Next season, Ohio State football will have a starting linebacker again.

When you think of the Ohio State Buckeyes football program, it’s easy to recall their offensive dominance, Heisman-winning quarterbacks, and a legacy that spans decades. However, one of the most crucial areas of improvement for the Buckeyes heading into next season will be their linebacking corps. Ohio State’s defense has had its fair share of ups and downs in recent years, and the linebacker position has been one that fans, analysts, and coaches alike have highlighted as an area of both concern and promise.

Linebackers, of course, are often considered the heart of a defense. They are tasked with stopping the run, covering tight ends, rushing the quarterback, and providing leadership on the field. For Ohio State to remain a true national championship contender in the years ahead, the linebacker position must return to its former glory, and it starts with solidifying who will be the starters next season.

In this article, we will break down the linebacker situation for the Ohio State Buckeyes heading into next season. We’ll look at who is returning, who could potentially fill the voids, and what this position will mean for the team’s success in the 2025 season. The Buckeyes are in a unique position as they navigate a new era of football under head coach Ryan Day, and the linebacker position will be key to their defense’s success.

A Glance at Ohio State’s Recent Linebacker History

Before delving into the specifics of who will step up next season, it’s important to understand the historical context of Ohio State’s linebacker play. The Buckeyes have always had a rich tradition of producing some of the nation’s most elite linebackers. Legendary players like Chris Spielman, Andy Katzenmoyer, and more recently Raekwon McMillan have worn the scarlet and gray, leading some of the nation’s top defenses.

However, in recent years, the linebacker position has been somewhat of a revolving door. Ohio State’s defense has consistently been ranked among the best in the country, but the linebacker corps has seen considerable turnover. While players like Tommy Eichenberg and Cody Simon have had standout moments, the consistency and elite play from the linebacker position have fluctuated, especially during key games against the nation’s best offenses.

The 2023 season saw some progress in the linebacker room, but there were moments where the unit’s inexperience and lack of depth were exposed. Heading into the 2025 season, Ohio State’s coaching staff, led by Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, will need to address these gaps in both talent and experience. The hope is that they can find that elusive balance of star power and depth at linebacker, which has been crucial for some of their best defenses in the past.

Key Departures: The Need for New Faces

As Ohio State looks forward to next season, they’ll be dealing with some key departures at the linebacker position. Tommy Eichenberg, who has been a fixture in the Buckeyes’ linebacker corps for the past several years, is graduating and moving on to the NFL. Eichenberg’s leadership and production were key to Ohio State’s success on defense, and his departure will leave a sizable gap in the middle of the defense.

In addition to Eichenberg, Cody Simon, another key contributor, will also be moving on. Simon, who spent a number of seasons as a starter, has been an important piece of the defense, but he will not be around to help lead the linebacker room next season. With these two players gone, Ohio State will need to identify new leaders to step up and fill their roles.

While the losses of Eichenberg and Simon represent significant departures in terms of both talent and experience, it also opens the door for younger players to step into prominent roles. Ohio State has recruited some of the best linebackers in the country over the past few years, and this is the time for those recruits to prove themselves and take the next step in their development.

Returning Linebackers: The Foundation for Next Season

While Ohio State will face some turnover at linebacker, they do have returning players who have shown promise and will be key contributors next season. The 2024 season saw Steel Chambers and Chip Trayanum provide solid production in various linebacker roles. Chambers, in particular, has shown flashes of being a dynamic and versatile linebacker, capable of making plays both against the run and in pass coverage. His development will be crucial as he takes on a more prominent role next season.

Trayanum, who has played both running back and linebacker at Ohio State, is another player who could have a significant impact in 2025. His ability to transition between positions has given him a unique perspective on the game, and his physicality and leadership will be critical to Ohio State’s defensive success. Trayanum has shown that he can be a physical presence in the middle of the field, and with more experience at linebacker, he could become one of the team’s top playmakers.

Additionally, Kourt Williams, who has been a promising linebacker for Ohio State, will likely see an increased role next season. Williams has been biding his time as a backup and special teams contributor, but his raw talent and athleticism make him a strong candidate for a starting position. If he can stay healthy and develop his skills further, Williams could become a key player in the linebacker room.

These returning players, along with any potential young players looking to make an impact, will provide the foundation for Ohio State’s linebacker group in 2025. It’s clear that Chambers, Trayanum, and Williams have the physical tools to succeed, but the next step is for them to gain the experience and confidence needed to anchor Ohio State’s defense.

Incoming Freshmen: The Next Generation of Linebackers

In addition to the returning players, Ohio State has a stellar group of incoming freshmen who could play significant roles next season. Head coach Ryan Day and his staff have consistently recruited some of the top talent in the country, and their linebacker recruiting has been no exception.

CJ Hicks, a highly touted linebacker from Dayton, Ohio, is one of the freshmen who will be expected to contribute right away. Hicks was one of the top linebackers in his class and brings a blend of speed, power, and football IQ that should allow him to thrive at the next level. His ability to read offenses, make tackles in space, and play with a high motor makes him an ideal fit for the Buckeyes’ defensive scheme. Hicks will likely push for a starting role in 2025, and many believe he could become a star for the program in the coming years.

Kenyatta Jackson, another freshman linebacker, could also factor into the equation. Jackson is a physical specimen with excellent length and strength, and his versatility makes him a strong candidate for various linebacker roles. If he can adapt to the speed and complexity of college football, Jackson could see significant playing time early in his career.

These freshmen, along with the returning players, will form a talented group of linebackers that Ohio State hopes will be able to meet the high expectations set for them. It’s a promising group, and the competition for playing time will only make the unit stronger in the long run.

Jim Knowles and the Scheme: Unlocking Linebacker Potential

One of the most important factors in Ohio State’s success next season will be how defensive coordinator Jim Knowles utilizes the linebacker position within his system. Knowles, who has been with Ohio State for a few seasons now, is known for his aggressive and dynamic defensive schemes, which rely heavily on versatility and athleticism.

Ohio State’s linebacker corps will need to fit seamlessly into Knowles’ system, which requires them to be able to play multiple positions and roles. Knowles places a premium on linebackers who can read offenses, play with speed, and make plays in coverage. Whether it’s covering tight ends in the passing game, rushing the quarterback on blitzes, or stepping up to stop the run, Knowles will be looking for linebackers who can do it all.

For players like Chambers, Trayanum, and Williams, this could be the perfect opportunity to flourish in Knowles’ system. Their athleticism and versatility fit well with the demands of the defense, and as they gain more experience, they should become more comfortable in Knowles’ scheme. The incoming freshmen will also benefit from being coached in this system, as Knowles has proven to be a coach who can bring out the best in his players.

 The Future of Ohio State’s Linebacking Corps

As Ohio State prepares for the 2025 season, the linebacker position will undoubtedly be one of the most intriguing storylines to follow. With key departures, promising returning players, and a talented group of incoming freshmen, the Buckeyes have a wealth of options at linebacker. The development of players like Steel Chambers, Chip Trayanum, and Kourt Williams will be critical, but the success of the position will also depend on how quickly the freshmen can adapt and contribute to the defense.

Ultimately, Ohio State’s linebacker corps has the potential to be one of the most dynamic and impactful units in the country. With the right combination of experience, talent, and coaching, the Buckeyes will look to turn the page on recent inconsistency and return to the elite level of linebacker play that has long been a hallmark of the program. If they can do that, Ohio State’s defense will be ready to challenge for a national title and once again compete with the best teams in college football.