Projected depth chart for Ohio State football in 2025: What’s the outlook following the senior exodus?
Ohio State football has become synonymous with excellence. Year after year, the Buckeyes remain a powerhouse in the Big Ten and a perennial contender in the College Football Playoff (CFP) race. However, as we move toward the 2025 season, Ohio State will experience significant roster changes due to a senior exodus. The question that’s on the minds of fans, analysts, and players alike is: What will the 2025 Ohio State football team look like after the departure of key seniors?
In this article, we’ll break down the projected depth chart for Ohio State in 2025, analyze the roster’s outlook, and assess how the team is likely to navigate these changes.
The Senior Exodus: What’s Gone?
Before delving into the projected depth chart for the 2025 season, it’s important to understand who the Buckeyes are losing after the 2024 season. Ohio State is poised to lose several key players due to graduation and the NFL Draft. This includes high-impact seniors and draft-eligible underclassmen who have been cornerstones of the team’s success in recent years.
1. Quarterback: Kyle McCord (if he declares for the draft)
Kyle McCord, Ohio State’s starting quarterback in 2024, has been a solid leader for the Buckeyes and is expected to be one of the top quarterbacks available in the NFL Draft if he declares. Losing McCord would be a significant departure, as he’s been a part of the program for several years, learning from the best and growing into one of the top quarterbacks in college football.
2. Wide Receiver: Marvin Harrison Jr.
One of the most highly anticipated NFL prospects in recent memory, Marvin Harrison Jr. has been Ohio State’s most lethal weapon in the passing game. His combination of size, speed, and hands makes him a top-tier wide receiver, and he’s expected to be selected in the top five picks of the 2025 NFL Draft. His departure will leave a significant hole in the Buckeyes’ receiving corps.
3. Offensive Line: Paris Johnson Jr. and Dawand Jones
Two of the most formidable offensive linemen in the country, Paris Johnson Jr. and Dawand Jones, are expected to be drafted in the early rounds of the NFL Draft. Their presence on Ohio State’s offensive line has been pivotal in both the passing and running game, and their departures will leave sizable gaps that must be filled.
4. Defensive Line: J.T. Tuimoloau and Tyleik Williams
On the defensive side, J.T. Tuimoloau has been one of the most dominant pass rushers in college football, and Tyleik Williams has emerged as a strong force on the interior of the defensive line. Both players are expected to depart for the NFL, meaning the Buckeyes will need to reload their defensive line.
5. Linebacker: Tommy Eichenberg
Tommy Eichenberg has been the heart and soul of the Buckeyes’ defense, providing leadership and solid play at linebacker. His ability to read offenses and contribute both in the run and passing game will be tough to replace, but Ohio State has depth at linebacker that could help mitigate the loss.
6. Secondary: Cameron Brown and Denzel Burke
Ohio State will also lose several key players from their secondary, including Cameron Brown and Denzel Burke. The Buckeyes’ secondary has been known for its physicality and playmaking ability, and these departures will require new players to step up.
Projected Depth Chart for Ohio State in 2025
After the senior exodus, Ohio State will lean on their recruiting class, returning players, and coaching staff to keep the momentum going. While the loss of so many key players creates uncertainty, the Buckeyes’ depth is one of their greatest strengths. With new stars waiting to emerge, the 2025 team is expected to reload rather than rebuild.
Offensive Depth Chart
Quarterback: Devin Brown
With McCord likely moving on to the NFL, the starting quarterback job in 2025 is expected to be handed to Devin Brown, a highly touted prospect from the 2023 class. Brown has spent time behind McCord in the 2024 season, gaining valuable experience and preparing for his chance to lead the Buckeyes. Brown possesses a strong arm, excellent mobility, and the leadership qualities needed to be the face of the offense. His transition into the starting role will be key to Ohio State’s success in 2025.
Running Back: Travion Henderson (or a potential committee approach)
With the departure of Miyan Williams, Ohio State will rely on Travion Henderson, who has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, to be the feature back. Henderson is a dynamic, all-purpose back who can make plays in both the rushing and passing game. However, if Henderson is unable to carry the full load, expect the Buckeyes to utilize a running back by committee approach, with Dallan Hayden and incoming freshmen contributing as well.
Wide Receiver: Julian Fleming, Emeka Egbuka, and Marvin Harrison Jr. (if a return is possible)
The loss of Marvin Harrison Jr. leaves a massive hole in Ohio State’s wide receiving corps. However, Julian Fleming and Emeka Egbuka are ready to step up and assume leadership roles in 2025. Fleming, a highly skilled receiver, will have the opportunity to become one of the nation’s top targets, and Egbuka will continue to show why he is one of the most exciting young talents in college football. Both players have the skill sets to fill the void left by Harrison Jr. and continue Ohio State’s tradition of elite wide receivers.
Tight End: Cade Stover
Cade Stover will be Ohio State’s primary tight end in 2025. A physical and versatile player, Stover has the potential to be a key weapon in both the passing and running game. He’s shown flashes of brilliance in 2024 and will likely play a crucial role in the Buckeyes’ offense.
Offensive Line:
With the departures of Paris Johnson Jr. and Dawand Jones, Ohio State will need to reload its offensive line. However, the program has recruited highly talented players who will be expected to step in and contribute immediately. Josh Fryar, Donovan Jackson, and Matthew Jones will likely take on leadership roles, while incoming freshmen like Austin Siereveld and Luke Montgomery will look to challenge for starting spots. The offensive line is one of the most important positions for Ohio State, and their ability to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes will be critical to the team’s success.
Defensive Depth Chart
Defensive Line: Jack Sawyer and Michael Hall Jr.
Even though Ohio State loses key pieces like J.T. Tuimoloau and Tyleik Williams, the defensive line remains a strong point for the Buckeyes. Jack Sawyer, who has shown his ability as a pass rusher, is expected to emerge as one of the top defensive players on the team. Michael Hall Jr. will anchor the interior of the defensive line and look to dominate against both the run and pass. The Buckeyes will also rely on young players like Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. to provide depth and contribute in the trenches.
Linebacker: Steel Chambers and Cody Simon
In the absence of Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State will lean on Steel Chambers and Cody Simon to lead the linebacker corps. Chambers, in particular, has shown the ability to be a physical and fast linebacker, capable of making plays against both the run and pass. Simon has been a dependable piece of the defense, and in 2025, he will be expected to take on an expanded role in both leadership and production.
Secondary: Jahaden McKenzie and Jyaire Brown
With the departure of Cameron Brown and Denzel Burke, Ohio State will have to fill the void in its secondary. Jahaden McKenzie is a promising cornerback who has shown significant potential during his time at Ohio State. He will need to step up and take on a leadership role in the defensive backfield. Additionally, Jyaire Brown will be tasked with making an impact at the cornerback position, while Malik Hartford and Kye Stokes will compete for the safety spots.
Special Teams:
Kicker: Noah Ruggles
Punter: Jessie Mirco
The special teams unit will largely remain the same in 2025, with Noah Ruggles returning as the placekicker and Jessie Mirco holding down punting duties. Both have been solid contributors and will be counted on for consistency in 2025.
Outlook for Ohio State in 2025
Despite the significant losses due to the senior exodus, Ohio State is in an enviable position heading into the 2025 season. The team has a wealth of talent returning and a recruiting class full of high-profile players ready to contribute. Key positions like quarterback, wide receiver, and the defensive line will be critical in maintaining the program’s success.
Offensively, the development of Devin Brown will be one of the most important factors in Ohio State’s quest to remain at the top of college football. If Brown can take the reins and lead the offense effectively, the Buckeyes will continue to be one of the most potent teams in the Big Ten. Julian Fleming and Emeka Egbuka will also play significant roles in keeping the receiving game at an elite level.
Defensively, Ohio State has enough talent to remain one of the top units in the nation. With players like Jack Sawyer, Michael Hall Jr., and Steel Chambers, the Buckeyes’ defense will continue to be tough and well-coached under Jim Knowles. The defense will likely need some time to gel with the influx of younger players, but the talent is there to dominate.
