\u201cIt is different,\u201d Curry told the Big Ten Network<\/a>. \u201cComing out here and playing all four years, it is something special on this field. Now being an alum, it is special.\u201d<\/p>\n You could see it in the way he carried himself. Columbus still matters. While Curry is now just days away from the NFL Draft, where he is projected as a mid to late round pick<\/a>, his focus has changed, but the connection to Ohio State<\/a> has not.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, just staying around Columbus, talking with coaches,\u201d Curry said. \u201cObviously it is the best facilities around, so being able to be with our guys and keep getting work in every day.\u201d<\/p>\n Curry’s ascension with Buckeyes<\/p>\n In four years, his path at Ohio State rose steadily. He worked into the defensive line rotation early in his career before taking on a much larger role in his final season.<\/p>\n That growth showed up in the numbers. After recording 14 tackles as a freshman in 2022, Curry developed into one of Ohio State\u2019s most productive defensive linemen in 2025. He finished with 66 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks, started all 14 games, and earned Associated Press All American honors.<\/p>\n Those statistics are now part of what Ohio State must find a way to replenish. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of production there that we have to replace<\/a>,\u201d coach Ryan Day said earlier this month.<\/p>\n While Caden watched from the sideline, a new wave of defensive linemen took the field, competing for roles of their own. It is a familiar cycle inside the program, but one that feels different when you are stepping away from it.<\/p>\n \u201cThey become Buckeyes,\u201d Curry said. \u201cWhen you come to Ohio State, it is always related. I know Coach Patricia does a good job with them in the meetings, getting them ready for this moment.\u201d<\/p>\n Curry has already lived that process. Earning snaps, carving out a role, and growing into a player the defense relied on.<\/p>\n Now, as he looks ahead, it’s on to the NFL. But the lessons learned in Columbus will stay with him.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is about fighting every single day to be the best version of yourself.”<\/p>\n
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