Columbus Stars Head South to Prove Their Mettle
Eleven Buckeyes heard their names called during the 2026 NFL Draft, but the Ohio State–to–pro pipeline didn’t stop there. Running back CJ Donaldson, a physical short-yardage bruiser who tallied 10 rushing TDs last season, surprisingly went undrafted and promptly inked with the New Orleans Saints. Defensive tackle Tywone Malone Jr., a rotational interior lineman who quietly absorbed blockers all year, joined him as another undrafted free agent. Meanwhile, specialist hopefuls Jayden Fielding (kicker), Joey Velazquez (linebacker), plus long snappers Collin Johnson and John Ferlmann remain in limbo. Ferlmann snagged a Browns minicamp invite, and teammate Johnson cheered him on via Instagram. For the rest, it’s a waiting game: the draft’s over, but roster calls still echo across the league.
In a plot twist even Hollywood script-writers would wink at, Ohio State’s star factory keeps churning out undrafted miracles like some kind of talent vending machine. CJ Donaldson didn’t get the coveted draft pick badge, but hey, who needs that when you can sign with the Saints faster than you can say “Who dat?” Malone Jr. slides into New Orleans too, because nothing screams “I’m valued!” like a late-night free agent deal. And let’s not forget the ball-snapping duo and special teamers—all waiting by the phone like hopeful game show contestants. It’s NFL life: dream big, get snubbed on draft weekend, then snag that “undrafted” cape and fly under the radar. Stay ready, because you never know when the next call will drop you onto somebody’s 53-man whoopee cushion of opportunity.
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