College football analyst is spot on that Ohio State has a player awaiting to be a breakout star in 2025

As the 2025 Ohio State football season approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting the spring practices that will provide a preview of what is to come. With an annual tradition of high expectations and the drive for success, the Buckeyes’ spring showcase is always an exciting event, filled with anticipation and uncertainty. The Ohio State coaching staff, led by head coach Ryan Day, will be seeking to refine and solidify their roster as they look to build upon the program’s already impressive foundation. With key players graduating, heading to the NFL, or moving on to other opportunities, the spring showcase will be a time for fresh faces to step up and prove themselves.

While Ohio State has a long list of standout players, five individuals are particularly worth watching as they look to make their mark in the upcoming 2025 season. These players, each representing different areas of need for the team, have the potential to be the difference-makers that help elevate the Buckeyes back to the top of college football. Whether they are new faces, returning players looking to assert themselves, or young stars ready to shine, the spring showcase will provide a valuable early look at what they bring to the table.

In this article, we’ll dive into five players—each with unique qualities and important roles—who should be on fans’ radar during Ohio State’s 2025 spring showcase.

1. Kyle McCord – Quarterback (The Next Leader)

Kyle McCord enters the 2025 spring showcase with the biggest spotlight of all: he is likely to be the starting quarterback for Ohio State. Following C.J. Stroud’s departure to the NFL, McCord is stepping into a major role, and how he performs during the spring will be pivotal to the Buckeyes’ chances in the coming season.

McCord is a former five-star recruit and showed flashes of brilliance during his backup role in 2024. Though he had limited starts and a few opportunities to showcase his abilities, McCord demonstrated his potential to lead Ohio State’s high-powered offense. However, his consistency will be key, and spring practices are the perfect time for him to prove that he is capable of handling the pressure of being the leader of a national championship-caliber team.

With the offense expected to still feature elite playmakers like Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and TreVeyon Henderson, McCord will have a supporting cast that should make his job easier, but he will need to showcase his command of the offense, timing with his receivers, and ability to perform in pressure situations. His ability to read defenses, extend plays, and make accurate deep throws will be essential for Ohio State’s success in 2025.

What to Watch For: McCord’s decision-making, ball placement, and overall command of the offense. Fans should also pay attention to his poise under pressure, particularly when facing Ohio State’s defensive unit. The quarterback battle in spring will be critical for determining whether McCord is ready to lead the Buckeyes into the new season.

2. Marvin Harrison Jr. – Wide Receiver (The Future Top NFL Draft Pick)

When you think of Ohio State’s elite talents, the name Marvin Harrison Jr. immediately comes to mind. Harrison, the son of Hall of Fame NFL receiver Marvin Harrison, has lived up to the hype since arriving in Columbus. He is one of the most talented wide receivers in college football and is projected to be a top NFL Draft pick in 2025.

After a stellar 2024 season in which he consistently dominated defenses, Harrison has become one of the most feared wide receivers in the country. His elite combination of size, speed, hands, and route-running ability has made him nearly impossible to defend. What makes Harrison even more intriguing is his ability to make highlight-reel plays in crucial moments. He has a knack for turning short gains into long touchdowns and shows the ability to take over games. As Ohio State prepares for 2025, Harrison’s role will be even more crucial, especially as McCord develops chemistry with his receiving corps.

However, as dominant as Harrison was in 2024, the 2025 spring showcase will give him a chance to show that he can continue his ascent to greatness. With Ohio State’s quarterback situation in flux, Harrison will be a key piece of the offense, and his ability to adjust to a new quarterback will be a major storyline this spring.

What to Watch For: Watch for Harrison’s routes and ability to make defenders miss in one-on-one situations. His deep-ball tracking and timing with McCord, or whoever the starting quarterback is, will be especially important in the spring. Harrison will also be working to refine his game as he prepares for his final season at Ohio State before heading to the NFL.

3. J.T. Tuimoloau – Defensive End (Defensive Line Anchor)

On the defensive side of the ball, J.T. Tuimoloau is one of the most exciting players to watch. The defensive end is entering his junior season and is already regarded as one of the most disruptive players on Ohio State’s defense. After a stellar 2024 season in which he demonstrated his ability to rush the passer, defend the run, and cover ground as an athletic defender, Tuimoloau has the potential to become the focal point of Ohio State’s defensive line.

Tuimoloau has shown his immense talent, but he still has room to grow. The 2025 season will be an opportunity for him to elevate his game and become an even more impactful presence for the Buckeyes. With the departure of defensive stalwarts like Zach Harrison and Tyreke Smith, Tuimoloau will need to be the leader of a defensive line that is expected to carry a heavy load in 2025.

During spring practices, Tuimoloau will be expected to show his pass-rush techniques, physicality, and leadership on and off the field. His ability to disrupt the opposing offense, generate consistent pressure on the quarterback, and make stops at the line of scrimmage will be crucial for Ohio State’s defense.

What to Watch For: Tuimoloau’s pass-rush moves, hand usage, and ability to beat offensive tackles will be the key to watch. Additionally, his leadership ability and how he leads a relatively young defensive line will be integral to Ohio State’s success in 2025.

4. TreVeyon Henderson – Running Back (Elite Playmaker)

TreVeyon Henderson has been one of Ohio State’s most dynamic playmakers since he arrived on campus. A former five-star recruit, Henderson is a fast and explosive running back who has the potential to break off long runs at any moment. However, after a 2024 season marred by injuries, Henderson will be looking to regain his form and prove that he is one of the top backs in the country.

Despite the setbacks, Henderson has shown his game-breaking ability, as seen in his freshman season and his explosive runs in key moments during 2024. If he can stay healthy, he has the ability to complement the strong passing attack that Ohio State typically boasts, providing a balanced offensive attack. With Miyan Williams departing for the NFL, Henderson is expected to take on an even bigger role as the featured back.

The spring showcase will give Henderson the chance to demonstrate his recovery from injury, his vision in the open field, and his ability to break tackles and gain yardage after contact. His effectiveness in the passing game will also be an important area to watch.

What to Watch For: Henderson’s burst through the line of scrimmage and his ability to break long runs will be key. Additionally, keep an eye on his ball security and how well he’s integrated into Ohio State’s screen game and short-yardage situations. If Henderson can stay healthy and perform at a high level, he could become one of the best running backs in the country in 2025.

5. Sonny Styles – Safety (Future Star in the Secondary)

Sonny Styles, a 5-star recruit and one of the highest-rated players in Ohio State’s 2023 class, is expected to make a significant impact in 2025. Styles has already shown that he has the tools to be an elite safety at the collegiate level. His combination of size, athleticism, and instincts has made him one of the most intriguing defensive players in Ohio State’s secondary.

After a strong freshman campaign, Styles will be tasked with becoming one of the top leaders on Ohio State’s defense. With the secondary set to be an area of focus heading into 2025, Styles will need to continue to develop as a playmaker in both pass coverage and as a force in run support.

The spring showcase will be crucial for Styles to demonstrate his growth as a defender. His ability to read the quarterback, cover wide receivers, and play in the box will be key areas to focus on. If he can continue to develop, Styles could be a name to watch as a future star in the NFL Draft.

What to Watch For: Watch Styles’ ability to make plays on the ball in the passing game and his comfort level playing in the run game. His ability to cover tight ends, wide receivers, and even blitz from the safety position will be areas where he can stand out in the spring. Styles has the potential to be a key player for Ohio State’s defense in 2025.

Conclusion

The 2025 Ohio State spring showcase will provide fans with an exciting preview of what’s to come in the new season. With key players like Kyle McCord, Marvin Harrison Jr., J.T. Tuimoloau, TreVeyon Henderson, and Sonny Styles looking to solidify

their roles and elevate their games, Ohio State fans should be excited for what the future holds. These players represent the next generation of stars for the Buckeyes, and their performances during the spring will go a long way in shaping Ohio State’s path toward a potential Big Ten Championship and College Football Playoff berth in 2025.

Spring practice is always a critical time for teams to assess their depth, refine their strategies, and find players who will step up when the season begins. For Ohio State, the showcase will reveal not only individual talent but also the foundation of a team with the potential to make a deep run at a national championship.