Ohio State Buckeyes In-Depth 2025 Season Preview

Here’s your 2025 Ohio State Buckeyes in‑depth preview, with a game‑by‑game breakdown and expert analysis on key storylines heading into the season:

🏈 Season Outlook & Key Storylines

• After winning the 2025 CFP National Championship, Ohio State remains a national power—but faces significant turnover on both sides of the ball, including nearly a full defensive line and offensive leadership changes

• Preseason Big Ten projections rank OSU third behind Penn State and Oregon, citing uncertainty at quarterback and coordinator spots

• Fans list the most important games of the season as matchups against Michigan and Penn State, with the opener vs. Texas being the most entertaining

• Offense features elite receivers like Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, but the QB competition between Julian Sayin and Devin Kienholz remains unsettled; Brian Hartline takes over playcalling duties for the first time

• On defense, new coordinator Matt Patricia will maintain a 4–2–5 scheme; returning star safety Caleb Downs anchors a relatively inexperienced front four

🧱 Ohio State 2025 Offensive Line Preview

🔑 Key Departures:

• Donovan Jackson (LG) – 2x All-Big Ten selection, NFL Draft pick

• Josh Fryar (RT) – Reliable edge protector, now graduated

• Matthew Jones (RG) – 6th-year senior, interior veteran presence

• Victor Cutler Jr. (depth/center) – Transfer depth lost

🔁 Returning Starters:

• Carson Hinzman (C, RS-So.)

  • Entering his second full season as starting center.

  • Needs to take a leap in consistency and anchoring against elite NTs.

• Luke Montgomery (LT?, So.)

  • 2023 top recruit, saw some action last year.

  • Expected to start on the blindside with high upside but limited experience.

• Tegra Tshabola (RT?, RS-So.)

  • Massive, physical lineman with raw tools.

  • Split time at tackle last season—expected to earn full-time role.

🔍 Offensive Line Outlook:

• Strengths: Youthful talent, especially on the edges; potential dominant run-blocking group by midseason.

• Concerns: Lack of experience; 3 new full-time starters; continuity will take time.

• Ceiling: If the young linemen develop fast, OSU could have one of the better lines in the Big Ten by November.

• Floor: Early struggles vs. Texas, Penn State, or Michigan D-lines could lead to offensive setbacks.

🛡️ Ohio State 2025 Defensive Line Preview

🔑 Key Departures:

• JT Tuimoloau (DE) – 2x All-Big Ten, drafted 1st round

• Jack Sawyer (DE) – Consistent edge presence, NFL Draft

• Tyleik Williams (DT) – Dominant interior run defender

• Ty Hamilton (DT) – Physical veteran tackle

Ohio State lost all four starters from its 2024 defensive front.

The Buckeyes will be deep at Defensive Line and this will be some of their key rotational players.

Top Rotation Players:

• Jason Moore (RS-Fr.) – 5-star recruit; hybrid DE/DT option

• Will Smith Jr. (RS-Fr.) – Twitchy, athletic tackle

• Armond Scott (Fr.) – 2025 signee with upside as developmental edge

• Omari Abor (RS-So.) – Edge with burst; has struggled to break into rotation

• Eddrick Houston (Fr.) – 5-star true freshman with elite traits, may be used situationally

🧠 Defensive Line Outlook:

• Strengths: Tons of blue-chip talent; deep rotation; coaching continuity under new DC Matt Patricia and DL coach Larry Johnson.

• Concerns: No proven stars yet; lack of experience could be exposed in early tests (Texas, Washington, Penn State).

• Ceiling: Could be a top-10 national unit by season’s end if Jackson or Curry breaks out and interior stabilizes.

• Floor: Soft against the run early; if pressure doesn’t come from the edge, it could expose the secondary.

🧩 Final Notes

• Offensive Line: Young, physical, and potentially elite by November—but early communication and blitz pickup will be tested.

• Defensive Line: Complete rebuild but loaded with potential; needs a leader like Tuimoloau or Williams to emerge by midseason.

🔎 Game‑by‑Game Preview & Predictions

1. Texas (Aug 30) – Big Noon Kickoff

• A true early-season statement game. If OSU has clarity at QB and can limit Arch Manning, they could replicate their playoff performance from last season—beat Texas by double digits

• A loss here would raise serious questions.

2. Grambling State (Sep 6)

• Expected to be a mismatch. Key for OSU to evaluate backups, offensive line continuity, and rotation.

3. Ohio Bobcats (Sep 13)

• Lower emotional stakes. Good opportunity for starters to fine‑tune without full wear and tear.

4. @ Washington (Sep 27)

• Has major impact for early CFP résumé. OSU must execute in hostile environment to maintain national ranking.

5. Minnesota (Oct 4)

• Home game to shore up rhythm. Minnesota returns a lot of Big Ten talent—should still favor Buckeyes heavily.

6. @ Illinois (Oct 11)

• Illinois returns many starters and brings experience—they could be tougher than expected

7. @ Wisconsin (Oct 18)

• Hard-nosed, physical matchup. Tests the offensive line depth and defensive discipline.

8. Penn State (Nov 1)

• Battle of Big Ten contenders. OSU must guard against Jim Knowles’s defense—now with Penn State—while Ohio State counters with its own adjustments

9. @ Purdue (Nov 8)

• Historically manageable, but Purdue’s QB instability might flip. OSU needs to avoid looking past them.

10. UCLA (Nov 15)

• Deeper West Coast trip. Likely a showcase game—quarterback decision, receiver roles solidified by now.

11. @ Michigan (Nov 29)

• Ryan Day’s playoff hopes and legacy tied tightly to this rivalry.

🧩 Strengths & Risks

✅ Strengths

• Elite weaponry at WR: Jeremiah Smith is already a national standout and Rose Bowl MVP as a freshman

• Defensive underpinnings: Caleb Downs and emerging secondary talent give a strong foundation.

• New coordinators: Hartline on offense, Patricia on defense—continuity maintained where possible

⚠️ Risks

• Quarterback uncertainty: Sayin and Kienholz both lack game experience; performance at Texas will likely decide starter.

• O‑line and RB turnover: Replacing both starting RBs and multiple line starters is a work in progress.

• Defensive front turnover: Four starting linemen departed to NFL; signs point toward young talent with minimal rotation depth.

🔮 2025 Projections (Sources & Odds)

• Experts expect OSU to remain among CFP contenders but face tougher scrutiny due to loss of stars and an unproven QB

• Preseason odds put OSU around +600 to win another national title, behind Penn State and Oregon

🏁 Final Thoughts

• If quarterback settles well and offensive line gels, Ohio State can confidently navigate the middle of schedule and peak down the stretch.

• Key pivot points: opener vs. Texas, home games vs. Penn State and Michigan.

• A 3‑1 or 4‑0 non‑conference start, solid road performance at Washington, then entering November 9–0 puts them in prime mix.

• With the Big Ten schedule imbalance and playoff expansion talk, every conference win matters more than ever .