Kayden McDonald, Ohio State Buckeyes, DL - News, Stats, Bio

Big Ten Standings

Team	Conf	Overall
IND	9-0	16-0
OHIOST	9-0	12-2
OREG	8-1	13-2
USC	7-2	9-4
MICH	7-2	9-4
IOWA	6-3	9-4
WASH	5-4	9-4
ILL	5-4	9-4
MINN	5-4	8-5
NEB	4-5	7-6
NWEST	4-5	7-6
PSU	3-6	7-6
UCLA	3-6	3-9
RUT	2-7	5-7
WISC	2-7	4-8
MICHST	1-8	4-8
MD	1-8	4-8
PURDUE	0-9	2-10

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Summary

McDonald has a massive and powerful frame and uses his leverage to his advantage as a run stuffer. He plays with good lateral movement and hand usage with the ability to play on the other side of the line of scrimmage. McDonald rarely gets knocked off the ball and can hold his gap on double teams. If he can develop his pass rushing skills then he could be a pro bowl caliber player.

About

2025: Unanimous All-American; Big Ten DL of the Year
2025: 65 tackles (third-most by FBS DT); 9.0 TFL (led Big Ten DT)

Strengths

Elite leverage and strength as a run defender.
Good power at crushing the pocket as a pass rusher.
Good lateral quickness when stunting and moving in the run game.

Weaknesses

Limited pass rush arsenal besides power.
His motor does not run hot all the time. Will pick and choose spots to play hard.
Lacks ideal arm length inside the NFL covets.