Chris Wilds
Coming off the high of a national championship in 2024, the Ohio State Buckeyes are not just aiming to repeat—they’re poised to establish a dynasty. Despite prior skepticism surrounding head coach Ryan Day’s ability to clear the Michigan hurdle, the recent national title win has silenced much of the doubt. Now, with the 2025 season fast approaching, it’s clear that this team isn’t rebuilding—it’s reloading with firepower and focus.
Julian Sayin, the five-star Alabama transfer, is at the center of Ohio State’s offensive future. After a year of learning under Day and studying the playbook behind Will Howard, Sayin is ready to take command. He brings elite arm talent, mobility, and a calm confidence that sets him apart. While Howard brought toughness and experience to last year’s title run, Sayin’s upside as a playmaker could make Ohio State even more dangerous offensively.
Supporting Sayin is an experienced and increasingly dominant offensive line. Four key linemen return with College Football Playoff experience, turning last year’s uncertainty in the trenches into one of the team’s biggest strengths. The wide receiver room, meanwhile, is nothing short of spectacular. Jeremiah Smith is already a generational talent. Carnell Tate is on the brink of stardom. Brandon Inniss is expected to step into a major role in the slot, while incoming talents like Quincy Porter and Mylan Graham continue to bolster the group’s depth. This may be the most talented receiver corps since the days of Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba—and it could be even better.
Ryan Day also added a massive asset in Max Klare, Purdue’s top tight end and a proven receiving threat. With solid blockers in Bennett Christian and Will Kacmarek, and the emerging Jelani Thurman, this tight end room is both deep and diverse. The Buckeye backfield might be just as dangerous. Though losing TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins stings, the new trio of James Peoples, CJ Donaldson, and true freshman Bo Jackson brings power, speed, and fresh legs—more than enough to keep defenses honest.
Defensively, there’s been turnover, but the talent remains elite. Defensive ends JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer may be gone, but Kenyatta Jackson and Caden Curry are ready to step up. The middle is stacked with Eddric Houston, Kayden McDonald, and Will Smith Jr. anchoring the line. CJ Hicks sliding down into the edge role adds explosiveness, and the transfer from North Carolina, Beau Atkinson, brings added experience and versatility.
The linebacker room remains elite. Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese headline the group, with high-ceiling talents like Peyton Pierce, Riley Pettyjohn, Garrett Stover, and T.J. Alford waiting in the wings. The depth here is as impressive as the top-end talent.
But what truly separates this Buckeye team from the rest is the secondary. Caleb Downs is the best defensive player in the country, and pairing him with Jyaire Brown, Davison Igbinosun, Lorenzo Styles Jr., and Jermaine Mathews Jr. gives Ohio State arguably the top secondary in the nation. Add freshmen phenoms like Devin Sanchez and Aaron Scott Jr., and the defensive backfield is both elite and loaded with future stars.
This roster may be deeper and more talented than the one that won the national title. From top to bottom, there’s no major hole, no glaring concern. Ohio State’s schedule is also more manageable. Texas comes to Columbus, and while it will be a test, the Buckeyes are favorites in the Shoe. Illinois might be a sleeper challenge, but overall, the Buckeyes avoid both Oregon and USC in the regular season. Penn State and Michigan both look vulnerable—Penn State still has James Franklin, and Michigan has lost its identity amid scandal and staff turnover.
The 2025 Ohio State Buckeyes have every reason to believe they are on the verge of something historic. They boast a better quarterback situation, more experienced linemen, elite skill players, and a deep, athletic defense. The national championship wasn’t the peak—it was just the beginning.
