Ohio State has a recruiting class littered with potential breakout stars that you need to get to know

Ohio State has long been one of college football’s premier programs, and their recruiting efforts are a significant reason why. The Buckeyes have consistently assembled top-tier classes that include some of the most talented players in the country. With the 2025 recruiting class, Ohio State has once again brought in a group of exceptional prospects that are poised to make an immediate impact on the field.

As Ryan Day and his coaching staff continue to recruit at a high level, the 2025 class is filled with potential breakout stars who could change the course of the season for Ohio State. While many of these players are still a few years away from becoming household names, their talent and upside are undeniable, and fans will want to familiarize themselves with these future stars.

Let’s take a deep dive into Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class and highlight some of the key players who could become breakout stars. These athletes are primed to step into significant roles for the Buckeyes, potentially transforming their respective positions and helping Ohio State continue its dominance in the Big Ten and on the national stage.

1. Dylan Raiola – Quarterback (Arizona)

As the top quarterback recruit in the 2025 class, Dylan Raiola is already a household name among college football recruiting circles. Raiola’s commitment to Ohio State is a major coup for Ryan Day and the coaching staff. The Arizona native is widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in the nation and has a rare combination of size, arm strength, and accuracy that sets him apart.

Raiola’s ability to make all the throws from the pocket, combined with his athleticism and poise, makes him a potential game-changer for the Buckeyes. While Ohio State currently has strong depth at the quarterback position, Raiola’s arrival in 2025 could signal the beginning of a new era under center for the Buckeyes. If he can develop quickly and adjust to the college game, Raiola could be a star from the moment he steps on campus. His skills as a leader, decision-maker, and playmaker will be crucial for Ohio State’s future success, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him rise to prominence sooner rather than later.

2. Jordan Marshall – Running Back (Cincinnati)

Jordan Marshall is another key recruit that Ohio State fans should be excited about. The 5’11”, 210-pound running back from Cincinnati is a powerful, physical player who runs with a combination of speed and power that makes him difficult to stop. Marshall is known for his vision, quickness, and ability to break tackles, making him a dangerous threat both between the tackles and in the open field.

While Ohio State already has one of the most talented running back rooms in the country, Marshall’s skill set could allow him to see significant playing time early in his career. The Buckeyes have a history of producing top-tier running backs, and Marshall has the potential to be the next great back in Ohio State’s lineage. With his combination of speed, vision, and physicality, he could emerge as a breakout star in 2025 and become a key contributor in the Buckeyes’ offense.

3. Mylan Graham – Wide Receiver (Indiana)

Ohio State has produced an elite list of wide receivers in recent years, and Mylan Graham could be the next star in the Buckeyes’ receiving corps. The 6’1″, 185-pound wide receiver from Indiana is a dynamic playmaker who excels at tracking deep passes and making plays after the catch. Graham possesses excellent speed and has the ability to stretch defenses, which fits perfectly into the high-flying offense Ohio State has become known for under Ryan Day.

What sets Graham apart from other wide receiver prospects is his combination of size, speed, and agility. He has the ability to break away from defenders and create explosive plays on a regular basis. If he can develop his route-running and improve his overall consistency, Graham has the potential to be one of the best wide receivers in college football. Ohio State will need to reload at the wide receiver position in the coming years, and Graham could be one of the primary weapons in the Buckeyes’ aerial attack.

4. Jason Moore – Defensive Line (Maryland)

The defensive line is an area of strength for Ohio State, and Jason Moore is a recruit who could quickly make an impact in the trenches. The 6’6″, 270-pound defensive end from Maryland is an imposing presence who can both rush the passer and defend the run with equal effectiveness. Moore has excellent athleticism for his size and can overwhelm offensive linemen with his power and quickness off the ball.

Moore’s versatility and ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage make him a potential game-changer for Ohio State’s defense. The Buckeyes have consistently produced top-tier defensive linemen, and Moore has the talent to follow in the footsteps of former stars. If he can refine his technique and continue to develop his pass-rushing moves, Moore could be a breakout star on Ohio State’s defensive front in 2025. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and set the tone on the line of scrimmage will be key to Ohio State’s success on defense.

5. Jerod Smith – Defensive Tackle (New York)

Another standout defensive lineman in Ohio State’s 2025 class is Jerod Smith, a 6’4″, 290-pound defensive tackle from New York. Smith is a force to be reckoned with in the interior of the defensive line, known for his ability to collapse the pocket and stop the run. His size and strength allow him to control the line of scrimmage, and he’s a player that offensive lines will need to game plan for.

Smith has the potential to contribute right away for Ohio State and could develop into one of the most dominant defensive tackles in the Big Ten. His presence in the middle of the defensive line could create havoc for opposing offenses, allowing the Buckeyes’ pass-rushers to have more opportunities to make plays. Smith’s ability to disrupt plays and clog up running lanes will be critical for Ohio State’s defense in 2025, and if he continues to improve his technique, he could become a future star in the NFL.

6. KJ Bolden – Safety (Georgia)

KJ Bolden is a name that college football fans will want to remember. The 6’1″, 200-pound safety from Georgia is one of the top defensive back recruits in the 2025 class. Bolden is a playmaker in the secondary, known for his ball-hawking ability, quick reactions, and ability to read the quarterback’s eyes. He has excellent range and is always around the ball, making him a valuable asset for Ohio State’s defense.

Bolden’s ability to cover ground quickly and make plays on the football is a skill that will translate well to college football. Ohio State has developed several elite defensive backs in recent years, and Bolden has the potential to be the next great safety for the Buckeyes. If he can improve his coverage skills and adjust to the speed of the game, Bolden could be one of Ohio State’s most impactful defensive players in 2025. His leadership and playmaking ability will be critical for a defense that aims to dominate the Big Ten.

7. Jamil Muhammad – Outside Linebacker (Alabama)

Jamil Muhammad, a 6’2″, 220-pound outside linebacker from Alabama, is another player to watch in Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class. Muhammad is known for his pass-rushing ability, high motor, and ability to make plays in the backfield. He’s a versatile linebacker who can rush the passer, drop into coverage, and make tackles in space.

Muhammad has the athleticism and football IQ to play multiple roles in Ohio State’s defense, which will make him a valuable asset in the linebacker corps. With his speed, agility, and versatility, Muhammad could be one of the breakout stars of the 2025 season, especially if he can develop into a reliable pass rusher. His ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and make plays behind the line of scrimmage will help strengthen Ohio State’s defense and give the Buckeyes an edge against top-tier competition.

8. Miles McVay – Offensive Tackle (Missouri)

Ohio State has long been known for its ability to develop elite offensive linemen, and Miles McVay is poised to be the next standout in that position. McVay, a 6’6″, 330-pound offensive tackle from Missouri, is a mammoth of a player with outstanding strength and agility for his size. He’s known for his ability to protect the quarterback’s blindside and open up running lanes for his teammates.

If McVay can continue to refine his technique and develop his skills at the collegiate level, he could become a fixture on Ohio State’s offensive line for years to come. A breakout season for McVay in 2025 would solidify Ohio State’s offensive line as one of the best in the nation, giving the Buckeyes’ offense the protection it needs to succeed.