Eric Boggs
James Laurinaitis is entering this fall camp with a clear vision for his linebacker room — a vision rooted in relentless effort, accountability, and an unshakable standard of excellence. The former Buckeye All-American and Butkus Award winner knows what it takes to thrive in Columbus, and he’s making sure his players understand that every rep, every meeting, and every snap matters. With the season opener against No. 1 Texas less than a month away, Laurinaitis has been vocal about both the progress his group has made and the expectations that still remain.
From the moment offseason workouts began, Laurinaitis has stressed that the standard at Ohio State is non-negotiable. “You’re not just competing against the guy next to you — you’re competing against every linebacker who’s worn this jersey,” he said. That message resonates deeply in a program where past legends set the bar sky-high. Laurinaitis has used his own career as proof that discipline and preparation can elevate a player from good to elite, and he has challenged his room to embrace that same mentality.
One of the strengths Laurinaitis has seen so far is leadership, particularly from returning veterans who understand the demands of the Big Ten. He praised upperclassmen for taking younger players under their wing, noting how valuable it is to have voices in the locker room reinforcing the staff’s message. “When you have leaders who are not afraid to demand the best from their teammates, the whole unit gets better,” Laurinaitis said. That culture of peer accountability is something he believes will pay off in the high-pressure moments of the season.
The competition within the linebacker room has also been fierce. Laurinaitis made it clear that starting roles will not be handed out based on reputation or past performance. Instead, every player has to earn their spot daily. He highlighted the emergence of several underclassmen who are pushing for snaps, noting that their work ethic has made depth a strength rather than a concern. “We want our two-deep to be interchangeable without a drop-off,” Laurinaitis emphasized. That kind of depth could be critical in a season where Ohio State faces multiple top-10 opponents.
Player development has been a central focus of Laurinaitis’ approach this offseason. He’s been hands-on in refining fundamentals — from footwork and tackling angles to coverage discipline — while also emphasizing football IQ. Film study has been a daily priority, and Laurinaitis has challenged his linebackers to anticipate plays before they happen. “At this level, speed and strength matter, but if you can’t diagnose a play, you’re already a step behind,” he said. That mental preparation, combined with physical readiness, is what he believes will separate his group from the rest of the country.
Beyond technique, Laurinaitis has pushed his players to embrace the physicality and toughness that define great Ohio State defenses. He’s reminded them of the importance of finishing plays, winning in short-yardage situations, and setting the tone for the entire team. “Linebackers are the heartbeat of the defense,” Laurinaitis said. “When we’re flying around and playing with confidence, the rest of the unit feeds off that energy.” That identity, he believes, will be essential against physical Big Ten offenses and the explosive skill talent Ohio State will see in nonconference play.
As camp progresses, Laurinaitis has expressed confidence that his group is moving in the right direction but has been equally clear that there’s still work to be done. The focus now is on consistency — eliminating mental errors, maintaining high effort through every practice, and sharpening communication on the field. With veterans setting the tone and young talent emerging, Laurinaitis believes the linebacker room is poised to be one of the strengths of the 2025 Buckeyes. “If we keep stacking good days,” he said, “we’ll be ready for anybody.”
Ohio State fans know that linebacker play has often been the difference between good defenses and championship-caliber units. Under Laurinaitis’ guidance, this year’s group has the potential to join the ranks of the great Buckeye linebacker corps of the past. The combination of leadership, depth, and an unwavering commitment to the standard could make 2025 a season to remember — and with the opener against Texas looming, Laurinaitis’ room is preparing to meet that challenge head-on.
