Quarterbacks
Ever since the season ended it was assumed that
Julian Sayin would be the starter in 2025. During the two months between the season ending and spring ball starting
Lincoln Kienholz really took a step up, though, and made this a legitimate battle for the job.
There was a point in late March or early April where some inside the WHAC were split as to who was leading the battle. Kienholz was more consistent while Sayin’s best days were head-turning. But the consensus ever since the last week-and-a-half of spring ball, with an exclamation point in the spring game itself, is that Sayin is the firm leader in the QB1 race.
That sentiment has continued into the summer, with the spring game really propelling the second year signal caller’s confidence of commanding the offense and winning the job. This battle is still technically open, and I expect it to be for about two weeks into fall camp, but it would be very surprising if Sayin isn’t named QB1.
On top of continued command of the offense and faster decision making, I’m also told Sayin is noticeably bigger versus last season, working hard in the weight room throughout the offseason.
Running backs
Ohio State doesn’t have the star-studded name recognition of last season, but I’m told the staff is very pleased with how this group has come along.
James Peoples will be rock solid and sources really like the tough, physical downhill style of
CJ Donaldson. Every time I talk to someone in the Woody, they can’t rave to me enough about
Bo Jackson and are adamant he’ll find his way onto the field.
Sam Williams-Dixon is someone the staff is happy came back too, and gives them more depth.
I’m told that while People’s and Donaldson should get most of the reps, this will be a little bit of a by-committee approach, but it seems Ohio State feels good about putting any of the four aforementioned players on the field in 2025.
Wide receivers
To no surprise, the expectation is that this will be an elite group once again.
Everybody knows about
Jeremiah Smith and
Carnell Tate, but I’m told that
Brandon Innisshas worked his tail off to seize the opportunity in front of him, replacing Emeka Egbuka in the offense, mainly from the slot. One note on Smith—I’m told he may move around a bit as to where he lines up this season, to create various mismatches, like they did in last year’s CFP.
A guy who seems to be forgotten but is always adamantly mentioned to me when I ask about this group is
Bryson Rodgers. A lot of people will want to see
Mylan Graham and
Quincy Porter, but expect Rodgers to get the most run outside of “the big three”.
Speaking of Graham and Porter, Ohio State (obviously) loves the potential and trajectory of both young players. It’s going to be tough to get them on the field but they’ll definitely be rotated in and continue to grow roles into solid contributors as the season goes along.
Tight ends
Ohio State feels this is their best tight end room in a long, long time, if not ever.
Max Klare was a huge addition coming over from Purdue. I got glowing reviews of him from my sources in West Lafayette, who said he was the ultimate pro on and off the field. He’s only proven that to be true in the six months he’s been in Columbus, and going up against Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs every day has only made him better.
I’m told Klare will have a big role in the offense and some inside the WHAC think he’ll be the biggest beneficiary of JJ Smith getting extra attention from safeties.
Will Kacmarek is back to assume a similar role to last year and will see the field plenty in 12 personnel. But a guy that everyone seems to be excited about is
Bennett Christian. The Buckeyes love the tenacity and skill set, particularly in the blocking game, that Christian brings to the table.
I’ve heard a lot of good things regarding
Jelani Thurman as well. He’s come a
long way in the blocking game, although there’s still a little work there. He’s the most athletic in the room, and probably the second biggest threat to catch the ball after Klare. Where the reps come will be the challenge but Thurman definitely made a “jump” this offseason, though, from what I’m told.
Just one more note—sources continue to be impressed with freshman
Nate Roberts. Not sure how much he’ll play this year but they do believe he’s the “real deal”, as I’m told.
Offensive line
Last year there were many questions about the Ohio State offensive line heading into the season. There’s still a few things to answer entering 2025 but there’s an overwhelming sentiment that this is a deeper group and there’s definitely more confidence/comfort in the unit heading into fall camp.
The interior of the line seems pretty set with
Carson Hinzman at center and
Luke Mongtomery and
Tegra Tshabola at guard. I’ve heard really strong things about Montgomery this offseason.
At tackle, I still think there’s chance for a change but it seems
Austin Siereveld is a guy that
has to be on the field. My best educated guess is
Ethan Onianwa at left tackle and Siereveld at right tackle as of now. Ohio State is encouraged the way Onianwa has come on as he’s gotten more comfortable in the offense.
Ohio State really likes
Ian Moore for what it’s worth.
Phillip Daniels is a guy who can force things to change—he needed some work on his body and overall strength upon entering the program but he’s made strides and he could shuffle things up a bit with a strong camp. He’s looked at as a right tackle.
On the inside,
Gabe VanSickle is a guy who “bit as a pup” and gets praise as someone with a bright future in Columbus. The staff is really high on
Josh Padilla at center as well.
There’s definitely more depth, but one more call out is that early returns on
Carter Lowe,
Jake Cook, and
Jayvon McFadden are all strong. Sources indicate that freshman trio all are projected as future starters at Ohio State, with Lowe looking like a tackle early on.
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