After clinching the 2024 CFP National Championship, the Buckeyes wield more than just talent—they’ve got momentum. Head Coach Ryan Day has solidified his legacy, and his leadership fosters a winning culture that attracts elite recruits year after year
Even though coordinator shifts (like the defensive playcaller) are looming, the Buckeyes maintain strong organizational continuity. Day is empowering OC Brian Hartline, who’ll call plays for the first time, while former NFL DC Matt Patricia takes over defense . This blend of internal promotion and external expertise keeps their winning system intact.
Ohio State’s 2025 class ranks fifth nationally per 247Sports, On3, and CBSSports—even threatening to leapfrog top-tier programs like Alabama
• Tavien St. Clair: A five-star QB from Bellefontaine (OH), St. Clair is rated top‑5 nationally at his position
• Julian Sayin: A former Alabama five-star transfer, already integrated into the program and equipped with NIL partnerships .
• Dylan Raiola: High-profile QB from Arizona adds depth to the QB cupboard for years to come (
With a QB room stocked like this, OSU secures both its present and long-term signal-caller pipeline.
• Quincy Porter: A 6’4″ WR, top‑32 overall, saw his recruitment sealed by coach Hartline
• Jeremiah Smith: The 2024 FBS freshman receiving juggernaut, multiple award winner, and record‑setter is back as a sophomore
• RBs Anthony Rogers and Bo Jackson (freshman class) and James Peoples (returning) give unprecedented collegiate depth
Ohio State actively reshaped its roster through strategic portal acquisitions:
- Beau Atkinson, UNC EDGE: 12 TFL, 7.5 sacks last year—adds edge rush power
- Max Klare (Purdue): Supplements D-line depth
- Caleb Downs, All-American safety and SEC Freshman of the Year at Alabama, strengthens secondary
These moves align with OSU’s aggressive blueprint: reload the trenches and secondary with proven, impactful transfers.
Drama of the QB race: Devin Kienholz (development and athleticism) vs. Julian Sayin (arm and accuracy)
And Tavien St. Clair looms large as the heir apparent. Should Sayin falter, St. Clair’s elite talent could accelerate his timeline.
Take: A potential weak link—lack of proven starter experience—but manageable if backend depth holds.
RBs Peoples, Rogers, Jackson combine for a versatile backfieldThe O-line, led by new coach Tyler Bowen, redistributes youth into the five‑starter rotation, addressing NFL departures
With Smith, Porter, and returning duo Smith/Tate, OSU keeps its reputation as “Wide Receiver U” firmly intact
DEPTH is the focus: Atkinson, Klare, Grady, Carter add youth and competition. But the question remains: can they step up post-NFL exodus and sustain a fierce pass rush?
Starters Styles and Reese return, backstopping emerging talents Riley Pettijohn and Faheem Delane
A striking fortress: Caleb Downs, Devin Sanchez, cornerback wealth, safety depth—helped by elite transfer and recruiting pipeline
Ryan Day’s delegation to Brian Hartline may stabilize playcalling. As analysts note, Hartline has succeeded wherever he’s gone. Day’s hands-off structure will allow the offense to thrive on talent
Matt Patricia steps in after Jim Knowles’ departure to Penn State, retaining the 4‑2‑5 base. His NFL pedigree adds a layer of sophistication
- 12‑team playoff debut introduces new fans and opponents
- NIL regulations and direct-pay settlements shape recruiting incentives
- Ohio State AD Ross Bjork pushes for tougher non-conference schedules (Alabama, Texas, Georgia) to match SEC exposure
This all suggests a comfortable strategic footing for sustained contention.
- Quarterback vacancy is the dominant concern. Whoever wins must step into a pressure cooker with little proven experience.
- O-line still a question mark: Line coach Bowen’s recruits will need to mature quickly.
- Big Ten rivals: Penn State (retaining QB Drew Allar and DC Jim Knowles) and Michigan both loom as major threats
- Regular season: OSU should dominate the Big Ten—talent across all units, especially if QB performs.
- Non-conference: Showdowns with elite programs will test the squad early (Texas likely opener) .
- College Playoff: With the 12-team format in full swing, Ohio State’s roster has the depth and star power to excel on the disjointed national stage.
- QB Emergence: If Kienholz or Sayin (or St. Clair) delivers under pressure, this team could be unstoppable.
- Development of OL & DL depth: Critical for sustaining dominance across a tough, physically demanding season.
- Hartline’s offensive system: Will it elevate or merely maintain Day’s legacy?
- Patricia’s defense: Can he translate NFL structure into collegiate success?
- Talent mass: Skilled transfers + elite recruiting of high school stars = elite roster depth.
- Championship expectations: Returning title culture, national readiness.
- Structural advantages: 12‑team playoff, NIL evolution, scheduling flexibility.
- In‑house continuity: Core coaching retained, capable under yet new leadership.
The 2025 Buckeyes look destined to dominate the Big Ten and make serious noise nationally. They aren’t just loaded—they’re reshaping the college football landscape in real-time. Quarterback clarity and line cohesion are the last puzzle pieces. If those slot into place, expect nothing less than another national championship run.
