Chris Wilds
Ohio State Football: Rebuilding, Recharging, and Ready for Another Run
The 2024 Ohio State Buckeyes capped off a season for the ages, winning the College Football Playoff National Championship in dramatic fashion, cementing their place in college football history. The run was a perfect blend of high expectations, surprising setbacks, and exceptional accomplishments. With so many key players and coaches departing, many are writing off Ohio State’s chances for a repeat in 2025. The prevailing sentiment is that Ryan Day’s team will be in rebuild mode next year. But don’t be so
quick to count them out. With a wealth of talent across the roster, the Buckeyes are more than capable of not just returning to the playoffs but making another deep run. Here’s why.
Quarterback: The Future is Now with Julian Sayin
The Buckeyes enter 2025 with an open competition for the starting quarterback spot after the departure of Will Howard and the transfer of Devin Brown and Air Noland. The frontrunner? Julian Sayin, a five-star prospect and the top-rated quarterback of the 2024 recruiting class. Sayin impressed during spring workouts, showing off a quick, smooth release that has many expecting him to be the face of the program. But with the departure of key leaders, can he replicate Howard’s poise and charisma? Behind him, Lincoln Kienholz, a dynamic athlete with a strong arm, will compete, though he enters as the underdog. Freshman Tavian St. Clair also brings intriguing tools but will need time to adjust to the college game. For now, Sayin is the presumed starter, but the competition will be one to watch.
Running Back: A New Era Led by James Peoples
James Peoples will step into the spotlight as Ohio State’s top running back in 2025. As a third-stringer last season, Peoples made the most of his limited opportunities, rushing for 210 yards and two touchdowns on just 49 carries. The Buckeyes will likely employ a tandem backfield, bolstered by the addition of transfer CJ Donaldson, a 6-foot-2, 238-pound bruiser who racked up 2,058 yards and 30 touchdowns in three seasons at West Virginia. Ohio State’s backfield will also feature a talented group of freshmen, including Bo Jackson, Anthony “Turbo” Rogers, and Isaiah West, giving the Buckeyes plenty of depth at the position.
Wide Receiver: Jeremiah Smith and a Talented Group of Playmakers
The loss of Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State’s all-time receptions leader, could be a big blow, but the Buckeyes’ receiving corps remains one of the best in the country. Jeremiah Smith, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2024 class, showcased his skills with 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. Now a sophomore, Smith will be the focal point of the offense and a legitimate Heisman candidate. But Ohio State is hardly a one-man show. Carnell Tate (733 yards, 4 touchdowns) is primed for a larger role, while Brandon
Inniss—dynamic and versatile—has flashed potential in limited action. Freshmen Bryson Rodgers and Mylan Graham will compete for meaningful snaps, keeping the Buckeyes’ passing attack as potent as ever.
Tight End: Max Klare’s Arrival Elevates the Group
The loss of Gee Scott Jr. will be felt, but Ohio State’s tight end room has a chance to be even more productive in 2025. Jelani Thurman, a former blue-chip recruit, has the talent to be a star, though he’s yet to fully realize his potential. Will Kacmarek, a valuable transfer from Ohio University, will return for one final season. But the biggest reason for optimism is the addition of Purdue transfer Max Klare. A third-team All-Big Ten selection after a standout season at Purdue, Klare led the team with 51 receptions, more than double that of any other Purdue receiver. His proven ability to excel against top competition makes him a crucial addition for the Buckeyes.
Offensive Line: Resilience and Depth to Weather the Storm
Ohio State’s offensive line will look different in 2025 after losing tackles Donovan Jackson, Josh Fryar, and Josh Simmons. Yet the Buckeyes proved in 2024 that this group can adapt. With nine different players seeing significant action last season due to injuries, Ohio State built valuable depth that should pay off. Carson Hinzman, who played well after moving to center, is a likely starter. Tegra Tshabola, who started at
right guard last season, could shift to tackle. Austin Siereveld and Luke Montgomery, both proven contributors, will battle for spots along the interior. The Buckeyes also bolstered their line with transfers Ethan Onianwa (Rice) and Phillip Daniels (Minnesota), adding experience and depth. The biggest question remains: who will replace the talented coaching staff that guided this group to a title last season?
Defensive Line: Reloading with Experience and New Faces
The Buckeyes’ defensive line was key to their championship run, but the unit will face a major transition in 2025. With the departure of standouts like Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau, the pressure will be on younger players to step up. Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. have experience, with Curry notching a sack in the playoffs and Jackson seeing over 500 snaps as a reserve. Logan George, a disruptive transfer from Idaho State, will add depth, while Eddrick Houston and Kayden McDonald are expected to make their mark on the interior. The challenge will be developing these new starters quickly to maintain the Buckeyes’ defensive dominance.
Linebackers: Sonny Styles Leads the Charge
Ohio State’s linebacker group will undergo a transition, but the return of Sonny Styles, who opted to delay his NFL departure, provides a crucial boost. After Cody Simon’s departure, Styles is expected to take on a larger role. With 100 tackles last season, Styles could move to middle linebacker or remain on the weak side. Arvell Reese, a key backup last season, is set for an expanded role, while C.J. Hicks remains a wild card. Once regarded as the crown jewel of Ohio State’s 2022 recruiting class, Hicks has flashed potential as both a pass rusher and linebacker. This talented group will need to be unlocked by linebackers coach James Laurinaitis.
Secondary: Igbinosun and a Young, Talented Group
Ohio State’s defensive secondary will feature a blend of veteran leadership and emerging stars. Senior cornerback Davison Igbinosun, a two-year starter, will lead a young but talented group. Jermaine Mathews Jr., who impressed in limited action last season, is the likely heir to a starting role. Freshmen Devin Sanchez and Aaron Scott, both highly ranked recruits, will add depth and talent. In the safety room, Caleb Downs—an All-American entering his junior season—remains a key figure, while Malik Hartford, Jaylen McClain, and Lorenzo Styles Jr. will compete for starting roles.
The Path Ahead: Coaching and Depth Are Key
This is a talented but young Ohio State team, with several key contributors having only limited experience as starters. The success of the 2025 season may hinge on how quickly new players adjust to their expanded roles. A critical factor will be Ryan Day’s ability to replace key personnel on the coaching staff. With the right hires to replace Chip Kelly, Jim Knowles, and Justin Frye, Ohio State will have all the ingredients to make another playoff run. Based on Day’s success with this program, Buckeye fans
have plenty of reasons to feel optimistic about the 2025 season. Rebuilding? Maybe. But reloading? Absolutely.
