As the anticipation for the 2025 college football season builds, the Ohio State Buckeyes once again find themselves at the epicenter of the national conversation, and for good reason. Athlon Sports, a respected voice in college football, has released its highly anticipated Preseason All-American teams, and four key Buckeyes have earned the distinguished recognition, underscoring the immense talent and sky-high expectations surrounding Ryan Day’s squad. This robust representation on the national stage signals that Ohio State is not just aiming for another Big Ten title; they are firmly in the hunt for a repeat national championship.
The Athlon Sports Preseason All-American teams are divided into four tiers, reflecting the depth of talent across college football. Ohio State’s selections span both offense and defense, with two players earning coveted First-Team honors and two more making the Second Team. This distribution highlights the balanced strength of the Buckeyes’ roster, a crucial component for any team with legitimate national title aspirations.
Leading the charge for the Buckeyes on the Athlon Sports First-Team All-American list are two undisputed superstars: wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs. These two players are not just considered the best at Ohio State; they are widely regarded as the top talents at their respective positions across the entire country.
Jeremiah Smith (Wide Receiver): Smith’s inclusion on the First-Team is a testament to his meteoric rise during his true freshman season in 2024. A former five-star recruit, Smith lived up to every bit of the hype, emerging as one of the most dominant wide receivers in college football by the end of the College Football Playoff run that culminated in a national championship. His freshman statistics are staggering: 76 catches for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns. These numbers are not only remarkable for a freshman but position him as a legitimate contender for major individual awards in 2025. With his explosive speed, incredible catch radius, and uncanny ability to create separation, Smith is virtually unguardable. Even with a new starting quarterback in Julian Sayin, Smith’s talent is expected to shine even brighter in his sophomore campaign. Defenses will undoubtedly scheme to stop him, but as proven in 2024, his skillset often transcends even the best defensive game plans. His selection reflects the widespread belief that he is an elite, generational talent.
Caleb Downs (Safety): Downs, who transferred to Ohio State from Alabama prior to the 2024 season, immediately established himself as the undisputed leader and arguably the best player on the Buckeyes’ defense. His impact was instantaneous and profound. As a safety, he showcased exceptional instincts, elite tackling ability, and a knack for making game-changing plays. In 2024, Downs finished with 81 tackles, six passes defended, and two interceptions, along with a punt return for a touchdown – the first for Ohio State in a decade. His versatility allows him to cover ground, play effectively in the box, and be a disruptive force against both the run and the pass. Downs’ presence was instrumental in the Buckeyes’ defensive success, especially during their four-game run to the national championship. His football IQ and leadership are invaluable, making him an anchor for the Ohio State secondary and a clear choice for First-Team All-American honors.
Beyond the two First-Team selections, Ohio State boasts two more players on Athlon Sports’ Second-Team All-American list, further highlighting the program’s impressive depth: wide receiver Carnell Tate and linebacker Sonny Styles.
Carnell Tate (Wide Receiver): Tate’s presence on the Second-Team underscores the embarrassment of riches in Ohio State’s wide receiver room. As a sophomore in 2024, Tate served as the Buckeyes’ No. 3 receiver but still managed to haul in 52 passes for 733 yards and four touchdowns. With the departure of Emeka Egbuka to the NFL, Tate is poised to step into an even more prominent role alongside Jeremiah Smith. He possesses excellent route-running ability, strong hands, and the capacity to make difficult catches. Many analysts predict a significant breakout season for Tate in 2025, potentially eclipsing 1,000 receiving yards and double-digit touchdowns. His inclusion on the Second Team signals national recognition of his burgeoning talent and the expectation that he will be a key component of Ohio State’s explosive offense.
Sonny Styles (Linebacker): Styles’ selection to the Second-Team is a testament to his unique athleticism and versatility on the defensive side of the ball. As a hybrid linebacker/safety, Styles is a modern defender perfectly suited for today’s college football. He is a disruptive force against the run, can rush the passer, and possesses the athleticism to cover tight ends and running backs. His return to Ohio State for another season was a huge boost for the Buckeyes’ defense. While the defensive line will feature new faces, Styles provides a critical experienced presence in the second level. His ability to make plays all over the field and his potential to elevate the Buckeyes’ run defense make him a strong All-American candidate.
Having four players named to Athlon Sports’ Preseason All-American teams is a strong indicator of Ohio State’s national championship aspirations for 2025. It reflects a roster teeming with elite talent, particularly at key skill positions.
- Offensive Firepower: The presence of both Smith and Tate on the All-American teams signals that Ohio State’s passing game will remain one of the most potent in the country, even with a new quarterback at the helm. The expectation is that Julian Sayin will have an abundance of weapons at his disposal, allowing the Buckeyes to challenge defenses vertically and horizontally.
- Defensive Dominance: Downs’ First-Team selection underscores the strength of Ohio State’s secondary, a unit that has consistently been among the nation’s best. Paired with Sonny Styles at linebacker, the Buckeyes possess a formidable defensive backbone capable of shutting down opposing offenses. While there are some questions about the defensive line, the talent in the back seven provides a strong foundation.
- National Perception: Preseason All-American lists play a role in shaping national perception and early season rankings. The strong representation from Ohio State ensures that the Buckeyes will begin the 2025 season with significant hype and a high ranking, potentially setting the stage for another deep College Football Playoff run.
While preseason honors are not guarantees of future performance, they certainly provide a strong indication of where a team stands in the national landscape. For the Ohio State Buckeyes, having four players recognized by Athlon Sports as Preseason All-Americans is a powerful statement. It reflects the success of their recruiting efforts, the effectiveness of their coaching staff, and the immense talent on their roster. As the 2025 season approaches, these four Buckeyes will undoubtedly be under the microscope, carrying the weight of high expectations as they strive to turn preseason accolades into postseason glory and help lead Ohio State to another national championship.
