LAS VEGAS, NV – The bright lights of Las Vegas are set to host the annual Big Ten Media Day, and few programs will command as much attention as The Ohio State Buckeyes. On Tuesday, July 22nd, at the luxurious Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Head Coach Ryan Day will be joined by three of his most formidable and recognizable stars: wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, safety Caleb Downs, and linebacker Sonny Styles. Their presence signifies Ohio State’s immense expectations for the upcoming 2025 season, one in which they aim not just to contend, but to dominate and once again claim college football’s ultimate prize.
This year marks a significant change for Big Ten Media Days, as the conference moves its annual preseason kickoff event from Indianapolis to the glitzy entertainment capital of Las Vegas. This new backdrop perfectly suits the magnified profile of the expanded Big Ten, now boasting 18 teams and an undeniable claim as one of the two super-conferences in college football. Ohio State, as a reigning national champion and perennial powerhouse, is strategically positioned on the opening day, Tuesday, July 22nd, sharing the spotlight with Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Nebraska, and Rutgers.
The selection of these three specific student-athletes to accompany Coach Day is highly intentional, sending a clear message about the Buckeyes’ strengths and their aspirations for the 2025 campaign.
Ryan Day enters 2025 as a reigning national champion coach, a title that adds significant gravitas to his presence at Media Day. Despite the past criticism he has faced (often perceived as only being “good, not great” or unable to beat Michigan), Day silenced many of his doubters by leading the Buckeyes to the 2024 National Championship. He’s tasked with navigating an incredibly talented roster and delivering on the immense expectations that follow such a triumph.
At Media Day, Day will undoubtedly field questions ranging from:
- Quarterback Situation: While Jackson Arnold is the presumed starter, Day’s comments on his development and the overall offensive scheme under new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly will be keenly scrutinized.
- Maintaining Excellence: How does a team that just won a national championship avoid complacency and stay hungry for more? Day’s leadership style and philosophical approach will be a central theme.
- The Expanded Big Ten: How will the integration of new teams like Oregon, Washington, USC, and UCLA impact the conference’s competitive balance, and what are the challenges and opportunities for Ohio State in this new landscape?
- NIL and Transfer Portal: Day has consistently been at the forefront of discussing the evolving dynamics of college football’s business side. His insights on roster management, player retention, and the financial demands of the sport will be highly anticipated.
The Star Student-Athletes: Faces of the 2025 Buckeyes
The three players joining Coach Day are not just talented; they are bona fide stars with compelling storylines that will capture media attention:
- Jeremiah Smith (Sophomore Wide Receiver):
- Why he’s there: Smith isn’t just a highly-touted recruit; he’s a proven, record-breaking phenomenon. As a true freshman in 2024, Smith shattered Ohio State freshman records with 76 catches, 1,315 yards, and 15 touchdowns. His stellar rookie campaign earned him the Big Ten’s Thompson–Randle El Freshman of the Year and Richter–Howard Receiver of the Year honors, along with first-team All-Big Ten recognition and even a Biletnikoff Award finalist nod. He has been openly vocal about proving doubters wrong, especially those who questioned the Buckeyes entering 2025.
- What to expect: Expect questions about his incredible freshman season, his chemistry with quarterback Jackson Arnold, his expectations for a sophomore slump (which he will likely dismiss), and the pressure of being one of the top offensive players in the country. He’ll be a media darling, offering confident and exciting soundbites.
- Caleb Downs (Junior Safety):
- Why he’s there: Downs is arguably the most impactful transfer of the 2024 cycle. After a dominant freshman year at Alabama where he was a unanimous All-American and SEC Freshman of the Year, he transferred to Ohio State and continued his elite play. In his first season with the Buckeyes, he was again a unanimous All-American, the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year, and a Thorpe Award finalist. He recorded 82 tackles (eight for loss), two interceptions, and six passes broken up. Downs is seen as a leader and the undisputed anchor of Ohio State’s formidable defense.
- What to expect: Journalists will grill Downs on his transition from Alabama to Ohio State, the differences between the SEC and Big Ten (especially with the new conference structure), the chemistry of the Buckeyes’ defense, and his personal goals as a projected top-5 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. His calm demeanor and insightful responses will be a highlight.
- Sonny Styles (Senior Linebacker/Safety Hybrid):
- Why he’s there: Styles is a versatile and physically imposing defender who made a significant impact in 2024 after transitioning from safety to linebacker. He finished his junior season with an impressive 100 total tackles (second-most on the team), 11 tackles for loss, six sacks, five passes defended, and a forced fumble, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors. Styles is a powerful and intelligent player, representing the aggressive and adaptable nature of Ohio State’s defense.
- What to expect: Styles will likely be asked about his positional versatility, his continued development at linebacker, the strength of the Ohio State defense, and the team’s overall defensive identity heading into 2025. His physicality and direct answers will be well-received.
The collective presence of Day, Smith, Downs, and Styles at Big Ten Media Day in Las Vegas sets a powerful narrative for the Ohio State Buckeyes. They are not resting on their championship laurels. Instead, they are showcasing a blend of experienced leadership (Day), explosive young talent (Smith), elite transfer impact (Downs), and defensive versatility (Styles).
The overarching themes they will convey are:
- Championship Hunger: Despite winning in 2024, the team is driven by an “unfinished business” mentality, aiming for back-to-back titles.
- Talent and Depth: The roster is loaded, with both established stars and promising young players ready to step up.
- Defensive Prowess: The defense, anchored by Downs and Styles, is expected to be one of the best in the nation.
- Offensive Firepower: With a dynamic quarterback and elite receivers, the offense is poised for explosive plays.
Big Ten Media Day is the unofficial kickoff to the college football season, and Ohio State’s strong contingent in Las Vegas signals their readiness to embark on another championship quest. The combination of star power, insightful commentary, and the sheer talent these individuals represent will undoubtedly generate significant buzz and reinforce Ohio State’s position as a dominant force in the newly expanded Big Ten and on the national stage.
