, they won NFL awards in their first season.
NFL Rookie of the Year awards: a list of the top five former Ohio State players
5. Marshon Lattimore, 2017 Defensive Rookie of the Year
Marshon Lattimore, who had an incredible rookie season with the New Orleans Saints, was named the 2017 DROY. After 13 NFL games, he ended with 52 total tackles (43 solo), 18 pass deflections, five interceptions, and a score.
Before being selected by the Saints in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Lattimore spent three seasons as a member of the Buckeyes.
4. Nick Bosa, 2019 Defensive Rookie of the Year
In 2019, Nick Bosa of the San Francisco 49ers won the DROY award. After 47 regular season tackles and nine sacks, the defensive end finished up his first season in the NFL. Despite his contributions, San Francisco was defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
Before the 49ers selected Nick second overall in the 2019 draft, he spent three seasons as a Buckeye.
3. Garrett Wilson, 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year
Garrett Wilson had a fantastic season with the New York Jets, earning him the 2022 OROY trophy. The wide receiver scored four touchdowns and set a franchise record for receptions (83) and receiving yards (1,103 yards).
Wilson played for the Ohio State Buckeyes for three seasons prior to being selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
2. Joey Bosa, 2016 Defensive Rookie of the Year
Joey Bosa had a strong season with the Los Angeles Chargers, earning him the title of 2016 DROY. The linebacker ended with 41 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and a forced fumble in his rookie season in the NFL.
Joey played three years with the Buckeyes before being selected by the Chargers with the third overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
1. CJ Stroud, 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year
CJ Stroud won the 2023 O’Roi Award after a great season with his Houston Texans. The quarterback finished the regular season with 4,108 passing yards and 23 touchdowns. He helped Houston win the AFC South and reach the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Stroud played three seasons at Ohio State and was selected by the Texans with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.