While Ohio State currently has former players on the rosters of 28 of the NFL’s 32 teams, several other former Buckeyes have continued their football careers in other professional football leagues this year.
Two former Ohio State players played in the debut season of the third iteration of the XFL: Defensive tackle Antwuan Jackson, who played for the Seattle Sea Dragons, and running back Rod Smith, who played for the Vegas Vipers. Jackson, who recorded 20 total tackles with one tackle for loss in 10 games with the Sea Dragons, achieved the ultimate goal of all players in the XFL and other professional leagues by parlaying his performance with the Sea Dragons into an opportunity to play in the NFL, signing a contract with the Carolina Panthers in May.