The New York Giants and Former Ohio State Buckeyes: A Pattern of Familiarity and Success

The New York Giants, a team with a rich history and a devoted fan base, have often looked to Ohio State University for talent. With a legacy of success in the NFL and a need to fill key positions with promising players, the Giants have consistently kept a close eye on former Buckeyes. This relationship between the New York Giants and Ohio State is not just based on coincidence, but a shared understanding of success, player development, and a deep familiarity with the winning culture that the Buckeyes consistently produce.

In recent seasons, this link has become more noticeable, with the Giants pursuing several key players from Ohio State, not only because of their raw talent but also due to their character, leadership, and adaptability to high-pressure situations. In this article, we’ll delve into why the Giants have repeatedly sought out former Ohio State players, and more importantly, the potential impact of another former Buckeye joining the roster.

Why the Giants Are Drawn to Ohio State Players

1. Track Record of Success

Ohio State has consistently been one of the top football programs in the nation. With a rich tradition of winning, including multiple Big Ten Championships and National Championships, the Buckeyes are known for developing players who thrive in competitive environments. This winning culture translates well to the NFL, and teams like the New York Giants are always on the lookout for players who know how to win.

For the Giants, finding a player who has experienced a high level of success in college is key. It helps mitigate the risk of drafting or signing a player who may struggle to adjust to the NFL’s level of competition. Ohio State’s program has a proven track record of preparing players for the professional level, whether it’s developing a quarterback, wide receiver, offensive lineman, or defensive star.

2. Proven Leadership and High Football IQ

Ohio State players are often praised for their leadership qualities. Under the guidance of legendary head coach Urban Meyer (and now Ryan Day), players at Ohio State are held to high standards on and off the field. The program has fostered numerous captains and team leaders who are not only athletically gifted but also strong communicators and motivators.

Leadership is crucial in the NFL, where the pace is faster, the pressure is higher, and the stakes are greater. The Giants have often sought out players who have proven leadership skills at the collegiate level, and Ohio State has been a consistent provider of such talent. For example, players like linebacker Ryan Shazier and cornerback Marshon Lattimore both demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities during their time in Columbus, and these traits have translated well into their NFL careers.

3. NFL-Ready Development

Ohio State has become one of the premier football factories in the nation. In recent years, the Buckeyes have produced several top-tier NFL players across various positions. For the New York Giants, looking at Ohio State players is a no-brainer, given the high-level coaching and development they receive.

The program’s ability to develop players who are ready to contribute early in their NFL careers has been crucial for the Giants, who often need immediate impact players. From wide receivers to defensive linemen to quarterbacks, Ohio State has proven that its players can hit the ground running when they enter the NFL.

The Giants’ Recent Ties to Former Ohio State Players

In the past few seasons, several former Ohio State players have made their way to the Giants roster, and their influence has been felt in a positive manner. Let’s take a closer look at some of these players and how their Ohio State pedigree has influenced their success in New York.

1. Eli Apple – Cornerback

Eli Apple was drafted by the Giants with the 10th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, marking the first time the team had selected a player from Ohio State in the first round in years. Apple was seen as a potential cornerstone of the Giants’ secondary, given his ability to lock down wide receivers and his physicality. During his time at Ohio State, Apple was part of a defense that dominated opponents, and his skills were highly regarded in the NFL draft process.

Though Apple’s tenure with the Giants was short-lived, and he was traded to the New Orleans Saints after three seasons, his selection symbolized the Giants’ focus on Ohio State talent. Even though his time in New York didn’t live up to expectations, Apple showed flashes of the potential that made him a top pick in the first place. His journey highlighted that the Giants were willing to bet on a former Buckeye who had proven himself in one of the nation’s top defenses.

2. Michael Thomas – Wide Receiver

Michael Thomas, a former Ohio State wide receiver, has become one of the best at his position in the NFL. Although Thomas did not play for the Giants, the link to Ohio State receivers continues to be strong in New York. The Giants have frequently looked for big, athletic receivers in the draft and free agency, and many of these players have ties to Ohio State.

Thomas’ success with the New Orleans Saints has further cemented the value of drafting and developing Ohio State wide receivers. His ability to make contested catches, get open in tight spaces, and his overall work ethic have made him a model for what the Giants are often seeking in their receiving corps.

3. Nick Bosa – Defensive End (Hypothetical Link)

While Nick Bosa has yet to play for the Giants, his name has frequently been brought up in conversations about the team’s future plans. The younger Bosa brother, following in the footsteps of his older brother Joey (a former Ohio State standout), has become one of the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL. The Giants, always looking to bolster their defensive line, could be interested in a player like Bosa, who would bring immediate impact and leadership to their defense.

Bosa’s ability to wreak havoc in the backfield would complement a Giants defense that is already solid but has room to improve in terms of getting after the quarterback. His talent and familiarity with the program’s high standards make him an ideal fit for a Giants team that prides itself on defensive toughness.

The Future: Another Buckeye Heading to New York?

As of the 2025 NFL offseason, rumors have started swirling once again about the New York Giants potentially adding another former Ohio State Buckeye to their roster. The player in question? Former Ohio State standout, J.K. Dobbins, a running back who has shown tremendous promise in his young NFL career.

Dobbins, known for his vision, balance, and explosive speed, could be the ideal complement to the Giants’ backfield, which has struggled with consistency at the running back position in recent seasons. The addition of Dobbins could bring stability to the Giants’ offense and help rejuvenate their ground game, which has been hit or miss in recent years.

With the Giants’ offensive line improving, adding a running back like Dobbins would immediately elevate the team’s rushing attack. The familiarity with Ohio State’s strong program and the leadership skills Dobbins developed under head coach Ryan Day would undoubtedly make him an excellent fit in New York’s locker room.