2024 SEASON-IN-REVIEW

Record: 14-2, Win in National Championship vs. Notre Dame (34-23)

The Buckeyes were able torch the top of College Football last season. Despite not participating in the Big Ten Championship, Ohio State took advantage of the new, 12-team playoff format. The Buckeyes lost their fourth straight game to Michigan before running through the playoff with wins over Tennessee, Texas, and Notre Dame. The Buckeyes also got revenge against Oregon, who won the regular season matchup.

OFFENSE: New QB Has Best Weapons in the Nation

The Buckeyes have cycled through quarterbacks in recent years with all finding success thanks to elite wide receivers. This year is no different.

Julian Sayin is expected to take over for Will Howard in 2025. Sayin, a former five-star recruit, has all the intangibles to be successful — along with the best duo of pass catchers in the country.

Jeremiah Smith is arguably the best player in college football this season. He is the clear-cut No. 1 receiver in the nation. As a true freshman, Smith totaled 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns. Along with Smith, Ohio State returns Carnell Tate, who caught 52 passes as the team’s No. 3 receiver.

The offensive line lost two pieces to the NFL but three starters return. Center Carson Hinzman returns as an NFL prospect while guards Luke Montgomery and Tegra Tshabola solidify the interior. The tackles will be taken over by transfers Phillip Daniels and Ethan Onianwa.

Just like any elite team, there were many players who moved onto the NFL. The duo at running back is gone for the Buckeyes but the position is in good shape. James Peoples will take a step up in role as a sophomore while CJ Donaldson will be in the mix right away after coming over from West Virginia.

DEFENSE: Intriguing DC Takes Over Elite Unit

Matt Patricia has come in to be the new defensive coordinator for the Buckeyes this season after Jim Knowles left for Penn State.

Ohio State has the best player in the nation on both sides of the ball. Caleb Downs has been the top defensive back in the nation over the last two years. He is a candidate to be taken with the top pick in the NFL Draft after this season.

Along with Downs, the cornerback duo of Davison Igbinosun and Jermaine Mathews Jr. solidifies the secondary.

The Buckeyes lost plenty of production along the defensive line and new big bodies will have to step up. On the interior, Kayden McDonald and Eddrick Houston will step into starting roles.

In the middle, Sonny Styles will be the new leader after being second on the team with 85 tackles last year.

2025 OHIO STATE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

• Saturday, Aug. 30: vs. Texas
• Saturday, Sept. 6: vs. Grambling State
• Saturday, Sept. 13: vs. Ohio
• Saturday, Sept. 27: at Washington
• Saturday, Oct. 4: vs. Minnesota
• Saturday, Oct. 11: at Illinois
• Saturday, Oct. 18: at Wisconsin
• Saturday, Nov. 1: vs. Penn State
• Saturday, Nov. 8: at Purdue
• Saturday, Nov. 15: vs. UCLA
• Saturday, Nov. 22: vs. Rutgers
• Saturday, Nov. 29: at Michigan