What are the top five offseason questions for Ohio State football? “The Athletic”
As the Ohio State football program prepares for the 2025 season, there are a number of important questions that need to be answered before the Buckeyes can make a legitimate run at a national championship. With the changing landscape of college football, including new rules around NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness), the transfer portal, and a highly competitive Big Ten, these questions will be pivotal in shaping the future of Ohio State’s football program. With Ryan Day entering his sixth year at the helm, the stakes have never been higher. After an eventful offseason, including high-profile recruitments and significant departures, the Buckeyes will be tested in several key areas as they look to keep their place among the nation’s elite programs.
Below, we’ll take a detailed look at the top five offseason questions for Ohio State football in 2025, with a focus on critical personnel changes, strategic decisions, and program-wide developments.
1. Who Will Step Up at Quarterback After C.J. Stroud’s Departure?
C.J. Stroud, Ohio State’s standout quarterback over the past few seasons, has now entered the NFL Draft, leaving a massive void under center for the Buckeyes. Stroud led the Buckeyes to multiple College Football Playoff appearances, showcased incredible poise and arm talent, and was one of the nation’s top quarterbacks during his time at Ohio State. His departure leaves Ohio State with a significant question to answer heading into 2025.
Ryan Day’s offense, known for its prolific passing game, has been built around a dynamic quarterback. The next signal-caller will need to continue this tradition of success, and the battle for the starting role is likely to be one of the most closely watched competitions in spring camp.
There are several candidates vying for the starting quarterback spot, each bringing different qualities to the table:
Kyle McCord: McCord, a former five-star recruit, has spent the past few years as Stroud’s backup and has had brief but promising moments in relief duty. His familiarity with the system and experience as a backup could give him an edge, but his ability to handle the pressure of being the starter for an elite program like Ohio State will be a major storyline. McCord’s arm strength and mobility will need to be fine-tuned to lead Ohio State’s high-powered offense effectively.
Devin Brown: Brown, another highly-touted recruit, has shown flashes of talent and could challenge McCord for the starting job. His ability to make plays with his legs, combined with a strong arm, could give him an advantage in an offense that often relies on versatility from the quarterback position. However, Brown’s inexperience compared to McCord could make it a more difficult transition for him in a high-stakes environment.
Both quarterbacks will need to show consistency, leadership, and a high level of play to win the starting job. Ryan Day has a reputation for developing quarterbacks, and whichever player emerges as the starter will need to execute the offense with precision to keep Ohio State in contention for a national title.
2. How Will Ohio State Replace Key Players on Offense?
Ohio State has become synonymous with elite talent at the skill positions, and 2025 is no different. However, the program has experienced significant departures in both the wide receiver and running back rooms, forcing Ryan Day and his staff to adjust their offensive personnel.
Wide Receiver Losses: Ohio State has produced a long line of exceptional wide receivers under Day, and 2025 will be no exception. The departure of players like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka leaves the Buckeyes with a massive hole in their receiving corps. While the program has a stable of talented young receivers, including the likes of Julian Fleming and Kojo Antwi, they will need to step up and prove they can be the go-to targets for the new quarterback.
The development of these young wide receivers will be crucial to Ohio State’s offensive success. Ryan Day has done an excellent job of developing wide receiver talent, and he’ll need to continue that trend in 2025. It’s also likely that the Buckeyes will dip into the transfer portal to find experienced players who can provide an immediate impact.
Running Back Depth: Another critical area is the running back position. Ohio State is losing a key contributor in their backfield, and the Buckeyes will need someone to fill the void left by departing running backs. Ohio State has been known for its ability to rotate several talented backs throughout the season, and 2025 will need someone to emerge as the lead back.
Travion Henderson, a former five-star recruit, has shown flashes of brilliance, but he has struggled with injuries in the past. If Henderson can stay healthy, he has the potential to be one of the best running backs in college football. However, the Buckeyes will also need other running backs like Miyan Williams and true freshman prospects to step up and contribute in what has historically been a committee approach at Ohio State.
3. How Will Ohio State Address Its Defensive Line Depth and Pass Rush?
Ohio State has long prided itself on having a dominant defensive line, but the 2025 season will present new challenges in this area. With key defensive line players departing, including Zach Harrison and other contributors, the Buckeyes need to reload their pass rush and fortify their defensive front.
The Importance of Defensive Line Play: In college football, a dominant defensive line is often the difference between a championship-caliber team and one that falls short. Ohio State’s defense has historically relied on its ability to pressure the quarterback, and that will need to continue in 2025. The Buckeyes will need to find players who can generate consistent pressure and disrupt opposing offenses.
A potential bright spot is J.T. Tuimoloau, one of the top pass-rushers in the nation, who is poised to take on a more prominent role. Tuimoloau has shown flashes of his potential, but 2025 could be the year he truly breaks out as a dominant force. Another player to watch is Jack Sawyer, who has the talent to develop into a future NFL player but needs to take that next step in his development.
Ohio State will also need to find depth behind these star players. If the Buckeyes are going to compete for a national title, they will need a rotation of players who can step in and maintain pressure throughout the game, ensuring that their defense is fresh and capable of dominating opposing offensive lines.
4. How Will the Transfer Portal Impact Ohio State’s Roster in 2025?
The transfer portal has revolutionized college football, and Ohio State is no exception. While the program has consistently been able to recruit top-tier talent, the portal offers an additional avenue for players to fill immediate needs or provide depth in key areas. In 2025, Ryan Day and his staff will need to be strategic in their approach to the portal.
Key Positions to Watch: Ohio State has already dipped into the portal to add depth at key positions, including wide receiver, defensive back, and linebacker. Given the roster changes, particularly in the skill positions and on defense, Ohio State is likely to continue looking for immediate-impact players who can provide a boost to the team.
One area that may require attention is the secondary, where the Buckeyes have seen some turnover in recent years. With the ever-increasing emphasis on passing offenses in college football, Ohio State’s ability to defend the pass will be crucial in 2025. Finding experienced cornerbacks and safeties through the portal could be key to bolstering the defense and allowing the team to contend for a national championship.
Developing Chemistry with Transfers: One of the key challenges that Ohio State will face with portal additions is ensuring that players can quickly integrate into the system and develop chemistry with their teammates. Transfer players often take time to adjust, so Ryan Day will need to ensure that the program’s culture remains strong and that incoming players can immediately contribute without disrupting the team’s cohesion.
5. Can Ohio State Compete for a National Championship in the Era of NIL and Conference Realignment?
As college football enters a new era, the landscape of recruiting and competition has changed dramatically with the introduction of NIL and conference realignment. Ohio State, like many programs, will have to navigate these new dynamics while striving to maintain its position as one of the top programs in the country.
NIL Impact: The emergence of NIL deals has altered the way college football programs recruit and retain players. Ohio State, with its immense fan base and media presence, is in a prime position to leverage NIL opportunities for its athletes. However, with rival programs such as Alabama, Georgia, and Texas A&M also investing heavily in NIL, Ohio State must stay ahead of the curve to attract and retain top talent.
Ryan Day and his staff will need to work with NIL collectives and ensure that the program remains competitive in this new recruiting environment. The impact of NIL on college football is still evolving, but Ohio State must find a way to balance it with its traditional recruiting advantages, such as player development and competitive success.
