A position-by-position breakdown of Ohio State football’s 2025 offensive scheme highlights key changes, strategies, and emerging player roles.

As Ohio State looks to the future with hopes of securing another national championship in 2025, the offensive scheme will undoubtedly be a major focal point of their success. The Buckeyes have long been known for producing high-powered offenses that blend traditional power football with innovative, dynamic playcalling. After a successful 2024 season, the program is primed for further growth, and changes in strategy and personnel could push the team to new heights.

In this breakdown, we’ll take a look at Ohio State’s 2025 offensive scheme, analyzing each position group and how it fits into the team’s overall offensive strategy. We’ll examine key changes in personnel, what to expect from each position, and how the Buckeyes will look to exploit their strengths while adapting to the growing demands of college football in 2025.

Quarterback: Building on a Tradition of Excellence

Ohio State has been fortunate to have several talented quarterbacks in recent years, including Justin Fields, C.J. Stroud, and more recently, Kyle McCord. With the quarterback position so critical to the team’s offensive success, 2025 promises to be a critical year in determining the next leader under center.

For 2025, Ohio State is expected to have a more mobile quarterback, which has become increasingly important in modern football. The team is looking at a potential battle for the starting spot, with several highly-rated quarterbacks competing for the job. Whether it’s McCord or an incoming freshman, expect to see a signal-caller who can make plays both through the air and on the ground. A key feature of the Buckeyes’ offense will be the use of the read-option and play-action to keep defenses off balance, a scheme that has been successful for Ohio State in the past.

Key Responsibilities:

• Read-Option Plays: The quarterback will be heavily involved in reading the defense and making decisions to either pass or run based on the defensive alignment.
• Progression Passing: The quarterback will need to process multiple reads quickly and make precise throws to set up big plays.
• Mobility: Expect the quarterback to extend plays with their legs, taking advantage of Ohio State’s talented wide receivers and tight ends.

Running Back: Maintaining Power, Adding Versatility

Ohio State’s running back room in 2025 will be a pivotal strength for the offense. After years of developing some of the nation’s top backs, including J.K. Dobbins and TreVeyon Henderson, the Buckeyes will once again have a stable of talented running backs. The 2025 offense will likely feature a deep rotation of backs, which will allow the team to wear down opposing defenses over the course of a game.

One of the key elements of Ohio State’s running back scheme will be their ability to break tackles and churn out yards after contact. Expect the Buckeyes to use multiple backs to keep fresh legs on the field, utilizing different styles for varying situations. A power back, combined with a more agile and elusive option, will give Ohio State a diverse running attack that can adapt to different defensive schemes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Zone Runs: Ohio State will continue to rely heavily on the zone blocking scheme to create lanes for running backs to hit the hole.
• Pass Protection: The running backs will also be expected to contribute in pass protection, helping to give the quarterback enough time to survey the field.
• Receiving Options: Expect to see running backs utilized in the passing game as well, especially on screen passes and checkdowns.

Wide Receiver: High-Powered Playmakers with Deep Threat Ability

Ohio State has long been known for producing some of the best wide receivers in college football, and 2025 will be no different. With a deep and talented group of pass-catchers, including returning stars and incoming freshmen, the wide receiver corps will be the focal point of the offense.

The 2025 offense will continue to feature a spread system that spreads the defense thin while taking advantage of mismatches in the passing game. Ohio State is expected to push the ball downfield with a focus on creating explosive plays, utilizing speed and athleticism. A key element of the wide receivers’ role will be to create separation quickly, as well as to utilize their strength and route-running ability to get open for the quarterback.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deep Ball Threat: The Buckeyes’ wide receivers will be heavily involved in creating big plays downfield. Look for deep routes, go-routes, and double-moves that stretch the defense.
• Quick Slants and Screens: In addition to the deep ball, expect a lot of quick slant routes and bubble screens to get the ball into the hands of playmakers in space.
• Contested Catches: Ohio State will rely on their wideouts’ ability to go up and make contested catches in critical situations.

Tight End: Versatility and Physicality

In Ohio State’s 2025 offensive scheme, the tight end will continue to be a versatile weapon. The team has traditionally used tight ends as both blockers and pass catchers, and this year will see that role expand even further. The Buckeyes have a deep talent pool at tight end, with multiple players who can line up in various formations, from inline tight end to H-back and even split out as wide receivers.

With an emphasis on balance, the tight end will play a crucial role in both the running and passing games. Expect tight ends to be used to create mismatches against smaller defensive backs or slower linebackers. They will be key in short-yardage situations and in the red zone, where their size and ability to catch passes will make them a dangerous target for the quarterback.

Key Responsibilities:

• Blocking: Tight ends will be integral to the offensive line’s success, particularly in the run game. They’ll help to seal the edge on running plays and contribute to double-teams.
• Receiving Options: Look for tight ends to run seam routes, dig routes, and short-yardage routes in the passing game.
• Play-Action Targets: Tight ends will serve as key secondary options in play-action plays, providing a safe and reliable target.

Offensive Line: The Foundation of the Offense

Ohio State’s offensive line is always one of the team’s biggest strengths, and 2025 will be no exception. With a focus on both power and athleticism, the offensive line will have the responsibility of opening up lanes for the running backs while also providing adequate protection for the quarterback. The Buckeyes will continue to emphasize a strong, physical ground game, and the offensive line will be key in ensuring the success of the offense as a whole.

Ohio State’s offensive line will employ a mix of zone and power schemes to take advantage of defensive weaknesses, creating running lanes for the backs and providing pass protection for the quarterback. The line will need to be in sync with the tempo of the offense, providing the stability necessary for the entire unit to succeed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Zone and Power Blocking: Offensive linemen will execute both zone blocking and power blocking, depending on the situation. In zone schemes, linemen will work in unison to create lanes, while in power blocking, they’ll need to drive defenders off the ball.
• Pass Protection: As the Buckeyes push the ball downfield with their potent passing game, the offensive line will need to provide protection for the quarterback to allow the plays to develop.
• Tempo Adaptation: Ohio State’s fast-paced offense means the line will need to be quick on their feet, making adjustments and sustaining blocks while the offense operates at high speed.

The 2025 Offensive Scheme in Action

As Ohio State moves into 2025, their offensive strategy will continue to evolve. They’ll rely on a balanced attack, incorporating power runs, speed in the passing game, and quick tempo. The Buckeyes will look to dominate at the line of scrimmage and exploit the speed of their skill players, particularly their wide receivers and running backs. The quarterback will be the key to managing this dynamic offense, keeping defenses on their toes with both arm and legs.

The 2025 Ohio State offense will need to execute with precision and adaptability, adjusting to the challenges of the Big Ten and beyond. With a balanced approach and an emphasis on speed, power, and innovation, Ohio State’s offense will continue to be one of the most dangerous in the nation.

In conclusion, the Buckeyes’ 2025 offensive scheme is designed to create explosive plays, move the ball efficiently, and give their players the best chance to succeed. Whether through a powerful run game, a lethal passing attack, or an efficient offensive line, Ohio State is poised to continue building on its rich offensive legacy. The key will be in execution, with each position group contributing to a cohesive, high-powered offensive attack that could propel them to championship contention.