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

As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for the 2025 season, anticipation is building across Buckeye Nation. With the spring season on the horizon, Ryan Day and his coaching staff are gearing up for another opportunity to refine their squad, identify potential breakout players, and position themselves for a title run. The spring showcase, which typically serves as a public practice for fans and media alike, will provide an early look at the talent and depth that Ohio State will bring to the field in the fall.

For Ohio State, the spring showcase is not just a time for the program to show off its returning stars but also a crucial opportunity to spotlight emerging talent that could make a significant impact in the 2025 season. With several key departures from the team—both through the NFL Draft and graduation—there are multiple position battles happening throughout the roster. Many players will be looking to prove themselves and secure a spot in the starting lineup.

In this article, we will spotlight five players—both veterans and newcomers—who are worth keeping a close eye on during the 2025 Ohio State football spring showcase. These players have the potential to shape the team’s season and could be pivotal in Ohio State’s pursuit of another Big Ten Championship and a College Football Playoff berth.

1. Kyle McCord – Quarterback (Returning Starter)

Kyle McCord, who started at quarterback for much of the 2024 season, will be one of the most closely watched players during Ohio State’s spring showcase. Having taken over as the starter following C.J. Stroud’s departure to the NFL, McCord’s performance in 2024 was a mixed bag—there were flashes of brilliance, but also moments of inconsistency. McCord, a former five-star recruit, showed that he has the talent to excel at Ohio State, but in order to be successful at the highest level, he needs to build more consistency, develop chemistry with his receivers, and improve in high-pressure situations.

The 2025 spring showcase will be McCord’s chance to show that he is ready to lead Ohio State to another title-contending season. The quarterback battle is one of the most important storylines for Ohio State, and McCord will be under a lot of scrutiny. Fans will be eager to see how he’s developed since last season, particularly in terms of his decision-making, ability to extend plays with his legs, and his deep ball accuracy.

What to Watch For: McCord’s decision-making in live scrimmages and his rapport with wide receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka will be key. Additionally, how well he handles the pressure of being the face of the offense after Stroud’s departure will be important. Spring practice is the perfect opportunity for McCord to solidify his place as the unquestioned leader of the Buckeyes’ offense heading into 2025.

2. Marvin Harrison Jr. – Wide Receiver (Elite Talent)

When it comes to college football’s elite talent, few players stand out like Marvin Harrison Jr. The son of Hall of Fame wide receiver Marvin Harrison, he is arguably the most talented wideout in college football and one of the best players on Ohio State’s roster. In 2024, Harrison established himself as a true game-changer, leading the team in receiving yards and touchdowns. His combination of size, speed, hands, and route-running ability has made him an almost impossible matchup for defenders.

However, despite his standout play, Harrison still has a lot to prove. Ohio State has a deep group of wide receivers, but Harrison is the player who can truly elevate the Buckeyes’ passing game to another level. With C.J. Stroud off to the NFL, Harrison’s ability to develop chemistry with the next Ohio State quarterback—whether that’s McCord or someone else—will be crucial to his continued dominance. The 2025 spring showcase will be a critical opportunity for him to show that he can continue his ascent into the NFL draft elite as a top prospect and maintain his status as one of the nation’s best.

What to Watch For: Harrison’s performance in one-on-one drills and his ability to make spectacular catches and create separation will be key areas to watch. His route running and ability to adjust to different quarterbacks’ timing and styles will be critical to his growth this spring. Expect Harrison to showcase why he is expected to be one of the top picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.

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

On the defensive side of the ball, J.T. Tuimoloau will be one of the most intriguing players to watch during the spring showcase. The defensive end has been an absolute force for Ohio State since his arrival and has quickly become one of the best pass-rushers in the Big Ten. In 2024, Tuimoloau’s combination of size, strength, and speed allowed him to dominate in the trenches, particularly in big games.

However, with the departures of key defensive players like Zach Harrison and Tyreke Smith, the defense will look to Tuimoloau to take on a larger leadership role and be a more consistent disruptor. While Ohio State’s defense has generally been solid, the Buckeyes have struggled with inconsistency in certain areas. Tuimoloau’s ability to not only get after the quarterback but also stop the run and provide leadership on a young and talented defense will be a key storyline heading into the 2025 season.

What to Watch For: Tuimoloau’s pass-rush technique and ability to work through offensive linemen during spring drills will be a major focus. Additionally, with Ohio State potentially experimenting with new defensive schemes, watching how Tuimoloau adapts to changes in the defensive approach will be critical. If he can develop into an even more dominant player and leader, Ohio State’s defense could take a significant step forward in 2025.

4. TreVeyon Henderson – Running Back (Returning Star)

TreVeyon Henderson was one of the most highly touted running back recruits in recent memory when he signed with Ohio State, and his first two seasons in Columbus have lived up to the hype. After an injury-plagued 2024 season, Henderson is poised to come back strong and should be a key part of the Buckeyes’ offense in 2025.

In 2024, Henderson showed that he has elite speed and vision, capable of taking over games with his ability to hit holes quickly and break off explosive runs. However, he also faced challenges with injuries that limited his production at times. A healthy Henderson could be one of the most dynamic playmakers in the Big Ten and a key asset for whoever wins the quarterback job. The 2025 spring showcase will be an important opportunity for him to prove that he is back to full strength and capable of shouldering a heavy workload for Ohio State this season.

What to Watch For: Henderson’s burst, vision, and ability to break tackles will be crucial to his success. The spring showcase will also give fans a glimpse of how he’s progressed in terms of improving his pass protection and receiving abilities out of the backfield—two areas where he could elevate his game. If he’s able to stay healthy and return to peak form, Henderson could become one of the top running backs in the country in 2025.

5. Sonny Styles – Safety (Freshman Phenom)

One of the most exciting names to watch in Ohio State’s 2025 spring showcase is Sonny Styles, the 5-star safety who is entering his sophomore season after a stellar freshman campaign. Styles is one of the most talented players in Ohio State’s loaded defensive backfield and has already displayed an impressive skill set in his limited opportunities.

The Ohio State secondary has been a key area of focus in recent years, with the Buckeyes needing to improve their coverage and playmaking ability in the back end. Styles, with his combination of size, speed, and football IQ, is expected to be a central figure in that effort. His ability to cover ground in the passing game and be an enforcer in the run game could make him one of the most impactful players on the defense this year.

What to Watch For: Fans should keep an eye on Styles’ ability to make plays in pass coverage and his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes during scrimmages. His versatility as a safety and his potential to be a playmaker in both the passing game and run support will be critical in determining how Ohio State’s defense develops in 2025. Styles has the talent to be one of the breakout stars of the defense, and his performance in the spring will be a crucial indicator of what’s to come.