Ohio State fifth-year linebacker Steele Chambers announced Tuesday that he is entering his name into the 2024 NFL draft and forging his remaining season of eligibility.
“It has been a privilege and honor to be a part of a Brotherhood dan community that I now call my home and family,” he said in a post on Instagram. “I want to thank my family, mom and dad, and sisters for their unwavering support through this journey. I could not have done this without you.
“I want to thank Coach (Ryan) Day, Coach (Jim) Knowles), Coach (James) Laurinaitis, the entire coaching staff, and athletic department for believing in me and providing me with the tools to be successful. … Most importantly I want to thank my teammates, the warriors I went to battle with day in and day out. Without this Brotherhood, I would not be here today. You are the reason I continue.
“After many conversations with my family, I have decided to declare for the NFL draft.”
Chambers recently completed his fourth seasons with the Buckeyes, though it was not easy getting to this point as a draft-eligible linebacker for Ohio State. Out of Roswell, Ga., Chambers was a four-star running back in high school and played the position for his first two years at Ohio State.
But, ahead of the 2021 season, Chambers made the switch to linebacker, where he proceeded to start the final four games of that season and every game at linebacker over the past two seasons for the Buckeyes. Over his five seasons at Ohio State, Chambers accounted for 190 tackles (11.5 for loss) with two sacks, three interceptions and eight pass breakups, in addition to 28 carries for 221 yards and a touchdown.
Chambers is expected to be joined by fellow linebacker Tommy Eichenberg in departing for the NFL draft, which will leave Ohio State looking to replace two starters in the middle of the field. Based on this season’s depth chart, the favorites to fill those positions would be soon-to-be fifth-year linebacker Cody Simon and rising junior linebacker C.J. Hicks, while rising redshirt sophomore Gabe Powers and current freshmen Arvell Reese and Nigel Glover also provide depth.
Chambers is the third Buckeye to declare for the draft so far, joining running back Miyan Williams and defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is also expected to declare before the Jan. 15 deadline, while others such as cornerback Denzel Burke, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and defensive ends Jack Sawyer and J.t. Tuimoloau also have decisions to make.
