Position-by-position analysis of Ohio State football’s 2025 defense and special teams

As Ohio State prepares for the 2025 football season, the team is focused on bolstering its defense and special teams units, both of which have the potential to be among the nation’s elite. With strong recruits coming in, key returners, and a coaching staff that has developed a reputation for defensive innovation, the Buckeyes are setting themselves up for another competitive year in the Big Ten and on the national stage.

In this position-by-position analysis, we’ll examine the personnel and depth at Ohio State’s key defensive positions as well as the special teams units. From the defensive line to the secondary, and from the kicking game to return specialists, Ohio State will be looking to make a statement in 2025.

Defensive Line

Ohio State’s defensive line has long been the cornerstone of its defense, and the 2025 season should be no different. The Buckeyes have consistently produced elite edge rushers and interior linemen, and this year’s unit will feature a blend of seasoned veterans and talented underclassmen.

Edge Rushers: Ohio State’s edge rushers will be led by J.T. Tuimoloau, who enters the 2025 season as one of the top pass rushers in college football. Tuimoloau’s combination of size, speed, and athleticism makes him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. His ability to disrupt both the passing game and the run game will be critical for Ohio State’s defense. Alongside him, Jack Sawyer should also be a key contributor. Sawyer, who has shown flashes of brilliance in his first few seasons, will look to step into a leadership role in 2025. Both Tuimoloau and Sawyer have the potential to be first-round NFL draft picks, making this one of the best edge-rushing duos in the country.

Interior Defensive Line: In the middle, Ohio State will rely on a mixture of experienced players and young talent. Tyleik Williams, who has already demonstrated his potential as a disruptive force in the middle, will be a key player on the interior. Williams, known for his strength and quickness off the ball, will be critical in stopping the run and pushing the pocket against opposing quarterbacks. Ty Hamilton and Mike Hall Jr. are also poised to make a significant impact in 2025, providing depth and versatility to the interior defensive line. Both players have the ability to collapse the pocket and provide pressure from the inside, making them crucial to Ohio State’s defensive front.

The overall depth and talent on the defensive line should allow Ohio State to rotate players effectively and maintain a high level of intensity throughout the game. The Buckeyes’ ability to pressure the quarterback and clog running lanes will play a key role in their defensive success in 2025.

Linebackers

Ohio State’s linebacker corps in 2025 will feature a blend of established stars and rising talents. The linebackers are the heart of the defense, responsible for stopping the run, covering tight ends and running backs in pass coverage, and providing leadership on the field.

Starters: C.J. Hicks is expected to step into a leadership role after a breakout sophomore season. Hicks, an elite talent with sideline-to-sideline range and strong coverage skills, will be a key player in the Buckeyes’ defense. His ability to read the quarterback and make plays in both the run and passing games will be crucial for Ohio State.

Alongside Hicks, Steel Chambers has emerged as one of the most reliable linebackers on the roster. Chambers, who has shown excellent speed and tackling ability, is particularly strong against the run and will be counted on to anchor the defense alongside Hicks. His leadership and experience will be key as Ohio State looks to establish dominance in the middle of the field.

Depth: Behind the starting linebackers, Ohio State has some exciting young talent that could make an immediate impact. Tommy Eichenberg, who has shown flashes of being a game-changer, will be a depth piece that can rotate in and provide energy when needed. Additionally, Palaie Gaoteote, a transfer from USC, is a linebacker with experience and could step into a significant role, adding depth and flexibility to the unit.

Ohio State’s linebacker corps should be one of the more athletic and versatile groups in the country, with players capable of defending the run, covering in space, and rushing the passer.

Secondary

The secondary is arguably the most crucial area of Ohio State’s defense in 2025, as the Buckeyes will face a number of high-powered offenses in the Big Ten and beyond. The defensive backfield will feature several key players with NFL potential, as well as some younger players who will be looking to make a name for themselves.

Cornerbacks: Ohio State’s cornerback position will be led by Denzel Burke, one of the top corners in college football. Burke’s physicality, speed, and ball skills make him a lockdown corner who can take on the best receivers in the country. He will be a key asset in Ohio State’s defense, as opposing quarterbacks will likely test him early and often.

Opposite Burke, Jordan Hancock is expected to start after a promising season in 2024. Hancock has shown excellent coverage skills and the ability to play both man and zone coverage. With Burke on one side, Hancock will be able to match up with top-tier receivers, and together they form one of the top cornerback duos in college football.

Safeties: In the safety positions, Lathan Ransom and Jahsen Wint are expected to be the starters. Ransom, who has played in a variety of defensive backfield roles, will bring experience and versatility to the position. He’s known for his ability to play both in the box and deep in coverage, allowing Ohio State to use him in a variety of ways.

Wint, on the other hand, has shown great range and ball skills, often being in the right place at the right time to create turnovers. His ability to read the quarterback and make plays in the passing game will be essential for Ohio State in 2025.

Behind Ransom and Wint, Ohio State has some young, talented players like Sonny Styles and Kai Stokes. Both players have shown the ability to step into significant roles and could become future stars in the Buckeyes’ secondary.

Special Teams

Special teams are often the overlooked aspect of a team’s success, but Ohio State has consistently had one of the most efficient special teams units in the country. The 2025 season should continue this tradition, with solid players at key positions.

Kicker and Punter: Ohio State’s placekicking will be in good hands with Noah Ruggles returning for his final season. Ruggles, one of the most accurate kickers in Ohio State history, will look to continue his consistency in the 2025 season. His leg strength and accuracy in high-pressure situations, such as game-winning field goals, have earned him respect on the national stage.

At punter, Drue Chrisman will continue to be the team’s go-to option. Chrisman has been a key part of Ohio State’s special teams unit, providing excellent hang time and the ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory. His experience and ability to flip field position will be a valuable asset for the Buckeyes.

Return Game: Ohio State’s return game will feature dynamic athletes capable of turning the tide of a game with one big play. Emeka Egbuka and Miyan Williams are expected to be the primary returners in 2025, both of whom have shown flashes of brilliance in the return game. Egbuka, with his speed and vision, is particularly dangerous in the punt return game, while Williams, with his combination of speed and strength, will be a key asset on kick returns.