Pro Football Focus (PFF) has made a big splash on the American football season over the last few years with its analytics-driven data to measure players’ performances, snap counts, and more. And while the name “Pro” is in name, PFF also dabbles a ton in the college game. The site and its tools have become very popular, as have some of the articles and rankings that it has shared with the masses.
Recently, PFF ranked the top 50 players in college football, and anytime a list like that is circulated, you know Ohio State has to be well represented. In this case, heading into the fall of 2025, it’s not quantity, but quality when it comes to Buckeyes on the list, especially after they sent 14 players to the NFL via the draft last April.
All told, Ohio State has just two players in the top 50 according to PFF, which falls behind teams like Alabama, Penn State, and Texas (five each), but the two that it has can claim something no other school can. OSU has the two best players in the college game according to PFF, with receiver Jeremiah Smith leading the pack, followed by safety Caleb Downs at No. 2.
Come to think of it, that mirrors what EA Sports says about Ohio State’s roster. It also ranked the duo as the two best players in the game in that same order. And PFF and EA Sports aren’t the only outlets claiming that Ohio State has the two best players in the game; it’s almost everywhere you look.
Here’s to hoping that the rest of what is still a talented roster can fill in the gaps, come together, and develop into another College Football Playoff national championship contender.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State football well-represented at the top of PFF’s Top 50 college football players
Reporting by Phil Harrison, Buckeyes Wire / Buckeyes Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
