Skull Session: Ohio State Places 101st in the Nation for 2025 Returning Production, with Five Buckeyes Finishing in C

As the 2025 college football season draws closer, much of the buzz around the Ohio State football program revolves around the Buckeyes’ ability to reload and rebound after a significant roster turnover. After a successful 2024 campaign that saw Ohio State finish as one of the top teams in the nation, the Buckeyes now find themselves in a transitional phase. According to the latest returning production rankings, Ohio State is sitting at a somewhat surprising 101st place nationally. This ranking, which is based on the percentage of production that is returning from the previous season, has raised eyebrows within the college football community.

In this Skull Session, we will break down the factors that have led to Ohio State’s lower-than-expected returning production ranking, the players who will play pivotal roles in the upcoming season, and how the team can still thrive despite this turnover. Moreover, we will take a deeper look at the Buckeyes’ position and how their potential for success hinges on both emerging talent and the adjustments made by head coach Ryan Day and his coaching staff.

The 101st Place Ranking: What Does It Mean?

For the uninitiated, returning production refers to the amount of key contributors a team has coming back after the previous season. This includes returning starters, key reserves, and players who had significant roles in games but may not have started. Teams with high returning production are often considered to be in a strong position to maintain or improve upon their previous performance, as they don’t have to replace as many key pieces.

In Ohio State’s case, the 101st-place ranking is quite surprising, especially when compared to the team’s recent success on the field. Over the past few seasons, Ohio State has been a staple in the College Football Playoff conversation, with dynamic players like C.J. Stroud, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Paris Johnson Jr., and Zach Harrison leading the charge. However, the 2025 season will see the departure of many of these key figures, with several of them entering the NFL Draft or moving on due to graduation.

When you look at the 101st ranking for Ohio State, several factors contribute to this. First, the Buckeyes have lost a significant amount of talent to the NFL, with Stroud and Smith-Njigba leading a large list of departures. These losses alone account for much of the reduced returning production. On top of that, the Buckeyes have seen other players move on to the NFL or choose to transfer to other programs. This exodus has left Ohio State with a much younger and less experienced team compared to the 2024 season.

Key Departures and Their Impact on Production

The most notable departures for Ohio State in 2025 are undoubtedly C.J. Stroud and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Stroud, a former Heisman Trophy finalist, leaves behind a massive void at quarterback, one that will be filled by either Kyle McCord or Devin Brown in 2025. While both quarterbacks have shown potential, neither has the same level of experience as Stroud, which could lead to growing pains early in the season.

Meanwhile, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who was one of the best wide receivers in the country during his time at Ohio State, leaves a gap in the wide receiver room. His departure creates an opportunity for younger players like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka to step up, but replacing a player of Smith-Njigba’s caliber is no small task. Fortunately, Ohio State has been successful in developing wide receivers, and Harrison Jr. looks poised to take the reins as the team’s top target.

Additionally, Paris Johnson Jr., a standout offensive tackle, and Zach Harrison, a force on the defensive line, are both off to the NFL. These departures significantly impact Ohio State’s depth and experience on both sides of the ball. The offensive line, in particular, will need to reload quickly, as Johnson was a cornerstone of that unit for multiple seasons.

Five Buckeyes Finish with a C Grade in Returning Production

As mentioned earlier, one of the most striking elements of Ohio State’s ranking in the returning production study is the fact that five key Buckeyes received a C grade. A grade of C indicates that the player is returning from a solid, yet unspectacular role in the previous season—enough to show potential but perhaps not the level of high-impact performance required to make the jump into the elite category. These players, though crucial, represent areas where Ohio State will need to either rely on their improvement or search for new contributors to emerge.

1. Kyle McCord (Quarterback)

The Buckeyes’ starting quarterback in 2025 will likely be Kyle McCord, who has spent time as a backup to C.J. Stroud but has not yet had the chance to lead the team on a consistent basis. McCord has the talent to succeed, but he has big shoes to fill. His performance will be under constant scrutiny, as Ohio State fans expect their quarterback to not only keep the offense efficient but also elevate the team to championship contention. McCord’s ability to step up and deliver will be crucial to Ohio State’s success, and his progress will be something to keep an eye on in the coming months.

2. Emeka Egbuka (Wide Receiver)

Emeka Egbuka is another player who could have a big impact in 2025. Egbuka has flashed potential during his time at Ohio State, but with the departure of Smith-Njigba and the increased expectations for Harrison Jr., Egbuka will be called upon to provide stability and leadership in the receiving corps. His ability to consistently make plays and fill the void left by Smith-Njigba will be a defining factor in Ohio State’s offensive success. Egbuka, with a C grade in returning production, has the talent, but he needs to take that next step to fulfill the team’s expectations.

3. Donovan Jackson (Offensive Line)

The offensive line will be one of the most crucial areas of focus for Ohio State in 2025. With the departure of Paris Johnson Jr., Donovan Jackson will be one of the veterans tasked with leading a largely unproven offensive line. Jackson has shown promise in previous seasons, but his transition to a more prominent leadership role will determine the unit’s success. The Buckeyes will need Jackson to elevate his game and help develop the younger offensive linemen who will be stepping into starting roles.

4. Jack Sawyer (Defensive End)

On the defensive side of the ball, Jack Sawyer will be expected to take a significant step forward in 2025. With Zach Harrison’s departure, Sawyer will need to become a dominant force on the defensive line. He has shown flashes of brilliance during his time at Ohio State but has yet to fully realize his potential. As the defense’s top pass rusher, Sawyer’s ability to disrupt the opposing offense and create pressure will be essential for Ohio State’s defensive success in 2025.

5. Lathan Ransom (Safety)

Lathan Ransom, a key figure in Ohio State’s secondary, is another player who will need to take on a larger role in 2025. Ransom has been a steady contributor in the defensive backfield, but the Buckeyes will need him to be more consistent and impactful in the absence of several key defensive players. His ability to lock down receivers and contribute to both the run and pass defense will be pivotal in maintaining Ohio State’s defensive integrity.

Overcoming the Challenges: How Ohio State Can Thrive in 2025

Despite the low ranking in returning production, Ohio State is more than capable of thriving in 2025. The team’s culture of excellence, recruiting prowess, and experienced coaching staff give the Buckeyes a strong foundation to overcome the challenges they face.

1. Development of Young Players

Ohio State’s coaching staff, led by Ryan Day, has a proven track record of developing young talent. The team has recruited top-tier players year after year, and while many of them will be stepping into starting roles in 2025, the Buckeyes have consistently shown they can develop players quickly. The performance of the young quarterbacks, receivers, and linemen will be crucial to Ohio State’s success, and the coaching staff will need to get the most out of their emerging talent.

2. Use of the Transfer Portal

Another way Ohio State can mitigate the effects of its roster turnover is by leveraging the transfer portal to add experienced players to the roster. With the NCAA’s transfer portal system providing an opportunity to bring in established talent, Ohio State could bolster its roster with immediate-impact players at positions of need, such as offensive line and defensive back.

3. Leadership and Coaching

Ultimately, Ohio State’s leadership under Ryan Day and his staff will be one of the biggest factors in determining the team’s success. Day has shown he can adjust his offensive game plan to fit the talents of his players, and he will need to do the same with a younger, less experienced squad. His ability to motivate his players, develop their skills, and make in-game adjustments will be critical as the Buckeyes navigate a challenging season in 2025.