Ohio State football’s 2025 staff is complete. Here’s who’s working with Ryan Day
The Ohio State Buckeyes are a powerhouse in college football, known for their elite recruitment, championship-caliber performances, and a tradition of winning. As the 2025 season approaches, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has finalized his coaching staff, securing key positions to help the Buckeyes maintain their dominance in the Big Ten and national championships. After a season of transition and changes across the coaching ranks, the finalized staff under Day’s leadership promises to continue Ohio State’s legacy of excellence.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the 2025 Ohio State football coaching staff, analyzing the roles, responsibilities, and backgrounds of the key individuals who will be working with Ryan Day to guide the team to success. From new faces to seasoned veterans, Day’s staff is poised to make the most of the program’s talent and elevate the team to new heights.
Ryan Day: Head Coach and Program Architect
Ryan Day, who has served as Ohio State’s head coach since 2019, remains at the helm of one of the most elite football programs in the nation. Under Day’s leadership, Ohio State has consistently been a national contender, regularly competing for Big Ten titles and securing spots in the College Football Playoff. Day’s offensive genius has been a hallmark of his tenure, with a high-flying offense capable of competing with the best in the country.
Day’s background as an offensive coordinator has made him one of the brightest minds in college football, and as head coach, he has implemented a fast-paced, high-powered offense. His ability to recruit top-tier talent, particularly at the quarterback, wide receiver, and offensive line positions, has kept Ohio State among the top programs year in and year out.
As the 2025 season approaches, Ryan Day is focused not only on sustaining Ohio State’s offensive success but also on developing the defense, maintaining elite special teams units, and ensuring player development across the board. His vision for the team remains rooted in discipline, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of championships.
The Coaching Staff: Key Positions and New Faces
While Ryan Day’s leadership is the cornerstone of the Ohio State football program, his staff is filled with talented coaches who help bring his vision to life. Below are the key members of Ohio State’s 2025 coaching staff, each of whom will play a crucial role in the Buckeyes’ success:
1. Jim Knowles – Defensive Coordinator
A pivotal addition to the Ohio State coaching staff in recent years, Jim Knowles has made an immediate impact as the defensive coordinator for the Buckeyes. Coming to Ohio State from Oklahoma State, Knowles brought with him a reputation for building aggressive, high-pressure defenses. Under his tutelage, Oklahoma State’s defense was consistently among the best in the Big 12, and his coaching philosophy is expected to be a game-changer for Ohio State’s defense.
Knowles’ defensive scheme is rooted in attacking the quarterback, creating turnovers, and improving the overall toughness and physicality of the defense. His ability to adapt and adjust in high-pressure situations has been one of his strengths, and Ohio State fans are expecting him to significantly improve the defense in 2025, particularly in key matchups against explosive Big Ten offenses.
In 2025, Knowles will look to build on the improvements made in previous seasons. His unit will focus on stopping the run, creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and developing a strong secondary to complement the defensive line’s play.
2. Brian Hartline – Offensive Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach
Brian Hartline, one of the most respected coaches in the nation, continues to be a key figure in Ohio State’s offensive success. Hartline’s work as Ohio State’s wide receivers coach has been nothing short of exceptional, having coached some of the best wide receivers in college football history, including first-round NFL draft picks like Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave.
In 2025, Hartline will not only continue to coach the wide receivers but also take on the role of offensive coordinator. As the architect of Ohio State’s elite passing game, Hartline is poised to continue developing some of the nation’s top wide receivers while also having a broader influence on the entire offense. His deep understanding of the game and his ability to develop dynamic pass catchers will be vital as Ohio State continues to field one of the most potent offenses in the country.
Hartline’s emphasis on creating mismatches for opposing defenses, along with his ability to develop future NFL stars, will help ensure that Ohio State’s passing game remains one of the best in college football.
3. Tony Alford – Running Backs Coach
Tony Alford has been an integral part of Ohio State’s success for several years, and his position as running backs coach will remain crucial in 2025. Alford is known for his ability to recruit and develop running backs, and under his guidance, Ohio State has produced some of the most dynamic players in the country, including J.K. Dobbins, Ezekiel Elliott, and TreVeyon Henderson.
In 2025, Alford will continue to develop Ohio State’s running back room, focusing on producing top-tier talent while maintaining a balanced offense. His focus will be on developing running backs who are both explosive and capable of being effective in all facets of the game, whether it’s rushing the football, catching passes out of the backfield, or blocking to protect the quarterback.
With a strong offensive line and an elite passing game, Ohio State’s running back position is set to be a key asset in maintaining balance and unpredictability on offense in 2025.
4. Larry Johnson – Defensive Line Coach
Larry Johnson is one of the most respected defensive line coaches in college football, and his continued presence on the Ohio State coaching staff is vital for the team’s success. Johnson has developed a long list of NFL-caliber defensive linemen, including players like Chase Young, Nick Bosa, and Joey Bosa. His ability to develop elite pass rushers and stop the run has kept Ohio State’s defensive line among the best in the nation.
In 2025, Johnson will continue to oversee Ohio State’s defensive line, focusing on developing young talent and ensuring that his group is ready to compete at a championship level. The defensive line will be critical to Jim Knowles’ aggressive defensive philosophy, and Johnson’s leadership will be crucial in preparing the front seven to dominate.
5. Greg Studrawa – Offensive Line Coach
Ohio State’s offensive line has long been a strength of the program, and Greg Studrawa has been at the helm of this unit since 2016. Studrawa’s coaching has helped produce some of the top offensive line talent in the country, and in 2025, his expertise will continue to play a key role in Ohio State’s success.
The offensive line is often the unsung hero of a high-powered offense, and Studrawa’s ability to develop linemen who can both protect the quarterback and open up holes for the running game will be critical in 2025. With top recruits and returning talent, Studrawa will look to maintain Ohio State’s offensive line dominance and ensure that the Buckeyes can control the line of scrimmage in every game.
6. Matt Barnes – Secondary Coach
Matt Barnes will continue his work as the defensive backs coach in 2025, building on the success of previous seasons. Barnes is known for his ability to develop elite cornerbacks and safeties, and under his guidance, Ohio State’s secondary has been one of the best in the Big Ten.
In 2025, Barnes will focus on developing a secondary that can handle the high-powered passing offenses of the Big Ten and national opponents. His work will be critical in ensuring that Ohio State can compete with teams that possess elite quarterbacks and wide receivers.
7. Kevin Wilson – Tight Ends Coach and Offensive Coordinator Advisor
Kevin Wilson, who has been an integral part of Ohio State’s offensive staff, will continue his work with the tight ends in 2025. Wilson’s coaching has helped develop standout tight ends, and his influence on the overall offensive strategy will continue to be felt. His experience as a former head coach adds a level of depth to Ohio State’s offensive coaching staff, allowing Day to lean on him for strategic insights.
The Coaching Staff’s Goals for 2025
With Ryan Day at the helm, the goal for the 2025 coaching staff is simple: to bring Ohio State back to the College Football Playoff and compete for a national championship. To accomplish this, the coaching staff will focus on several key objectives:
- Continued Offensive Dominance: Led by Brian Hartline, Ohio State’s offense will remain high-powered and explosive. With elite skill players and one of the nation’s top quarterbacks, the Buckeyes will look to maintain their reputation as one of the most dangerous offenses in college football.
- Defensive Improvement: Under Jim Knowles’ leadership, the Buckeyes will aim to improve their defense, focusing on generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks and building a secondary capable of locking down elite wide receivers.
- Developing Young Talent: With an influx of young, talented players, the coaching staff will focus on player development, ensuring that recruits are ready to step in and contribute immediately.
- Maintaining Special Teams Excellence: Special teams often play a key role in close games, and the coaching staff will continue to place an emphasis on making big plays in special teams situations.
