Ohio State’s 2025 Depth Chart Projection Takes Shape as Fall Camp Opens: Young Stars, Veteran Leaders Headline Early Position Battles Across the Board

With fall camp now underway in Columbus, the Ohio State Buckeyes are already diving deep into the most important month of preparation for the 2025 college football season. While no official depth chart has been released, all signs point to a roster brimming with both established veterans and rising stars ready to contribute. A clearer picture is beginning to emerge, and even though position battles remain fluid, it’s clear where things stand across the board as Ryan Day’s squad gears up for a national championship push.

At the center of all the attention is, of course, the quarterback battle. True freshman Julian Sayin and redshirt freshman Lincoln Kienholz continue to split reps as Ryan Day and quarterbacks coach Corey Dennis search for the signal caller best suited to lead an offense stacked with playmakers. Sayin, the former five-star recruit, has turned heads with his calm pocket presence, elite ball placement, and fast grasp of the playbook. But Kienholz, now in his second season, brings game speed understanding and strong internal leadership qualities to the table. This battle is as tight as any in the country, and the Buckeyes’ opening game against Texas looms large in determining who will eventually take the first snap.

Behind the quarterbacks, the running back room is as deep and versatile as it’s been in years. TreVeyon Henderson returns as the lead back, poised for a monster final season in Columbus. He brings breakaway speed and has become a complete back in both pass protection and receiving out of the backfield. Chip Trayanum and Dallan Hayden provide powerful depth and contrasting styles, while sophomore James Peoples is emerging as a name to watch for increased touches. Peoples has impressed with his vision and acceleration early in camp, and the coaching staff may not be able to keep him off the field for long.

The wide receiver corps continues to be the envy of the nation. Jeremiah Smith, fresh off one of the most hyped freshman offseasons in Buckeye history, looks the part of a future All-American and has lived up to every expectation so far. Emeka Egbuka returns as the veteran presence, stepping comfortably into the WR1 role with Marvin Harrison Jr. now in the NFL. Brandon Inniss and Carnell Tate give the Buckeyes two more dynamic options who can stretch the field or work underneath with ease. Tight end Jelani Thurman is another breakout candidate, showing soft hands and serious yards-after-catch potential. With this many weapons, the starting quarterback will have no shortage of targets, no matter who wins the job.

On the offensive line, things are starting to solidify. Luke Montgomery looks ready to take over the left tackle spot and anchor the edge with power and technique. Josh Fryar returns to solidify the right tackle position, providing experience and consistency. Donovan Jackson is the unquestioned leader of the interior offensive line at left guard, while redshirt freshman Luke Hamilton is pushing hard at right guard. At center, redshirt sophomore Carson Hinzman has taken the majority of first-team reps, but true freshman Marc Nave Jr. has shown flashes that could force the staff to make some tough decisions down the line. The line as a whole is gelling earlier than expected and will be key to Ohio State’s ability to maintain balance offensively.

Defensively, coordinator Jim Knowles has his most talented and cohesive unit yet, and the early depth chart reflects it. On the defensive line, JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer return as the veteran bookends at defensive end, with both looking leaner and faster during early camp drills. Inside, Ty Hamilton and Hero Kanu have gotten the early nods at the tackle positions, with redshirt freshman Kayden McDonald continuing to make waves as a disruptive force. Sophomore Jason Moore is another name drawing praise and could be part of a heavy rotation up front that keeps everyone fresh.

At linebacker, coach James Laurinaitis made headlines recently when he referred to Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, and Payton Pierce as “starters.” While the Buckeyes traditionally run a two-linebacker base, Styles’ versatility makes him a natural hybrid. He can play safety, nickel, or weak-side backer, giving Knowles multiple options depending on the opponent. Reese has reportedly taken a massive leap, especially in his ability to cover and tackle in space, while Pierce has impressed as a true freshman with his football IQ and physicality. Veterans Cody Simon and CJ Hicks remain in the mix and provide crucial experience, but it’s clear the youth movement is gaining momentum here.

The secondary is a mix of proven talent and rising stars. Denzel Burke is the veteran leader at corner, coming off a breakout 2024 season and showing no signs of slowing down. Opposite him, true freshman Devin Sanchez is making a legitimate push to start, having just shed his black stripe and earning comparisons to Jeremiah Smith — but on the defensive side. His length and instincts have made an early impression. Jordan Hancock is likely to serve as the primary nickelback, while Jermaine Mathews Jr. gives the Buckeyes a high-upside rotational option at both corner and nickel.

At safety, Lathan Ransom is back healthy and looking like the leader of the unit, while Caleb Downs, the transfer from Alabama, has already cemented himself as a top performer. Downs plays fast, communicates well, and has shown elite range during early scrimmages. Malik Hartford is another player receiving praise and is expected to factor into the rotation heavily. Ja’Had Carter, who transferred in from Syracuse last year, rounds out the group with veteran depth and versatility.

Special teams are also beginning to take shape. Jayden Fielding is the favorite to handle place-kicking duties, and Jesse Mirco returns as one of the most consistent punters in college football. At returner, Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith have been getting reps, showing just how explosive the Buckeyes want their special teams unit to be this year.

As the coaching staff continues to evaluate and fine-tune the depth chart, it’s clear that this 2025 roster is loaded with both star power and emerging talent. From a potential freshman starter at quarterback to veteran leaders anchoring the defense, Ohio State looks poised for another serious run at the College Football Playoff.

However, fall camp is far from over, and nothing is set in stone. Injuries, consistency, and how players perform in scrimmages over the next two weeks will ultimately determine who sees the field on August 30th against Texas. That opener is arguably the most anticipated game of the college football regular season and will be a massive tone-setter for the Buckeyes.

For now, though, the 2025 depth chart projection offers a glimpse into the balance Ryan Day and his staff are trying to strike — experience with potential, talent with execution. They are building a lineup not just to compete in the Big Ten, but to reclaim national supremacy.

The battles at quarterback, in the secondary, and at linebacker may dominate the headlines, but make no mistake — every position group has internal competition driving it. That’s the kind of culture Ohio State has built, and it’s a major reason they enter the season ranked among the top three teams in the nation by most outlets.

If this early camp version of the depth chart holds or continues trending upward, the Buckeyes won’t just be a playoff team — they’ll be a legitimate threat to win it all. With playmakers at every level, rising stars like Sayin, Sanchez, and Smith pushing for major roles, and veterans like Henderson, Burke, and Tuimoloau setting the tone, the pieces are all there.

What remains to be seen is how those pieces come together under the lights.

One thing’s for certain: competition breeds greatness — and greatness is exactly what Ohio State is chasing this fall.