Jeremiah Smith

Ohio State added another unforgettable chapter to its storied football history in 2025, producing three unanimous All-Americans in the same season for the first time ever. Jeremiah Smith, Caleb Downs, and Kayden McDonald each secured first-team All-American recognition from the Football Writers Association of America, completing a clean sweep of the five major selectors and cementing their place among the program’s all-time greats. For Buckeye fans, the achievement stands as both a celebration of individual excellence and a reflection of a roster that once again set the national standard.

The trio joined an elite group by also earning first-team honors from the Walter Camp Football Foundation, Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association, and Sporting News. Their selections helped Ohio State accomplish another milestone as well, marking the first season in program history with four consensus All-Americans, as Arvell Reese earned consensus status alongside the unanimous trio. Altogether, seven Buckeyes earned first-team All-American honors in 2025, tying a long-standing school record.

Caleb Downs continued to build a legacy that already places him among the most accomplished defenders ever to wear the Scarlet and Gray. By earning unanimous All-American honors for the second consecutive season, the junior safety became just the sixth two-time unanimous All-American in Ohio State history, joining legends such as Marvin Harrison Jr., Orlando Pace, Archie Griffin, Bob Ferguson, and Howard “Hopalong” Cassady. Downs once again served as the backbone of a defense widely regarded as the nation’s best, posting 60 tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack, two interceptions, and multiple pass breakups. His consistency, versatility, and leadership set the tone for a unit that dominated opponents week after week.

Jeremiah Smith’s unanimous All-American honor confirmed what Buckeye fans saw all season: a superstar wide receiver who delivered on every bit of preseason hype. Smith finished Ohio State’s first 13 games with 80 receptions for 1,086 yards and 11 touchdowns, becoming only the second wide receiver in program history to earn unanimous All-American recognition. His combination of polish, explosiveness, and reliability made him a constant matchup problem and a central figure in the Buckeyes’ offensive success, placing him alongside Marvin Harrison Jr. in an exclusive fraternity.

Kayden McDonald’s rise to unanimous All-American status was one of the most impressive individual stories of the season. In his first year as a starter, the defensive tackle emerged as a dominant force in the middle of Ohio State’s defensive line, recording 57 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks, and two forced fumbles. McDonald became just the second defensive tackle in program history to earn unanimous All-American honors, joining Jim Stillwagon. His impact in the trenches helped anchor a defense that consistently controlled games at the line of scrimmage.

Beyond the historic trio, Arvell Reese’s consensus All-American season highlighted the depth of elite talent across the roster. Reese, also a first-year starter, broke out at middle linebacker with 62 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and multiple pass breakups. Additional first-team honors for Sonny Styles, Carson Hinzman, and Caden Curry underscored how widespread the excellence was throughout the lineup.

For Ohio State fans, the 2025 season will be remembered not only for its results but for the rare convergence of talent that produced three unanimous All-Americans in one year. It was a moment that honored the program’s rich past while setting a powerful standard for the future of Buckeye football.