Defensive tackle Kayden McDonald planned to join his Ohio State teammates as a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

With four Buckeyes chosen in the first 11 picks of Thursday’s draft, McDonald figured there would be a place for him toward the end of the opening round.

McDonald accepted an invitation to attend the draft in Pittsburgh alongside 16 other first-round hopefuls.

MORE: 2026 NFL Draft biggest winners & losers from Round 1MORE: Watch 2026 NFL Draft live on Fubo (free trial)

Unfortunately, McDonald did not hear his name called. Initially, he and his family planned to leave Pittsburgh and await his expected selection on Friday in Round 2.

That’s when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stepped in. According to ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter, Goodell invited McDonald “back tonight so he could give him a hug on the stage once he is picked.” McDonald and his family agreed, extending the stay another day.

Ohio State tied an NFL draft record with four players picked in the first 11 selections. Carnell Tate (fourth, Tennessee Titans), Arvell Reese (fifth, New York Giants); Sonny Styles (seventh, Washington Commanders) and Caleb Downs (11th, Dallas Cowboys) all went early.

McDonald was one of two players who attended the draft and failed to get picked. Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood is the other. There is no word yet on whether Hood will return for Day 2.

McDonald started 14 games for the Buckeyes in 2025, recording 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss and three sacks. The 6-foot-3, 326-pound junior was a unanimous All-American and the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year.

Now, McDonald returns to hear his name called early in Round 2 on Friday. An updated ESPN mock draft from analyst Matt Miller predicts the Houston Texans will select McDonald with the 38th overall pick.

Finally, Day 2 of the NFL draft, which features Round 2 and 3 selections, will begin at 7 p.m. ET Friday on ABC, ESPN, the NFL Network and the ESPN app.