Kayden McDonald
Career Summary
Kayden McDonald is a Houston Texans defensive tackle and former Ohio State All-American.
Houston selected him in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft following three seasons with the Buckeyes.
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Early Life
McDonald is from Suwanee, Georgia.
Ohio State lists Suwanee as his hometown. He is the son of Kristi Green and has a brother, Jayden, who played linebacker at Troy, and a sister, Justice.
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High School
McDonald played at North Gwinnett High School.
His prep career included school records of 46 sacks and 131 tackles for loss. He also played offense, rushing for 409 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior.
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College Career
McDonald played at Ohio State from 2023 through 2025.
After 19 tackles in 2024, he produced 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss and three sacks in 2025. He finished with 85 career tackles and was part of Ohio State's 2024 national championship team.
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Path to the NFL
The Texans traded up to draft McDonald 36th overall.
On April 24, 2026, Houston sent picks 38 and 91 to Las Vegas in exchange for selections 36 and 117, using the earlier second-round pick on McDonald.
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NFL Career
McDonald joined Houston's defensive line in 2026.
As of September 15, the Texans' roster lists rookie defensive tackle No. 93 on Reserve/Injured.
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Career Accomplishments
McDonald was a unanimous first-team All-American in 2025.
He also won the Big Ten Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year award and was an Outland Trophy finalist. His academic honors included two Academic All-Big Ten selections.
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Playing Style
McDonald's draft evaluation emphasized interior leverage and block shedding.
Texans analyst John Harris highlighted his contact balance against double teams, pad level and hand strength when assessing the selection.
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32403, 00-0041440, 3/12/2005, Kayden McDonald, Kayden, McDonald
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