Eric Boggs
As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Ohio State Buckeyes once again find themselves at the center of the national conversation, proving yet again why they remain one of the sport’s premier programs. The Associated Press has named three Buckeyes to its prestigious Preseason All-American teams, a testament to the team’s exceptional talent and depth. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs headline the honors as first-team selections, while transfer tight end Max Klare earns a spot on the second team.
Jeremiah Smith, already considered one of the most electrifying players in college football, enters his sophomore season carrying enormous expectations. After rewriting the Big Ten record books in 2024 by setting the conference freshman receiving yards record with 1,315 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns, Smith is drawing early Heisman buzz and is widely viewed as the top wide receiver in the country. His speed, size, and ability to take over games make him the kind of playmaker Ohio State fans have never seen before.
On the defensive side, Caleb Downs continues to cement himself as the heart of the Buckeyes’ secondary. In just one season at Ohio State after transferring from Alabama, Downs earned Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year honors and was a unanimous first-team All-American. His elite instincts, tackling ability, and leadership make him arguably the best defensive player in the nation. For a Buckeye defense looking to dominate in 2025, Downs’ presence in the backfield provides stability and swagger in equal measure.
Joining Smith and Downs on the AP list is Purdue transfer Max Klare, who earned second-team preseason honors after a breakout season with the Boilermakers. Klare hauled in 51 receptions for 685 yards and four touchdowns in 2024, and now he steps into a Buckeye offense that is loaded with weapons and poised to utilize his versatility. Moving from a Purdue team that finished 1-11 to a program competing for a national title gives Klare an opportunity to elevate his game even further.
Ohio State’s three AP Preseason All-Americans put them in elite company nationally. Only Texas and Penn State, both of whom will travel to Ohio Stadium this fall, boast three first-team selections. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes are one of just five programs — along with Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame, and Pittsburgh — with at least two first-team honorees.
For Buckeye fans, these accolades only reinforce what’s already been clear throughout the offseason: this team is built to compete for championships. With Jeremiah Smith threatening to be the nation’s most unstoppable offensive weapon, Caleb Downs anchoring a revamped defense, and Max Klare adding another dynamic layer to an already explosive attack, the stage is set for Ohio State to make a serious run at the College Football Playoff and, ultimately, a national title.
