The NFL draft is an anxious wait for any player waiting to hear their name called, but for former Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, it was especially brutal.
Four of his Buckeyes teammates were selected during the first round on Thursday night, but McDonald's wait carried into Friday's second round. He attended the draft in Pittsburgh and was the last remaining player in the green room, but his agonizing wait finally ended at pick No. 36 when he was taken by the Houston Texans.
McDonald was overcome by emotion when his name was called, and he shared a tear-filled embrace on-stage with commissioner Roger Goodell.
A moment he'll never forget 🙌Kayden McDonald's emotions were on full display after being selected by the Houston Texans 😤 pic.twitter.com/BoxVPjaRLg
Kayden McDonald celebrating with the Texans fans in Pittsburgh: pic.twitter.com/t6pFhbl3nf
McDonald was a First Team All-American in 2025, and he was also named the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year. He had 65 tackles (nine for loss) and three sacks this past season.
Though McDonald didn't sneak into the first round and had to wait a bit longer to take the stage, he joins a talented Houston defensive line that should once again be a major strength in 2026.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Kayden McDonald was emotional when NFL draft wait ended