Will a football player for Ohio State change his number in 2025? Buckeye Breakfast

The tradition, history, and culture surrounding the Ohio State Buckeyes football program are deeply rooted in the heart of college football. With a legacy built on national championships, NFL-caliber talent, and iconic performances, Ohio State has established itself as one of the most storied programs in college football. One aspect of Ohio State football that resonates with fans and players alike is the significance of jersey numbers.

For many athletes, their jersey number is more than just a symbol on the field. It represents their identity, their connection to the team, and the legacy they want to leave behind. Players, fans, and coaches alike place immense value on numbers that have been worn by legends of the past, numbers that have been synonymous with greatness, or numbers that reflect a player’s personal story. As a new crop of talent enters the Ohio State football program in 2025, the topic of jersey numbers is bound to spark conversations, particularly regarding potential number changes for current players.

In this piece, we explore whether any current Ohio State players will change their jersey numbers in 2025, the cultural and personal reasons behind such decisions, and what these changes mean for the players, the program, and the fans.

The Cultural Significance of Jersey Numbers at Ohio State

At Ohio State, the numbers players wear are often seen as more than just numerical identifiers; they are symbols of tradition. Over the years, many numbers have come to signify greatness, with iconic figures like Archie Griffin (number 45), Eddie George (number 27), and Chris Olave (number 2) etching their numbers into Buckeye lore.

Jersey numbers carry a great deal of weight in college football, but at Ohio State, there’s an additional layer of meaning that ties directly to the program’s history. Numbers like #1, #7, and #11 are often associated with game-changing playmakers, while others, like #45 and #27, evoke memories of some of the greatest players in Buckeye history. The significance of these numbers is not just about statistics but about the leadership, the legacy, and the identity a player builds around wearing such revered numbers.

For a program as successful as Ohio State, it’s not uncommon for players to wear the numbers that have been historically tied to legends. However, there are also opportunities for players to make their own mark on the field, symbolized by the numbers they choose. For the incoming class of 2025, this decision could be particularly important, as some players may look to continue a proud tradition, while others may want to forge their own identity.

Why Do Players Change Their Numbers?

The decision to change a jersey number is not a simple one. For a player, this change can have a variety of meanings—some personal, others professional. Several factors contribute to the decision for a football player to change his number, including:

1. Legacy and Tradition: Players may choose a number based on the tradition or history it carries. At a prestigious program like Ohio State, some players opt to wear numbers that reflect their admiration for past players who wore those digits. For example, a player might choose number 11 because of the legacy of former Buckeye greats like Joe Germaine and Braxton Miller. Others may choose a number that has personal significance or one that connects them to the school’s history.
2. Personal Preferences: Players may also change their numbers based on personal preferences, such as a connection to a favorite number from high school or a certain number that resonates with their journey. Some players have specific superstitions or emotional attachments to certain numbers that could influence their decision to change.
3. Position-Specific Numbering: Football numbers are typically grouped by positions—quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, etc. As a player transitions between positions, they may opt to change their number to better align with the norms of their new role. A running back may switch from number 89 to number 27 to fit with Ohio State’s tradition for elite ball-carriers, for example.
4. Branding and Identity: College athletes are more aware than ever of their personal brand, and changing a number can serve as an opportunity to redefine oneself. With social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, a player’s number becomes part of their public image. For some athletes, changing their jersey number can help them establish a new identity on the field and in the public eye.
5. NFL Aspirations: For players who have their eyes on a future in the NFL, the decision to change numbers might reflect a desire to wear a number similar to those worn by players they admire in the pros. Some athletes choose numbers that have been worn by NFL stars they look up to, both as a tribute to those players and as a way to establish their own future brand.

Key Players Who Could Change Their Numbers in 2025

As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for the 2025 season, several players might consider a change in their jersey number for the reasons listed above. While it’s always difficult to predict which players will opt for a number switch, there are several players on the roster who might make this move:

1. Quarterback Kyle McCord: McCord has already had some big shoes to fill at Ohio State, following in the footsteps of Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud. After spending time developing his game as a backup, McCord will likely have an opportunity to shine as the starting quarterback in 2025. Many fans might be expecting him to wear a traditional number for Ohio State quarterbacks, like #7 (previously worn by Braxton Miller and J.T. Barrett), but McCord could also choose a number that reflects his personal identity, perhaps opting for a less conventional choice. If McCord wants to make a statement, changing his number could be part of building his legacy at Ohio State.
2. Wide Receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.: One of the most exciting players in college football heading into 2025, Marvin Harrison Jr. is expected to be one of the top wide receivers in the country. With his strong performances in 2023 and 2024, Harrison is already a household name in college football. If Harrison plans to return for another season and aims for an even bigger impact in 2025, a change in his number could be a symbolic gesture. Following in the footsteps of his father, Marvin Harrison Sr., who wore #88 for the Indianapolis Colts, Jr. may choose to follow the same number tradition or break from the mold to create his own legacy at Ohio State.
3. Running Back TreVeyon Henderson: TreVeyon Henderson has been one of Ohio State’s most electric running backs since arriving on campus, and 2025 could be his final season with the Buckeyes. Henderson may consider changing his number as a way to assert his dominance in the backfield. Historically, running backs at Ohio State have worn numbers like #27 (Eddie George) or #45 (Archie Griffin), numbers that carry tremendous weight within the Buckeye community. While Henderson currently wears #32, a switch to one of these iconic numbers would put him in the ranks of past Ohio State legends, potentially elevating his status as one of the best to ever play the position for the Buckeyes.
4. Defensive End Jack Sawyer: Sawyer, a highly touted recruit and one of the standout defensive players for Ohio State, has the potential to be a future star on the defensive line. His physical play style and leadership on the field make him a prime candidate for a number change that could further cement his place in Ohio State lore. A transition to a number worn by past defensive stars could help him embrace his role as a key leader on the defense, inspiring both teammates and fans alike.

The Potential for New Incoming Freshmen to Change Numbers

In addition to the returning players who may change their numbers, the incoming freshmen class for Ohio State in 2025 will likely have the opportunity to wear numbers that hold special significance. Historically, Ohio State has had a tradition of incoming players wearing numbers that reflect their readiness to carry on the legacy of their predecessors.

Freshman players often choose numbers based on their position, their connection to certain legends, or their personal preferences. As Ohio State continues to recruit high-profile talent, these new players will have the chance to pick numbers that resonate with them and their vision for the future. The university’s policy on number distribution, combined with each player’s individual goals, will determine who gets to wear what number—and whether or not any players will make significant changes to the numbers they’ve previously worn in high school.

The Impact on Fans and the Program

For fans, a jersey number change can have a profound impact. College football fans are passionate and loyal, and they develop strong emotional connections to the players who wear their team’s jerseys. When a player changes their number, it can create a sense of renewal and excitement, particularly if the number has significant historical value. Conversely, for some fans, the change could be met with hesitation or confusion, especially if a number is synonymous with a particular legend.

However, in the case of Ohio State, the loyalty to the team and the tradition of excellence transcends individual numbers. Buckeye fans are known for supporting their players regardless of the jersey they wear. If a player like McCord, Harrison Jr., or Henderson were to change numbers, fans would likely embrace the move, recognizing that the decision reflects the player’s personal journey and aspirations.

 A New Era at Ohio State?

As Ohio State moves forward into the 2025 season, the potential for number changes among key players will undoubtedly be a topic of interest. Whether it’s a quarterback looking to define his legacy, a running back aiming to emulate past legends, or a wide receiver making a statement on the national stage, the significance of jersey numbers will remain an integral part of the Ohio State football experience.

While we may not know for certain which players will change their numbers, one thing is clear: Ohio State’s tradition of excellence, both on and off the field, will continue to be a driving force for the program. The journey of each player is defined by the moments they create, and whether they wear an iconic number or forge a new path with a different one, their legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of Buckeye fans for generations to come.