Ohio State football’s 2025 spring “showcase” features five players worth seeing.

Ohio State Football’s 2025 Spring Showcase Features Five Players Worth Watching

As the Ohio State Buckeyes gear up for their 2025 football season, all eyes are focused on their spring showcase, a critical period where fans and analysts get a first look at how the team will shape up in the upcoming year. Spring practices are always crucial for teams looking to build chemistry, develop talent, and gain an edge heading into the fall. This year’s spring showcase at Ohio State will be especially exciting, with a number of key players expected to make a significant impact in 2025.

While the Buckeyes have several exciting athletes, five players in particular stand out as individuals fans should pay special attention to during the 2025 spring showcase. From new recruits to returning stars, these players have the potential to not only make waves during spring practice but also become key contributors to Ohio State’s push for another Big Ten championship and a potential playoff appearance.

1. Kyle McCord – Quarterback (Junior)

Since the departure of C.J. Stroud, Ohio State has been looking for the next leader at quarterback. Kyle McCord, who has spent the last two seasons as the backup to Stroud, is now in prime position to take over as the Buckeyes’ starting signal-caller. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound McCord is a highly touted prospect with a cannon arm and solid mechanics. His performance during the 2025 spring showcase could go a long way in solidifying his place as the team’s leader and ensuring Ohio State fans that their offense will continue to thrive under center.

McCord is entering his third year with the program, and while he’s had limited starting opportunities thus far, he has shown flashes of brilliance. The spring showcase will be crucial for him to prove his consistency, develop rapport with the talented receiving corps, and demonstrate that he can effectively lead the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense.

As McCord looks to earn the starting role, he will be under immense pressure to show that he can maintain Ohio State’s tradition of excellence at the quarterback position. In spring practices, expect to see McCord refine his decision-making, work on his deep-ball accuracy, and demonstrate his poise in crucial moments.

The 2025 season will hinge on McCord’s development, and fans will be closely watching to see if he can live up to the hype and follow in the footsteps of past Ohio State greats. His performance during the spring showcase will be the first real indication of how ready he is to lead the Buckeyes in the fall.

2. Marvin Harrison Jr. – Wide Receiver (Junior)

Without a doubt, one of the most exciting players to watch during Ohio State’s 2025 spring showcase is Marvin Harrison Jr. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound wide receiver is widely regarded as one of the top players in college football and one of the most talented pass-catchers the program has ever had. After a stellar 2024 season, where he was one of the top receivers in the country, Harrison is expected to be one of the focal points of Ohio State’s offense in 2025.

Harrison’s ability to stretch the field with his speed, his exceptional route-running, and his ability to make highlight-reel catches make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. However, as talented as he is, the 2025 spring showcase will give him a chance to further develop his skills, including working on his timing with the new quarterback, whether that’s McCord or someone else. He will be looking to improve his chemistry with his new signal-caller, continue to refine his craft as one of the country’s top playmakers, and fine-tune his skills to ensure that he’s ready to dominate in the upcoming season.

Expect to see Harrison’s leadership emerge during the spring showcase as well. With the possibility of a new quarterback leading the offense, his ability to help bring the younger or less experienced players along will be crucial. As a top-tier talent and a potential future first-round NFL draft pick, all eyes will be on Harrison as he tries to solidify his status as a top receiver in 2025 and beyond.

3. J.T. Tuimoloau – Defensive End (Junior)

J.T. Tuimoloau is one of the most dynamic defensive players in college football today. At 6-foot-4 and 270 pounds, Tuimoloau is an imposing force on the edge. The former five-star recruit from the 2023 class has already shown flashes of greatness during his first two years at Ohio State. In 2024, he was a key contributor for the Buckeyes’ defense, registering several sacks and tackles for loss while consistently disrupting opposing quarterbacks and offensive schemes.

Tuimoloau’s versatility and explosiveness make him a nightmare for offensive lines. His ability to both rush the passer and defend the run sets him apart as one of the most well-rounded defensive players in the nation. Heading into the 2025 season, Tuimoloau is expected to be a leader on the defensive line, and the spring showcase will be his opportunity to demonstrate his continued growth and readiness to take over as one of the dominant pass-rushers in the country.

As Ohio State looks to strengthen its defense under head coach Ryan Day, Tuimoloau’s leadership and playmaking ability will be crucial. During the spring showcase, watch for him to show off his speed off the edge, his quickness in closing on the quarterback, and his relentless motor in every drill. Tuimoloau’s performance could be a major indicator of how Ohio State’s defense will shape up in 2025, and fans should expect big things from him this spring.

4. TreVeyon Henderson – Running Back (Junior)

TreVeyon Henderson is one of the most explosive running backs in college football, and he has the ability to be the focal point of Ohio State’s offense in 2025. After a strong freshman campaign in 2023, Henderson showed flashes of brilliance, including his ability to break off long runs and make defenders miss in space. However, injuries have slowed his progress in the past year, and the 2025 spring showcase will be crucial for him to prove that he’s fully recovered and ready to be the workhorse back that Ohio State needs.

Henderson’s combination of speed, vision, and balance make him a dangerous weapon on the ground, and he can be a game-changer for the Buckeyes in 2025. With Ohio State possibly undergoing some changes at the quarterback position, Henderson could be called upon to carry a larger load on offense. The spring showcase will be an opportunity for him to demonstrate his health, conditioning, and ability to consistently move the ball on the ground.

As one of the best running backs in the nation, all eyes will be on Henderson to see how he handles the increased expectations heading into 2025. If he can stay healthy and regain his form from earlier in his career, Henderson has the potential to lead the Buckeyes to a dynamic offensive season.

5. Mike Hall Jr. – Defensive Tackle (Sophomore)

On the defensive side of the ball, Mike Hall Jr. is a name that Buckeyes fans should pay close attention to. The 6-foot-3, 295-pound defensive tackle had an impressive freshman season in 2024, quickly establishing himself as a force in the middle of Ohio State’s defensive line. With his size, strength, and quickness off the ball, Hall is a prototypical interior disruptor who can wreak havoc in the passing game while also stopping the run.

Hall’s ability to collapse the pocket and create pressure up the middle will be critical to Ohio State’s defensive success in 2025. The Buckeyes will need Hall to take a step forward and become one of the leaders on defense, and the spring showcase will offer a chance for him to prove that he is ready for the responsibility. He will look to showcase his skills as a pass rusher, while also improving his technique in stopping the run and playing more consistently.

As Ohio State’s defensive front continues to evolve, Hall has the potential to become one of the premier defensive tackles in the Big Ten. His spring showcase performance will be vital to his development and to the Buckeyes’ success on defense in 2025.