Next Up: Ohio State 2025 Season Preview

A deep dive into roster changes, breakout stars, and whether the Buckeyes can run it back

You can feel it in the stadium lights and the buzz rolling down High Street. The Buckeye machine keeps churning. Ryan Day just delivered a national title to Columbus and while the roster is getting a full facelift, Ohio State doesn’t blink. They reload. Fast.

Key Departures

Let’s start with the heavy hitters who are gone

Jack Sawyer, J.T. Tuimoloau, Tyleik Williams, and Ty Hamilton are all NFL-bound, leaving behind a completely new defensive front

Emeka Egbuka, TreVeyon Henderson, and Quinshon Judkins depart with over 3,000 total yards of production. Quarterback Will Howard also exits after guiding the offense last season

On the offensive line, both Donovan Jackson and Josh Simmons leave major holes up front

In total, Ohio State lost 14 starters and 11 NFL draft picks. This is more than just transition. It is transformation

What’s Back and What’s Next

Despite the departures, Ohio State enters 2025 as a top-three team in nearly every major preseason poll. That is not hype. That is development, recruiting, and depth

Offensive Side

Jeremiah Smith might be the best wide receiver in college football this year. The sophomore is a matchup nightmare with NFL measurables and elite polish. He is already drawing Heisman-level attention

At quarterback, former Alabama five-star Julian Sayin transfers in and is the favorite to start. He will be pushed by Lincoln Kienholz and true freshman Tavien St. Clair. Sayin brings timing, maturity, and big-game readiness

On the offensive line, Ethan Onianwa from Rice and Phillip Daniels from Minnesota arrive via the portal and bring size and experience. Sophomore Austin Siereveld is expected to step up into a major role

In the backfield, C.J. Donaldson Jr. from West Virginia brings power and versatility. He joins a group led by rising sophomore James Peoples

Tight end Max Klare, Purdue’s leading receiver in 2024, gives Ohio State a reliable weapon over the middle and a trusted red zone target

Defensive Side

The secondary might be the best in the country. Caleb Downs returns at safety after a breakout year, joined by Davison Igbinosun, Sonny Styles, and Lorenzo Styles Jr., all proven playmakers

On the edge, North Carolina transfer Beau Atkinson and former five-star C.J. Hicks are expected to start. Atkinson had 7.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss last year and brings a disruptive presence

At linebacker and the hybrid star position, Arvell Reese and Malik Hartford are the top breakout candidates. If they take the next step, the unit could quietly become one of the team’s strengths

Coaching Shift

Former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia takes over the defense. His background brings a more complex, professional scheme built around a 4–2–5 base with disguised coverages and versatile pressure packages. Patricia’s task is clear. Rebuild the front. Elevate the back seven. Deliver another championship-caliber defense

Key Transfer Additions

Ohio State hit the portal with precision. Here are the major additions expected to play real snaps this fall

Beau Atkinson, EDGE, North Carolina, C.J. Donaldson Jr., RB, West Virginia, Max Klare, TE, Purdue, Ethan Onianwa, OT, Rice Phillip Daniels, OT, Minnesota

Each of them is expected to start or rotate immediately

The Big Picture

Ohio State begins the season ranked just behind Oregon and Penn State in most Big Ten projections. But this team is built to defend its crown

The questions are real

Can Sayin take command of the offense early. Will the new defensive front generate enough pressure Jeremiah Smith ready to carry this team every Saturday

If the answers are yes, the Buckeyes will be right back in the College Football Playoff and very likely playing for another national title

Final Word

This is not a rebuild. It is a rebrand. New faces, same standard

Ohio State is not going anywhere. They are coming. Again