abc-logo
Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

Please submit form to schedule a

Personal Care Consultation

The Most Reliable Senior Care

Please submit this form below and we will chat shortly!

By checking this box, I consent to receive messages from Always Best Care Senior Services and its Independent Franchisees regarding promotions about the care services they provide. Please click here to visit our Independent Franchisees. I understand that message and data rates may apply and that message frequency may vary. I may opt out at any time by replying STOP to unsubscribe, or for email and text, by clicking the unsubscribe link in the message. For more information, please visit our Privacy Policy. To withdraw my consent in writing, I can contact Always Best Care Senior Services, 1406 Blue Oaks Boulevard, Roseville, CA 95747, or [email protected].(Required)
By checking this box, I consent to receive messages from Always Best Care Senior Services and its Independent Franchisees regarding promotions about the care services they provide. Please click here to visit our Independent Franchisees. I understand that message and data rates may apply and that message frequency may vary. I may opt out at any time by replying STOP to unsubscribe, or for email and text, by clicking the unsubscribe link in the message. For more information, please visit our Privacy Policy. To withdraw my consent in writing, I can contact Always Best Care Senior Services, 1406 Blue Oaks Boulevard, Roseville, CA 95747, or [email protected].
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Home Care In McDonald, OH

Home Care McDonald, OH

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in McDonald, OH is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care McDonald, OH

location Service Areas

The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

×
TESTIMONIALS

“Judy and Kathy, who are part of the office staff team are outstanding individuals who have huge hearts and hands ready to serve. They went above and beyond to assure I had the best and most seamless experience.”

Rachel S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“My current caregiver goes above & beyond my expectations. She also takes excellent care of my Mom, who is currently 84, not in good health & requires a lot of assistance. It is comforting to know that I am notified immediately of any issues that affect her health. I am also grateful to the staff at “ABC” for setting us up with a caregiver that we both trust. If you or a loved one need assistance with your care, I would highly recommend that you give Always Best Care a call. You’ll be glad you did.”

Carrie E.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“They are a good company take good with the bad. They do take care of problems that you have.”

Pam C.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“The staff and caregiver are very friendly, This company is very nice. The care about the staff and the clients. If you happen to have a loved o e who is in need of help give Always Best Care a call”

Carla W.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“This company is amazing! I can't believe they only have two stars. I believe that a former lazy employee may have left a negative review after being let go. In my experience, the staff at this company are truly exceptional! They always call to check up on you and provide professional and caring service. I've had bad experiences with other companies Cimfort Keepers to be exact. You don't want to deal with or their owners. They are nasty and rude, but Always Best Care is definitely not like them. The ladies who work here are so sweet and genuine, especially Heather and Ms. Judy. They have provided me with the best care, and I am so grateful for their kindness. Thank you so much! - Erica C.”

William &.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I Work for always best care and I love it the clients are great the people in the office are wonderful and they work with you .. They give people a chance to better there lifes and make a living by help others and I just love everyone in this company. I will retire from here ????”

velinda C.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I have been with ALWAYS BEST CARE for about 10 years. The staff has always worked to make sure the Caregiver and I are a good match. One morning my Caregiver was unable to come. The owner of the company came to be my Caregiver that morning!! I have never had that happen with any other company. I ❤ ALWAYS BEST CARE!!! I recommend this company to everyone who needs a Caregiver!!!”

LOLA P.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I work there and the company tries as hard they can can't blame the company when the ppl call off I love this company and very proud to be here.......”

Tracy S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“This company has a very kind team working very hard to make a difference in people's lives. Clients and staff. Owner has worked hard and professionally to give everyone the respect and chance they deserve!”

Angie S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has been taking care of my mom for almost two years now and we really appreciate their dedication and compassionate care. Thank you for everything.”

Habib N.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in McDonald, OH?

lm-check

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

lm-check

When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

lm-check

The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

lm-check

At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care McDonald, OH

Types of Elderly Care in McDonald, OH

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care McDonald, OH
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers McDonald, OH
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care McDonald, OH
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care McDonald, OH

Benefits of Home Care in McDonald, OH

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

Request More Information vector

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in McDonald, OH, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care McDonald, OH

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your OH's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care McDonald, OH

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in McDonald, OH understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care McDonald, OH

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers McDonald, OH

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Home Care McDonald, OH

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care McDonald, OH

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

lm-right-arrow
01

A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

lm-right-arrow
02

Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

lm-right-arrow
03

Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in McDonald, OH 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care McDonald, OH

Latest News in McDonald, OH

Downs, McDonald & Reese Win Big Ten Individual Awards

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A trio of outstanding players on Ohio State’s defense have been named Big Ten Conference individual award winners at their position and headline a group of 16 Buckeyes who have earned Big Ten all-conference honors this season. The offensive all-Big Ten teams will be announced on Thursday.Caleb Downs, the superb junior safety on Ohio State’s No. 1 rated defensive unit and who is a finalist for four major national awards, was named the Big Ten’s Nagurski-Woodson ...

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A trio of outstanding players on Ohio State’s defense have been named Big Ten Conference individual award winners at their position and headline a group of 16 Buckeyes who have earned Big Ten all-conference honors this season. The offensive all-Big Ten teams will be announced on Thursday.

Caleb Downs, the superb junior safety on Ohio State’s No. 1 rated defensive unit and who is a finalist for four major national awards, was named the Big Ten’s Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year and, for the second consecutive season, the Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year. Downs is the 12th Buckeye to earn defensive player of the year honors and the first since Chase Young in 2019.

Downs is only the second two-time winner of the Big Ten’s defensive back of the year award but the first to win it in consecutive years.

Junior defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, a finalist for the Outland Trophy and who piled up 51 tackles, eight TFLs and three QB sacks this season, was named the Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year. McDonald is the 13th Buckeye to win defensive lineman of the year honors, the first since Chase Young in 2019 and the sixth Ohio State honoree for coach Larry Johnson.

And junior linebacker Arvell Reese, a finalist for the Butkus Award and who was second on the team with 60 tackles, 10 TFLs and 6.5 QB sacks, was named the Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year. Reese joins Tommy Eichenberg (2023) as a recipient of the linebacker of the year award.

All three players were named first-team all-Big Ten and were joined on the defense by fellow Buckeyes LB Sonny Styles (media and coaches votes), DE Caden Curry (media) and CB Davison Igbinosun (media).

Additional Ohio State honorees:

2025 Ohio State All-Big Ten Conference Defensive Honorees:Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year: Caleb DownsTatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year: Caleb DownsSmith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year: Kayden McDonaldButkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year: Arvell Reese

First-team coaches – Caleb Downs, Kayden McDonald, Arvell Reese, Sonny StylesFirst-team media – Caleb Downs, Caden Curry, Davison Igbinosun, Kayden McDonald, Arvell Reese, Sonny StylesSecond-team coaches – Curry, IgbinosunSecond-team media – John FerlmannThird-team coaches – Jermaine Mathews, FerlmannThird-team media – Jaylen McClainHonorable mention coaches – McClain, Kenyatta Jackson, Lorenzo Styles, Tywone Malone, Brandon Inniss (return specialist), Jayden FieldingHonorable mention media – Eddrick Houston, Mathews, Jackson, Styles, Payton Pierce, Malone, Inniss (return specialist)

NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Ohio State DL Kayden McDonald

While Kayden McDonald's technique remains a work in progress, he displays a unique ability to get himself out of bad positions and dominate against the run thanks to his rare combination of size (6'3", 326 lbs), strength and athleticism.McDonald went to Ohio State as a 4-star recruit in the 2023 class and saw the field sparingly as a true freshman. In Year 2, he was stuck behind Tyleik Williams, who later became a first-round draft pick, but contributed as part of the Buckeyes' defensive line rotation, collecting 19 tackles, 1.5 ...

While Kayden McDonald's technique remains a work in progress, he displays a unique ability to get himself out of bad positions and dominate against the run thanks to his rare combination of size (6'3", 326 lbs), strength and athleticism.

McDonald went to Ohio State as a 4-star recruit in the 2023 class and saw the field sparingly as a true freshman. In Year 2, he was stuck behind Tyleik Williams, who later became a first-round draft pick, but contributed as part of the Buckeyes' defensive line rotation, collecting 19 tackles, 1.5 for loss and a pass defended in 16 games.

During the 2025 campaign, the Georgia native experienced breakout season, taking command of the starting nose tackle job and recording 47 tackles, eight TFLs, three sacks and two forced fumbles.

Matt Holder has been a part of B/R's Scouting Department for four seasons. He also writes about the Las Vegas Raiders and NFL draft for SB Nation's Silver and Black Pride, and co-hosts a YouTube Channel, Tape Don't Lie, providing film breakdowns and more draft prospect analysis.

- McDonald presents good size and a thick build with massive legs to help him absorb contact as a run-defender.

- Solid get-off, quick reaction to the snap and decent acceleration off the line of scrimmage.

- Plenty of strength and power at the point of attack to stand up interior offensive linemen and reset the line of scrimmage when he plays with good pad-level.

- Solid at running his feet and moving laterally to avoid getting reached.

- When he gets out of position or loses his gap against the run, his combination of strength, athleticism and quickness can help him recover and still make tackles near the line of scrimmage.

- Has the quickness and a hump-move to escape blocks.

- McDonald plays with his hands down, allowing offensive linemen to get into his chest, thus preventing him from getting extension on blocks.

- Block recognition is subpar, causing him to get into bad positions.

- His ability to recover isn't as effective against higher-level competition. Penn State's Olaivavega Ioane, a potential first-round guard, was able to stay attached and prevent him from making tackles.

- Has a habit of standing up out of his stance and playing with a narrow base, causing issues holding his gap against double-teams.

- Offers little as a pass-rusher. His wide hands and inconsistent pad-level hurt the effectiveness of his bull rush.

- Pass-rush motor isn't good, either. McDonald often stops rushing when his first move doesn't work.

COMPARABLE GRADE: Tyler Shelvin, LSU (7.4 in 2021), DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M (7.4 in 2022), Alfred Collins (7.4 in 2025)

OVERALL RANK: 61

POSITION RANK: DL5

Workout numbers and data will be added at a later date.

These two Ohio State Buckeyes are flying up NFL Draft boards

As the NFL Draft cycle keeps heating up, more and more conversations involve Ohio State Buckeyes, especially when discussing prospects potentially being targeted at the top of the selection order.Recently, two veteran NFL Draft analysts for ESPN pointed to a couple of Buckeye defenders as the prospects whose draft stock had risen the most since last August.First off, Mel Kiper Jr. had nothing but praise for defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, a player that Kiper didn’t even have on his board before the season began.&...

As the NFL Draft cycle keeps heating up, more and more conversations involve Ohio State Buckeyes, especially when discussing prospects potentially being targeted at the top of the selection order.

Recently, two veteran NFL Draft analysts for ESPN pointed to a couple of Buckeye defenders as the prospects whose draft stock had risen the most since last August.

First off, Mel Kiper Jr. had nothing but praise for defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, a player that Kiper didn’t even have on his board before the season began.

“He had 24 career tackles, zero sacks and zero starts over two seasons before moving into a full-time role in 2025. Now? He's potentially battling Oregon's A'Mauri Washington to be the first defensive tackle drafted in April, thanks in part to the lack of dominance by other prospects at the position,” noted Kiper. “McDonald has 54 tackles (way more than any of the other top-tier DTs), three sacks, two forced fumbles, 15 run stops and 8.5 tackles for loss this season, and he is just scratching the surface of his potential.

Kiper also went on to express how much freedom McDonald has given to Ohio State’s playmaking linebackers, including the other player mentioned in the story.

“McDonald really got my attention in the Washington game back in September. He had two sacks and showed his tremendous run-stuffing traits. McDonald is strong and quick at 6-foot-3 and 326 pounds, and his ability to seal up the middle has freed up Ohio State's talented linebackers at the second level. He just needs to work on his pass rushing and get more penetration on the interior.”

McDonald is one of three finalists up for the Outland Trophy, handed out since 1946 to the best interior lineman in college football each year.

Meanwhile, Matt Miller focused on Arvell Reese, who is being projected by some as a potential first overall draft pick next April, depending on who ultimately ends up with the top selection.

“Reese wasn't on my radar before the season, given he had just five starts in 2024 as a sophomore. That changed in Week 1, when Reese tormented the Texas offense all day. After posting 0.5 sacks and three pressures last season in a more traditional linebacker role, Reese has been the Buckeye's most impactful defensive player with 61 tackles, 6.5 sacks and 18 pressures. The explosion of production and the opportunity to showcase his pass-rush skills have propelled Reese (6-4, 243) from the shadows of the Ohio State defense all the way to No. 3 on my latest board. I love his burst, power and flexibility.”

Reese, who ended up as a finalist for the Butkus Award --given to the most impactful linebacker in college football -- is projected by many as an edge rusher at the next level, a move that most certainly will allow his draft stock to rise even higher.

While it’s hard to envision Ohio State tying its school record of 14 draftees (set in 2004, tied in 2025) once again, there will be no shortage of Buckeyes at the top of the picking order with names like safety Caleb Downs, wide receiver Carnell Tate and linebacker Sonny Styles joining McDonald and Reese as potential first-round selections.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.