As Ohio State gears up for the 2025 season, the roster is a mix of returning and not yet proven talent. Experience and depth will be key areas for the Buckeyes in 2025. Using insights from the past games, the spring game, and practice report observations, here’s a ranking of confidence in each position group, from least to most confident, based on their current trajectory and potential.
9. Defensive Line
The defensive line raises the most concerns, particularly at defensive tackle. Kayden McDonald and Eddrick Houston show promise but lack proven star power, having played backup roles last season. Behind them, depth is thin, with players like Jason Moore struggling to fill the nose guard role effectively.
While defensive ends Beau Atkinson, CJ Hicks, Logan George, Kenyatta Jackson Jr., and Caden Curry provide a solid rotation, none have emerged as game-changers like Jack Sawyer or JT Tuimoloau. The addition of Beau Atkinson, a versatile end who can slide inside in some odd front scenarios, helps, but Ohio State may need to get creative with this unit. Confidence here hinges on unproven potential and the hope for a breakout star.
8. Quarterbacks
The quarterback room is an actual competition of good on good between Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz. Both have shown flashes but seem to lack the consistency that Ryan Day has wanted to see. Sayin’s spring game performance was spectacular and showed off his five-star arm talent and pocket presence, while Kienholz displayed mobility, maturity, and improved decision-making.
However, neither has started a college game, and spring practices can look great, but being in the actual game is a whole other story. Tavien St. Clair offers long-term potential but isn’t a contender yet. The talent is undeniable, but their inexperience in real game situations keeps confidence tempered.
7. Running Backs
There is a ton of excitement around the running back trio of James Peoples, CJ Donaldson, and Bo Jackson, but it lacks proven production. Donaldson impressed in the spring game with lean, powerful runs, while Jackson showcased contact balance and vision. The coaches seemed to want Peoples to remain healthy during the spring game and did not run him much, so he remains somewhat unknown.
6. Cornerbacks
Davison Igbinosun and Jermaine Mathews Jr. anchor the cornerback group with star potential. Matthews, a former freshman All-American, has shown lockdown coverage in his career, while Igbinosun’s experience is valuable but requires disciplined play.
Depth from guys like Aaron Scott Jr. and Devin Sanchez is unreal. This group could be elite, but Matthews’ first full season as a starter and Igbinosun’s need for consistency make it hard to put them any higher.
5. Safeties
Caleb Downs is arguably the best safety in college football. He is a cornerstone—a leader who elevates those around him. However, the loss of Lathan Ransom and Jordan Hancock cannot go unstated. That leaves Malik Hartford or Jaylen McClain stepping into a starting role.
Hartford’s early freshman experience is encouraging, but both are relatively unproven. Lorenzo Styles Jr.’s emergence as a capable nickel adds flexibility and shows his continued development. Downs’ presence ensures a high floor, but the lack of starts of his partners slightly lowers confidence.
4. Tight Ends
The tight end room, led by Max Klare’s seamless addition, is a versatile powerhouse. Klare’s touchdown grab in the spring game and just his overall play were fantastic to see. Klare will be complemented by Jelani Thurman’s athleticism and the blocking of Will Kacmarek and Bennett Christian. Keenan Bailey’s got this group firing on all cylinders, with depth and versatility. Their holistic skill set makes them one I wouldn't want to deal with if I were a defensive coordinator.
3. Linebackers
Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, and Payton Pierce are a linebacker core that Buckeye fans should be very excited about. Styles brings leadership, Reese shined last year, showing his readiness for a starting role, and the confidence the coaching staff seems to have in Pierce is contagious.
James Laurinaitis’ coaching has young players bought in, and the group’s athleticism rivals Ohio State’s best in recent memory. Their relative newness as starters is the only slight concern.
2. Offensive Line
Under new coach Tyler Bowen, the offensive line is deeper than most Buckeye fans can remember. Ethan Onianwa, Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, and Tegra Tshabola are near-locks for four starting spots, with Austin Siereveld starting somewhere as a strong candidate at right tackle.
Depth from Philip Daniels, Ian Moore, and Joshua Padilla makes this feel like a basketball roster, except everyone is too huge for basketball. While right tackle remains a question, this unit’s progress and depth inspire confidence, a marked improvement from recent years.
1. Wide Receivers
Was there even a question? Brian Hartline's wide receiver room is the crown jewel, led by Jeremiah Smith, the nation’s best. Carnell Tate’s proven production, Brandon Inniss’ slot potential, and Mylan Graham’s spring game breakout make this group an embarrassment of riches.
Even 95% of college teams would covet Graham as their WR1, yet he’s Ohio State’s WR4. Brian Hartline’s track record ensures this unit will overwhelm defenses, making it the position group I have the most confidence in.
Ohio State’s 2025 roster is one many will try to question, but it has a blend of elite talent with a need for more experience. The defensive line needs depth, and the quarterback battle awaits resolution, but based on the weapons Ohio State has, the ability of Matt Patricia to scheme a defensive unit together makes the least confident groups more encouraging, leaving less concern than previously had.