Jeff Okudah


Jeffrey Okudah is an American football cornerback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He played college football at Ohio State and was drafted by the Lions with the third pick of the 2020 NFL Draft.

High school career

Okudah attended South Grand Prairie High School in Grand Prairie, Texas. A five-star recruit, he committed to Ohio State University to play college football.

College career

As a true freshman at Ohio State in 2017, Okudah played in all 14 games and had 17 tackles. As a sophomore in 2018, he played in 13 games, recording 32 tackles. As a junior in 2019, he recorded his first career interception against the Miami Redhawks. As a junior in 2019, Okudah had 34 tackles, 9 passes defensed, and 3 interceptions. For his performance that season, he was unanimously named to the 2019 College Football All-America Team, as well as named a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. Okudah decided to forgo his senior year by declaring for the 2020 NFL Draft.

Professional career

Okudah was considered to be the best cornerback prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft, where he was selected third overall by the Detroit Lions. He signed his four-year rookie contract with the team on July 13, 2020.