With the Ohio State season ending in euphoric celebration, it’s never too early to look toward the defense of their crown. Here's a look at who the starters will be for the Buckeyes when they welcome Texas to Ohio Stadium on August 30th, 2025. Some assumptions must be made like the Buckeyes not losing anyone to the transfer portal and QuinShon Judkins going to the NFL Draft but no one else. Let's have a look at the projected lineup.
QB: Julian Sayin or Tavien St. Clair
RB: CJ Donaldson
RB: James Peoples
TE: Max Klare
WR: Jeremiah Smith
WR: Carnell Tate
LT: Phillip Daniels
LG: Luke Montgomery
C: Carson Hinzman
RG: Tegra Tshabola
RT: Ethan Onianwa
DE: Caden Curry
DT: Hero Kanu
DT: Kayden McDonald
DE: Kenyatta Jackson
LB: C.J. Hicks
LB: Sonny Styles
DB: Davison Igbinosun
DB: Jermaine Matthews Jr.
DB: Caleb Downs
DB: Malik Hartford
DB: Aaron Scott Jr. or Devin Sanchez
K: Jaden Fielding
P: Joey McGuire
R: Caleb Downs
Quarterback is always huge, and this year is no exception as Ohio State will have a pair of five-star guys battling to be the Buckeye signal caller. This could be the biggest preseason battle for that honor since Dwayne Haskins and Joe Burrow fought for it in 2018.
That battle was so close, that only an injury to Joe Burrow decided it before he would transfer to LSU. St. Clair and Sayin could have a battle as equally big. It might come down to what kind of offense Ryan Day and Chip Kelly choose to run in 2025.
Running back is an interesting situation for the Buckeyes as they have a lot of young talent there. Leading the charge is West Virginia transfer CJ Donaldson and star James Peoples who will be a true sophomore this fall. No doubt, the Buckeyes will continue to run their offense using two backs like they did with Judkins and Henderson. I do wonder if that will be their blueprint going forward or if they’ll have one man be the primary ball carrier like J.K. Dobbins was in 2019.
The receivers and tight end are already clearly set. The Purdue transfer, Max Klare, looks to take over at tight end and elevate that position in the Buckeye offense. Jeremiah Smith will be a Heisman candidate at one receiver spot, and Carnell Tate will be the quiet killer at the other. The Buckeyes are set when it comes to catching the football.
The offensive line’s starting five looks to be clear as far as the starters go, but depth could again be a problem for them like it was in 2024. But they have some young talent that could be the answer. Austin Siereveld was a key reserve in this season and the young Armstrong twins Deontae and Devontae are also to watch out for.
The defensive line loses the most with all four starters gone, but they may also be the deepest spot and ready to rock the soonest. Kenyatta Jackson, Caden Curry, Kaden McDonald, Hero Kanu, and Eddrick Houston look to be up to the task of replacing Jack Sawyer, J.T. Tuimoloau, Tyleik Williams, and Ty Hamilton.
Linebacker looks solid if Sonny Styles returns and teams up with guys like C.J. Hicks and Arvell Reese. James Laurinaitis has done a great job coaching the linebackers so far. He could end up being as key an assistant as Brian Hartline.
The defensive backs lose talent like Lathan Ransom, Denzel Burke, and Jordan Hancock. But they return Caleb Downs, Jermaine Matthews, and possibly Davison Igbinosun. With veterans like Lorenzo Styles, young guys like Aaron Scott, and super recruit Devin Sanchez, the Buckeye secondary should be just fine.
Special teams is a bit of a different story, but if Jayden Fielding and Joey McGuire grow from 2024, they should be competent and maybe even an asset to Buckeye football this Fall. Caleb Downs should be made the full-time returner for 2025.
Ohio State will once again have no shortage of talent for another season of football. This will give them a fantastic opportunity to defend their championship and try to win back-to-back national titles.