What are the top five offseason questions for Ohio State football? “The Athletic”

Ohio State football has long been one of the premier programs in college football, consistently competing for Big Ten titles, playoff spots, and national championships. Yet despite its sustained success, the Buckeyes enter each offseason with a series of pressing questions that will shape their future. As the 2025 season approaches, Ohio State is no exception, facing several key issues that need to be addressed if they hope to maintain their place among the elite.

From quarterback development to defensive improvement, the offseason is a time for reflection, recruiting, and strategic shifts. Head coach Ryan Day has proven himself as a successful leader since taking over the program in 2019, but Ohio State has faced its share of hurdles, particularly in big games against top-ranked opponents. As Day looks to lead the Buckeyes to another College Football Playoff berth and a potential national championship, several critical questions will need to be answered. These questions touch on both the program’s immediate future and its long-term aspirations.

In this article, we’ll dive into the five most important offseason questions for Ohio State football in 2025, highlighting how these issues will impact the team’s success in the coming season and beyond. We’ll analyze the key personnel decisions, program changes, and strategic adjustments that must be made if the Buckeyes are to remain a perennial contender.

1. Who Will Be Ohio State’s Starting Quarterback in 2025?

One of the most important questions surrounding Ohio State football heading into the 2025 season is the identity of the team’s starting quarterback. The quarterback position has been a point of strength for the Buckeyes in recent years, with players like Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and CJ Stroud leading the offense to success. However, with Stroud now in the NFL and the future of the program on the line, Ohio State must determine who will step into the spotlight in 2025.

The Candidates: McCord vs. Brown

Ohio State has two primary candidates vying for the starting quarterback role: Kyle McCord and Devin Brown. Both players are highly regarded recruits, but each brings a different skill set to the table. McCord, a redshirt sophomore, is a more traditional pocket passer with good mechanics and an ability to make all the necessary throws. He’s a natural leader and has spent time learning behind Stroud, making him a strong contender for the starting job.

On the other hand, Brown is known for his dual-threat abilities, with impressive mobility and playmaking potential outside the pocket. His ability to extend plays with his legs and create opportunities downfield adds a dynamic element to the offense that McCord may not provide in the same way. However, Brown still needs to work on his consistency as a passer and show that he can lead a high-powered offense in the Big Ten.

This offseason, it will be crucial for Ryan Day to evaluate both quarterbacks in spring practices and determine who gives the team the best chance to succeed. Will McCord’s polished throwing ability and experience win out, or will Brown’s versatility and upside prove to be the difference-maker? How well both quarterbacks perform in fall camp and early-season games will ultimately shape Ohio State’s offensive identity in 2025.

The Pressure to Find Stability

The pressure on Ohio State to find stability at the quarterback position is immense. After all, a program with national championship aspirations cannot afford to have uncertainty under center. This decision will not only affect the Buckeyes’ ability to compete in the Big Ten but will also impact their chances in the College Football Playoff race. If either McCord or Brown can take command of the offense, Ohio State will be well-positioned for a title run. However, if inconsistency lingers at the quarterback position, it could leave the Buckeyes vulnerable in crucial games.

2. Can Ohio State’s Defense Improve in Big Games?

While Ohio State has consistently boasted one of the most potent offenses in the country, the team’s defense has been a point of concern, particularly in high-stakes games. In their 2024 campaign, the Buckeyes’ defense struggled in losses to Michigan and Georgia, allowing big plays and not generating enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Against elite teams, Ohio State’s defense has often fallen short, a problem that must be addressed if they want to compete for championships.

The Need for Better Pass Rush

One of the most glaring weaknesses in Ohio State’s defense in recent years has been the lack of a consistent pass rush. While the Buckeyes have talented players like J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer on the defensive line, they have failed to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. In the loss to Michigan in the 2024 Big Ten Championship, for example, the Wolverines’ offensive line held strong against Ohio State’s defensive front, allowing quarterback J.J. McCarthy to find open receivers with ease. Against Georgia in the College Football Playoff, the lack of pressure on Stetson Bennett allowed the Bulldogs to control the game and expose Ohio State’s secondary.

In 2025, Ohio State’s defense must improve its pass rush if it hopes to compete with top-tier offenses. Adding more complexity to the defensive scheme, implementing blitz packages, and getting more from the edge rushers will be vital. Ohio State has the talent to fix this issue — it’s now a matter of developing the right strategies and getting consistent production from the defensive line.

Secondary Development and Coverage

While the defensive line needs to step up, Ohio State’s secondary also requires significant improvement. The Buckeyes’ cornerbacks and safeties have been exposed at times, particularly against fast, dynamic receivers. Against teams like Michigan, whose passing attack has evolved into one of the most balanced and explosive in the country, Ohio State’s secondary must be able to cover effectively in one-on-one situations while also providing run support.

Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has been tasked with transforming the Buckeyes’ defense, and while he’s shown progress, he’ll need to continue developing his unit and adapting to modern offenses. The addition of Matt Patricia to the coaching staff could play a crucial role in helping Ohio State address its defensive issues. Patricia’s experience in the NFL and his ability to coach complex defensive schemes could help Ohio State generate more pressure and improve coverage in critical situations.

3. How Will Ohio State Address the Departure of Key Offensive Players?

Ohio State has consistently fielded one of the most potent offenses in college football, thanks to a mix of elite quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs. However, as the Buckeyes transition into 2025, they face the challenge of replacing several key players who have left for the NFL or graduation. This offseason, Ohio State will need to reload, particularly in the receiving corps, where they lose Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka — two of the top wide receivers in the nation.

The Search for Playmaking Wide Receivers

Replacing Harrison and Egbuka’s production will be no easy task, but Ohio State has historically been successful in developing wide receiver talent. The Buckeyes have a number of highly rated recruits in their 2024 and 2025 classes, including Brandon Innis and Carnell Tate, who will be expected to step up. However, they must prove themselves capable of making an immediate impact in a program that relies heavily on its passing game.

Ohio State’s offensive system, under the leadership of Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline, is designed to showcase elite wide receiver talent. The team’s next crop of wideouts will need to quickly adjust to the system, develop chemistry with whichever quarterback earns the starting job, and make plays in critical moments. How well the receiving corps gels in 2025 will be a major factor in Ohio State’s success.

Running Back Depth and Offensive Balance

Although the Buckeyes have historically been known for their explosive passing game, the running back position is also critical for Ohio State’s offense. Miyan Williams and Travon Henderson have both been productive in recent years, but Ohio State will need to continue to build depth in the backfield. If the Buckeyes are to strike a better offensive balance in 2025, their running game must complement the passing attack by providing consistent yardage and establishing control at the line of scrimmage.

Ohio State’s offensive line will also play a critical role in both the passing and running games. The line must be able to protect the quarterback while also paving the way for the running backs to find success. The improvement of the offensive line and the running back committee will be key for Ohio State to establish a more well-rounded offensive attack in 2025.

4. Will Ryan Day’s Coaching Philosophy Continue to Evolve?

Ryan Day has been highly successful at Ohio State, but there is a sense that the Buckeyes have not quite reached their full potential under his leadership. While Day has won multiple Big Ten titles and led Ohio State to the College Football Playoff, the Buckeyes have been unable to get over the hump in their biggest games, most notably in losses to Michigan in 2024 and Georgia in the 2024 Playoff.

Adapting to the Modern Game

One of the key questions surrounding Day this offseason is how he will continue to evolve as a head coach. In his tenure at Ohio State, Day has implemented a high-powered passing offense, but as other programs, particularly in the SEC, have become more well-rounded, there is a growing need for Ohio State to adapt. Day will need to ensure that the team can compete physically with the best in the nation, especially in the trenches.

Moreover, Day’s ability to adapt in-game and make necessary adjustments will be crucial. His tendency to rely on high-flying offense has worked against lesser teams, but in the toughest matchups, he

must prove that he can adjust on the fly, especially in close, high-stakes games. Day’s coaching acumen will be under the spotlight in 2025, and how he addresses these challenges will define Ohio State’s success in the coming years.

5. How Will Ohio State Navigate the Transfer Portal?

The transfer portal continues to play an increasingly important role in college football. Ohio State has been active in the portal in recent years, bringing in talented players to help boost their roster. With the 2025 season on the horizon, the Buckeyes will need to continue their work in the portal to fill key holes and improve depth at critical positions.

Ohio State will likely look to add experience in the secondary and at linebacker, as well as shore up depth at wide receiver and running back. Success in the portal could be the difference between competing for a playoff spot and falling short. With the increasing mobility of players and a competitive transfer market, how Ohio State navigates the portal will be one of the most critical factors in building a championship-caliber team for 2025.