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New York Times
28-05-2025
- Business
- New York Times
What you need to know about Ohio State's roster: 43 thoughts on 43 offensive players
There are only 10 more weeks until August comes and Ohio State begins preseason camp in hopes of defending its national championship. With both transfer portal windows closed, the roster is likely set. What should you know about every player? Here are thoughts on Ohio State's 43 scholarship offensive players. Check back for defense and special teams later this week. Advertisement Players are ordered by expected impact in 2025 at each position. Julian Sayin, r-Fr.: The No. 1 quarterback recruit in the 2024 class has been the favorite to win the Buckeyes' 2025 quarterback job since he left Alabama when Nick Saban retired last year. He was Ohio State's third-string quarterback as a true freshman and showed some flashes of his arm talent in limited snaps. He was inconsistent in the spring, but his strong spring scrimmage performance vaulted him to a slight lead over Lincoln Kienholz, in my opinion. His arm talent stands out, and he moves around the pocket well, too, which is crucial because he's only 6 feet 1. The competition is far from over, and he'll have to work to separate from Kienholz. Lincoln Kienholz, r-Soph.: Kienholz is the most experienced of the returning quarterbacks — with just 22 career pass attempts — and had a good but inconsistent spring in which he showed off his athleticism. He finished the spring game completing 12 of 18 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns. The South Dakota native didn't do enough to win the starting job, but he will be in the two-man race with Sayin when camp begins in August. Eli Brickhandler, r-Jr.: Ryan Day prefers to have at least four quarterbacks on the roster, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that he added one this spring. Brickhandler, a Houston Christian transfer, committed to the Buckeyes on May 20 and gives the Buckeyes some extra experience, even if he's totaled only 144 career pass attempts in the FCS. I don't expect him to come in and compete for the starting job, but he'll have two years of eligibility left to aid the Buckeyes' depth. Tavien St. Clair, Fr.: The five-star, No. 7 prospect in the 2025 class had a stellar first spring after enrolling early from Bellefontaine High School, less than an hour from Columbus. He struggled at times in the spring game, throwing two interceptions, but growing pains are expected for most freshmen. He will have time to grow, as Ohio State shouldn't need to press him into duty. St. Clair's future is bright. Advertisement James Peoples, Soph.: Though Peoples hasn't had a chance to shine yet — he rushed for 197 yards behind Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson as a freshman — many people in the program think the 2024 four-star recruit from Texas is going to be special. He moves well between the tackles and has shown some explosiveness. The 203-pound Peoples should be the starter when the season begins, though carries will be split. C.J. Donaldson, Sr.: The West Virginia transfer showed some flashes of being an impact player this spring, but it's hard to really gauge running backs when there's not as much contact. Still, the 6-foot-2, 237-pounder has a unique frame and experience — 30 touchdowns in three years with the Mountaineers — that should put him in a two-man primary rotation with Peoples. Bo Jackson, Fr.: Of the freshmen, Jackson seems the most ready to get on the field, which is impressive considering he missed the end of his senior high school season with an injury. He didn't show a lot in the spring, with most eyes on Donaldson and Peoples, but Jackson looked promising in the spring game. His future is bright. Sam Williams-Dixon, r-Fr.: Williams-Dixon entered the portal after the season but returned instead of finding another home. He will likely battle Jackson for the third-string running back position, a spot that will include rotational reps and fourth-quarter snaps in lopsided games. Anthony Rogers, Fr.: Rogers, a four-star former Alabama commit, won't arrive in Columbus until this summer, but he's an explosive playmaker who should provide some big-play potential and depth when he's up to speed in the offense. Isaiah West, Fr.: The three-star recruit from St. Joe's Prep in Philadelphia was on campus in the spring but missed most of it due to injury. Running backs coach Carlos Locklyn liked his potential and offered a scholarship last May, early into his first year at Ohio State. We'll see more from West in the summer. Jeremiah Smith, Soph.: Smith returns as the best receiver in the country — and also arguably the best player at any position. The No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2024 tallied 76 catches for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns as a freshman and now has the impossible task of trying to top that debut performance. He has a real chance to make a trip to New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony, though that could depend on the development of Sayin or Kienholz at quarterback. Advertisement Carnell Tate, Jr.: Tate will see even more opportunities with Emeka Egbuka gone. A five-star recruit, Tate has made steady improvement in his two years. He made an immediate impact as a freshman with 18 catches for 264 yards and one touchdown, then stepped in as the third receiver and caught 52 passes for 733 yards and four touchdowns last year. He has first-round NFL talent and will get a chance to show it all this year. Brandon Inniss, Jr.: It's finally Inniss' time. The top-40 recruit had to wait his turn after Egbuka decided to return last season, but he still carved out a role as Ohio State's fourth receiver. Now, with Egbuka gone, he's primed to step in as the Buckeyes' slot receiver. He had 14 catches for 176 yards and one touchdown and returned punts last season, and he gives the Buckeyes another strong route runner. Mylan Graham, r-Fr.: Graham, a former five-star prospect from Indiana, was the talk of the spring game this year after not arriving in Columbus until last summer. He appeared in four games as a freshman to preserve his redshirt and should get on the field more this year, as he's competing with Bryson Rodgers and freshman Quincy Porter to take over that fourth receiver spot. A good preseason camp could put him squarely in the rotation. Bryson Rodgers, R-Soph.: Rodgers is a good example of just how deep Ohio State's receiving corps is. A four-star, top-400 recruit, he hasn't been able to break into the rotation in his first two years, as he had just five catches last year. But he's a strong route runner and has impressed the staff, even if he'll have to compete at a high level this summer to earn more snaps. Quincy Porter, Fr.: If any freshman receiver is going to make an immediate impact, Porter is the favorite. The five-star signee had one of the best spring sessions among all Ohio State freshmen, showing off his ability to make contested catches consistently. He'll have to bring it again in the summer, but when Smith is calling him the next great one, that's a sign of good things to come. Phillip Bell, Fr.: A four-star recruit from California, Bell was the No. 275 player in the class and will likely need some time to challenge for playing time in such a deep group. David Adolph, r-Jr.: Adolph, a local player from Dublin, Ohio, was a walk-on until last August when he was rewarded for his strong offseason with a scholarship. He's not likely to take the field in major snaps, but he adds some depth to a deep unit and played 114 special teams snaps, per TruMedia. Advertisement De'Zie Jones, Fr.: The New Jersey product was another four-star recruit in the Class of 2025 who will use the summer to develop after enrolling in January. He'll likely be third on the slot receiver depth chart this summer, but he has a lot of talent. His position in the units speaks to the quality of depth at the position. Bodpegn Miller, Fr.: Miller has good size at 6-4, with excellent athleticism to go with it and impressed the coaching staff at a one-day camp last summer. He arrived at Ohio State as a developmental prospect after playing quarterback and defense in high school. He's a strong redshirt candidate this year as he develops. Damarion Witten, r-Fr.: The 6-4, 215-pound Witten was a tight end coming out of high school but spent all of last season at wide receiver. He's still adjusting to the position but showed good ball skills and an ability to high-point the ball. He has a chance to fight for second-team reps this season. Max Klare, r-Jr.: The versatile Purdue transfer can play on the line or in the slot and is a mismatch in the passing game. He scored a touchdown in the spring game, and Ohio State is only scratching the surface of what it can do with the potential All-American in the lineup after he led the Boilermakers with 51 catches for 685 yards and four touchdowns last season. Will Kacmarek, r-Sr.: Kacmarek was in a boot at the end of the spring and missed the spring game, but that injury isn't expected to keep him out of preseason camp. He will be one of the top two tight ends when he steps on the field. Bennett Christian, r-Jr.: The Georgia native isn't one of the flashiest names on the roster, but he does a lot to impress the coaching staff. He had a 55-yard touchdown catch from Sayin against Western Michigan last September. Jelani Thurman, r-Soph.: One of the most physically impressive players on the roster, Thurman is a massive threat in the passing game at 6-6 and has improved his blocking enough to be on the field for extended snaps. This could be a breakout season for Thurman after he had four catches last season. Advertisement Max LeBlanc, r-Fr.: The Canadian native will provide some depth at one of the deepest positions on the roster. He played just 14 snaps but was the lone tight end signee in 2024 and will be able to compete for more time next year. Nate Roberts, Fr.: The No. 10 tight end in the 2025 class, Roberts showed flashes of a bright future during the spring. There's a logjam above him on the depth chart, but Ohio State is excited about how he could develop. Brody Lennon, Fr.: Lennon is the other half of the talented freshman duo with Roberts. The tight end room is deep, though, so he can take time to develop, especially because he did not enroll in time for spring practice. Ethan Onianwa, r-Sr.: One of Ohio State's biggest moves this offseason was adding Onianwa out of the portal. The Rice transfer was an NFL prospect before he decided to finish his career at Ohio State. He fills a massive void at left tackle after Josh Simmons left for the NFL. Carson Hinzman, r-Jr.: Hinzman was one of the major glue pieces to Ohio State's championship run a year ago. With the injuries up front, he was forced to play both guard and center and held his own at both. He'll go back to center this year with Seth McLaughlin gone and is expected to be one of the strengths of the line. Luke Montgomery, Jr.: The Ohio native will likely start at left guard this year, where he came into his own during last year's championship run. Montgomery and Onianwa give the Buckeyes one side of the line they can lock in right now. Tegra Tshabola, r-Jr.: After splitting time with Austin Siereveld at right guard last year, Tshabola seemed to have control of the role this spring. He's improved immensely since last spring and could help solidify a strong interior line group. Austin Siereveld, r-Soph.: Siereveld is a perfect fit for the versatile sixth lineman role, but he appears to be entering the summer as the team's starting right tackle instead. He played guard last year, so even if he doesn't win the battle at right tackle, he could swing inside on occasions as well. Advertisement Philip Daniels, r-Soph.: The Minnesota transfer might not be locked into the starting lineup going into the summer, but he will battle for the right tackle position against Siereveld. For now, it seems like Siereveld has the upper hand, but Daniels is a more than capable backup. Josh Padilla, r-Soph.: With McLaughlin gone, Padilla steps up on the depth chart as Ohio State's backup center. We haven't seen a lot of Padilla yet, but he could get some opportunities this fall.. Ian Moore, R-Fr.: Moore began the spring as the team's starting left tackle, but as expected, Onianwa took it over. Ohio State may have brought in someone else this year, but Moore is the favorite to be a starter next season if he continues to develop. Deontae Armstrong, r-Fr.: The Cleveland native hasn't made an impact, yet, but the 6-6, 298-pounder remains an important depth piece at an offensive tackle position that lacks depth. Devontae Armstrong, r-Fr.: Much like his brother, Devontae remains a developmental piece for the Buckeyes down the road. Unlike his brother, Devontae is a guard at Ohio State, but he shares the physical tools at 6-5 and 303 pounds. Jake Cook, Fr.: Cook, a former Louisville commit, chose the Buckeyes last summer after a camp in Columbus. He got a spring in with the Buckeyes and is in a battle with Armstrong for a backup spot at left guard. Gabe VanSickle, r-Fr.: The Michigan native and four-star recruit is another depth piece who I'd slot in as the backup right guard for now, so this preseason camp is crucial for him. Carter Lowe, Fr.: The Toledo native was the big addition to the 2025 class. The four-star prospect and No. 11 tackle in the class, Lowe was a must-get for the Buckeyes and projects to be a starter later in his career. Jayvon McFadden, Fr.: The Maryland native is in the early developmental stages of his career. He was the top-rated offensive lineman in Maryland but is slotted in as the third-string guard for right now. A good camp could see him push VanSickle and add depth there. Justin Terry, r-Fr.: Terry is another West Virginia transfer, but unlike Donaldson, he didn't play a snap last season or this spring. He'll be a tackle when he debuts in the summer. (Top photo of James Peoples and Julian Sayin: Adam Cairns / Columbus Dispatch / USA Today Network)
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Texas Longhorns season opener at Ohio State set for FOX Big Noon Kickoff
The stage is set. Texas and Ohio State will face off in a highly anticipated College Football Playoff semifinal rematch to open the 2025 season on Aug. 30 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. The game will air on FOX as part of the network's 'Big Noon Kickoff' program, marking a noon ET start time. The matchup features the defending national champions Ohio State Buckeyes against the Texas Longhorns, who are aiming to reclaim the title. It is a rematch of the CFP semifinal from January 2025, when Ohio State defeated Texas 28-14. Both teams are expected to be top-five preseason squads and will showcase new starting quarterbacks, including Texas's Arch Manning and likely Ohio State's Julian Sayin. Advertisement Fans have expressed strong frustration over the noon kickoff for the Texas-Ohio State game, arguing that such a high-profile matchup deserves a primetime slot. Many feel the early start diminishes the game-day atmosphere and excitement, especially for Ohio State fans accustomed to late afternoon or evening games. FOX, however, continues to prioritize its 'Big Noon Kickoff' window for marquee college football games, including this elite season opener, aiming to lead into its pregame show and maximize viewership during the midday slot. This game also kicks off a home-and-home series, with the second meeting scheduled for Austin in 2026. The kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. Eastern (11 a.m. Central). This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Texas, Ohio State season opener set for Big Noon Kickoff on FOX
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ryan Day Gives Update on Ohio State's Quarterback Battle
The 2024 college football season was remarkable for the Ohio State Buckeyes and their head coach, Ryan Day. Leading into the season, expectations were high, but some doubted Day's effectiveness as a head coach due to three consecutive losses to the Buckeyes' archrival, the Michigan Wolverines, and missing the playoffs in the previous two seasons. Criticism intensified after Ohio State finished the regular season with a record of 10-2, including a fourth straight loss to Michigan, which ended the season on a disappointing note. This was particularly striking given that the Wolverines, who had won the national championship in 2023, finished the season at 8-5. Advertisement Furthermore, the Buckeyes were unable to secure the Big Ten championship for the fourth consecutive season. However, fortunes changed when they qualified for the College Football Playoff, thanks to the expansion to 12 teams. Ohio State Buckeyes quarterbacks, from left, Lincoln Kienholz, Julian Sayin and Tavien St. Clair The Buckeyes had an impressive run, winning all four games by double digits to clinch the national championship. However, as they head into this season, Ohio State is facing significant changes, especially with quarterback Will Howard's departure. Former five-star redshirt freshman Julian Sayin is the frontrunner for the starting position. However, head coach Ryan Day mentioned on the "College GameDay Podcast" that it is too soon to determine a clear winner for the role. "I feel like Lincoln (Kienholz) was ahead of Julian heading into the spring game, and I thought Julian had a better spring game than Lincoln," Day said. "So, it's back and forth. This summer is going to be important. I think they're all going to need each other." Advertisement Sayin was ranked as a top-five player in the 2024 recruiting class. He was initially committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide but transferred after head coach Nick Saban retired. Last year, Sayin appeared in four games, throwing for 84 yards and one touchdown, while completing 41.7% of his passes in limited action. Kienholz is a redshirt sophomore rated as a four-star prospect on most recruiting sites, although ESPN classified him as a three-star in the 2023 class. He has played in just five games during his career, totaling 111 passing yards with a completion rate of 45.5%. He has yet to throw a touchdown. In the spring game, Sayin started with the second team but also played with the first unit during spring drills. He completed 17-of-24 passes for 175 yards, including a 26-yard touchdown pass. Kienholz took the first snaps and finished the day completing 12-of-18 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns. Ohio State and Day still have the offseason to decide who will be the starting quarterback. Regardless, they will need to be prepared for the Texas Longhorns in the first game of the season on August 30. Related: David Pollack Walks Back No. 2 Ranking After Spring Practice
New York Post
08-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
2025 Big Ten Championship odds: Ohio State, Oregon, and Penn State top the board
Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission if you sign up through our links. Read our editorial standards for more information. The Big Ten projects to be a three-headed monster in 2025. Ohio State, the defending national champion, is the betting favorite to win the Big Ten Championship at +190. The Buckeyes lost plenty of talent to the NFL draft, but they completely reloaded and could be even better with Alabama transfer Julian Sayin under center. Oregon, the defending conference champion and No. 1 seed in last year's College Football Playoff, is the second favorite at +260. The Ducks endured a lot of change over the offseason, but they put together one of the best recruiting classes in the country and were active in the transfer portal, notably landing quarterback Dante Moore from UCLA. Penn State is the third choice on the betting board, but the Nittany Lions are right behind Oregon at +275. Like Sayin and Moore, Penn State's quarterback Drew Allar is on the Heisman radar to start the season, headlining an offense that also features returning running backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton. There is a jump in the odds to Michigan, the fourth favorite at +800. The Wolverines finished 2024 in a positive light, winning their last three contests and beating Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year's Eve. Matt Rhule and Nebraska are 40/1 to win the Big Ten Championship. AP Michigan is the only other program listed below 40/1 at BetMGM Sportsbook. Of the sleepers to keep an eye on, Nebraska and Illinois could see betting support at 40/1. While Illinois enjoyed a resurgent season in 2024, the Cornhuskers are still waiting for their return to glory under Matt Rhule. 2025 Big Ten Championship odds Team Odds Ohio State +190 Oregon +260 Penn State +275 Michigan +800 Indiana 40/1 Illinois 40/1 Nebraska 40/1 Iowa 40/1 USC 40/1 Washington 80/1 Minnesota 100/1 Wisconsin 150/1 UCLA 150/1 Rutgers 210/1 Michigan State 250/1 Maryland 300/1 Northwestern 500/1 Purdue 500/1
The Herald Scotland
06-05-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
College football Re-Rank: Texas leads NCAA 1-136 after spring practice
Rounding out the top six are Clemson, Penn State, Georgia, Notre Dame and Ohio State. The Buckeyes have to rebuild on both lines while settling the ongoing quarterback competition between Lincoln Kienholz and Julian Sayin. This group is followed by No. 7 LSU, No. 8 Oregon, No. 9 Miami, No. 10 Alabama, No. 11 Illinois and No. 12 Tennessee. The Illini are poised to make a playoff run with one of the most experienced rosters in the country. COACHES RANKINGS: SEC | Big Ten | Big 12 | ACC LOOKING AHEAD: Big Ten leads too-early Top 25 after spring As expected, the Top 25 is dominated by the Big Ten and the SEC. The two power conferences combine for 11 of the top 15 teams and 13 of the top 21. Teams predicted to rise in this year's re-rank are No. 17 TCU, No. 18 Nebraska, No. 22 Texas Tech, No. 25 Oklahoma and No. 35 Auburn. Farther down the re-rank, look for No. 50 Florida State to rebound after a miserable 2024 and teams such as No. 45 Kansas and No. 59 UCLA to reach the postseason after coming up one win shy last season. One thing hasn't changed since the end of last year: Kent State continues to sit last in the Bowl Subdivision. The Golden Flashes went winless last season and recently made a coaching change, dismissing Kenni Burns and promoting offensive coordinator Mark Carney on an interim basis for the 2025 season. But Kent State now sits at No. 136 with the addition of two newcomers to the FBS. Delaware and Missouri State will join Conference USA this season but not be eligible for the conference championship or the postseason while transitioning from the Championship Subdivision.
