A stunning development, two of Ohio State’s top recruits for the 2025 football season have made headlines for their unexpected decision to declare for the NFL Draft—just as they were poised to make their mark in college football. The news sent shockwaves through the sports world, as five-star quarterback Tavien St. Clair and five-star cornerback Devin Sanchez both announced they would forgo their college careers and enter the 2025 NFL Draft.
Tavien St. Clair, widely regarded as the top-ranked recruit in the 2025 class, has been the centerpiece of Ohio State’s recruiting efforts for months. Known for his rocket arm, poise in the pocket, and exceptional football IQ, St. Clair was expected to be a game-changing presence for the Buckeyes. His ability to read defenses and make pinpoint throws under pressure had already earned him comparisons to some of the best quarterbacks to come out of the college ranks in recent years. Many analysts predicted St. Clair would lead Ohio State into national title contention, and his decision to bypass the college game entirely has left fans and analysts alike scrambling for answers.
The decision also comes as a bit of a surprise, given the immense preparation and spotlight that recruits like St. Clair typically receive in their time at powerhouse programs like Ohio State. However, rumors about his readiness for the professional stage had been circulating for a while, with NFL scouts reportedly impressed by his skills at high school showcases. In a brief statement, St. Clair expressed that the opportunity to enter the NFL Draft was a “once-in-a-lifetime chance” that he couldn’t pass up, citing his desire to challenge himself at the highest level.
Alongside him is Devin Sanchez, a five-star cornerback who has been ranked as one of the top defensive recruits in the country. Sanchez’s physicality, speed, and ball-hawking abilities on the field had already made him a fan favorite and one of the most highly anticipated defensive players in Ohio State’s recent history. Like St. Clair, Sanchez had been an anchor for Ohio State’s recruiting class, with many expecting him to contribute immediately to the Buckeyes’ defense. However, Sanchez too saw the NFL Draft as a unique opportunity that he felt compelled to seize.
The duo’s decisions to declare for the NFL Draft have raised questions about the future of Ohio State football. While the program has a history of sending top talent to the pros, the unexpected loss of two of its brightest stars is undoubtedly a setback. Nonetheless, Ohio State’s recruiting machine is known for its resilience, and many expect new talent to step up and fill the void left by these two elite players.
Both St. Clair and Sanchez’s moves will have far-reaching implications for both college football and the NFL Draft. With a wave of young talent increasingly looking to skip the college experience, the landscape of the sport may be evolving in ways that no one anticipated.
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