How good will football be at Ohio State in 2025? This is what the metrics indicate.

Ohio State football has long been a powerhouse in college football, consistently competing for Big Ten titles and national championships. With a rich tradition of excellence, exceptional recruiting, and top-tier coaching, the Buckeyes enter every season with high expectations. However, as we look ahead to the 2025 season, the question remains: how good will Ohio State be in 2025?

By analyzing the key metrics that influence team performance—recruiting classes, returning players, coaching stability, and past performance—one can start to gain a clearer picture of what we can expect from the Buckeyes in 2025. In this article, we will break down these metrics to assess Ohio State’s potential for success in 2025.

1. Recruiting: Ohio State’s Engine for Success

One of the most significant factors in determining the future success of any college football program is its recruiting. Ohio State has consistently been one of the top recruiters in the nation, consistently landing elite talent at nearly every position. The Buckeyes’ recruiting strategy focuses on building depth across the roster while securing top-tier talent at key positions such as quarterback, wide receiver, offensive line, and defensive line. The 2025 season will be no different, and it’s important to evaluate Ohio State’s incoming recruits to see how they stack up against other top programs.

2025 Recruiting Class

As of early 2025, Ohio State has put together a recruiting class that ranks among the best in the nation. The Buckeyes’ recruiting efforts have focused on maintaining their position among the elite programs in college football, and their 2025 class reflects that commitment.

At the heart of Ohio State’s 2025 class is a highly ranked quarterback prospect, expected to be the next face of the program. Ohio State has long been known for developing elite quarterbacks, and the 2025 recruit looks poised to follow in the footsteps of quarterbacks like Justin Fields and CJ Stroud. This signal-caller will likely be the focal point of the offense, and his development will be crucial to Ohio State’s success in 2025.

In addition to quarterback, Ohio State has added depth at several positions of need. The Buckeyes secured multiple highly ranked wide receivers, offensive linemen, and defensive backs. Their wide receiver group, in particular, should be a point of strength in 2025, as the team continues to develop its air attack. Additionally, the defensive line and linebacker corps should be bolstered by a mix of incoming freshmen and highly touted defensive recruits.

Evaluating Ohio State’s Recruiting Success Over Time

Ohio State has finished in the top five of the national recruiting rankings in every year since 2017. The consistency of their recruiting efforts has made them one of the most talented teams in college football year in and year out. This consistency is a huge factor in assessing the future performance of the team.

With a strong recruiting pipeline, it’s reasonable to expect that Ohio State’s 2025 team will be filled with talent from top to bottom. The question, however, is whether this talent will be able to develop and perform under pressure, particularly with the challenges posed by a competitive Big Ten and the College Football Playoff race.

2. Returning Talent: Who Is Coming Back for 2025?

While recruiting plays a crucial role in a team’s success, the players already on the roster are the ones who will dictate the team’s performance in 2025. For Ohio State, the 2025 season will see a combination of returning veterans and promising young players stepping into larger roles.

Key Players Returning for 2025

• Quarterback Position: The most important position on the field is the quarterback, and in 2025, Ohio State will likely have a new signal-caller. The 2024 season will have provided a glimpse into the quarterback competition for 2025, as the Buckeyes have a highly ranked freshman or sophomore who will be expected to step in and produce immediately. If they can successfully transition into the role, they’ll help Ohio State maintain its offensive firepower.
• Offensive Line: Ohio State has a history of developing dominant offensive lines, and 2025 should be no exception. The 2025 season will feature a mix of experienced upperclassmen and talented younger players ready to step up. The offensive line has been a key part of Ohio State’s offensive success, and a strong line is essential for their ability to run the ball effectively and protect the quarterback.
• Wide Receivers: Ohio State has consistently produced elite wide receivers, and in 2025, they will once again feature a group of dangerous playmakers. Players like Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Julian Fleming will give the new quarterback a talented group of weapons to throw to, which should keep Ohio State’s passing game high-powered. The development of these receivers will be crucial in maintaining Ohio State’s offensive dominance.
• Defense: Defensively, Ohio State should be in good shape. The Buckeyes are expected to return several key players on defense, including linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, and safety Lathan Ransom. These returning players will provide leadership and experience, which will be essential as Ohio State looks to improve on their defensive performance in 2025. Ohio State’s defense has been a point of emphasis under head coach Ryan Day, and the 2025 squad will likely feature a more balanced, aggressive defense.

The Transfer Portal: Adding Immediate Help

In addition to the returning players, the transfer portal has become a critical tool for college football programs, and Ohio State has been active in utilizing it. The 2025 team may feature key transfer players who can immediately contribute. Whether it’s a veteran cornerback, a dynamic running back, or a veteran quarterback to provide depth, the Buckeyes are always looking to fill gaps with experienced talent.

Ohio State’s success in the transfer portal over the past few seasons has helped them stay ahead of the competition. By adding proven players from other programs, they’ve been able to maintain a competitive edge while also developing their young talent.

3. Coaching Stability and Ryan Day’s Leadership

Ohio State’s coaching staff is another critical factor when evaluating the team’s potential for 2025. Head coach Ryan Day has been at the helm of the Buckeyes since 2018, and under his leadership, the team has continued its status as one of the nation’s elite programs. Day has established a powerful, high-scoring offense while continuing to develop a defense that can compete with the best in the nation.

Ryan Day’s Coaching Impact

Ryan Day’s success has been evident in his ability to develop quarterbacks and maintain a top-tier offense year after year. Under Day, Ohio State has consistently ranked near the top of college football in total offense, and his ability to recruit top talent has made the Buckeyes one of the most formidable teams in the nation.

In 2025, Day will have the challenge of integrating new players into the system while maintaining the high standards Ohio State fans expect. How he handles the development of young quarterbacks, wide receivers, and defensive players will be key to determining Ohio State’s success in 2025.

The coaching staff has been stable under Day, with trusted coordinators and position coaches returning to continue their work. Stability at the top is vital for continued success, and Day’s ability to adapt to challenges, especially in the face of fierce competition from programs like Michigan, Penn State, and others, will determine how far Ohio State can go.

4. Past Performance and Big Ten Competition

Looking at past performance in the Big Ten will give us another useful metric in evaluating Ohio State’s chances in 2025. The Buckeyes have dominated the conference in recent years, consistently winning Big Ten titles and making appearances in the College Football Playoff. However, the competition in the Big Ten has grown stronger, particularly with Michigan’s resurgence under Jim Harbaugh and the rise of programs like Penn State and Wisconsin.

The Big Ten Challenge

Ohio State’s biggest challenge in 2025 may come from within its own conference. Michigan, fresh off a historic 2023 season in which they made the College Football Playoff, will be one of Ohio State’s toughest competitors. The rivalry between the Buckeyes and Wolverines is one of the most storied in college football, and in 2025, both teams will be looking to prove themselves as the top team in the conference.

Penn State and Wisconsin, along with other teams in the Big Ten, will also pose significant challenges for Ohio State. The Buckeyes will need to be at their best throughout the regular season to secure a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game and, more importantly, earn a potential College Football Playoff berth.

5. The 2025 Season Outlook: What the Metrics Say

In conclusion, the metrics indicate that Ohio State will once again be a top contender in 2025. The combination of elite recruiting, returning talent, experienced coaching, and a strong performance history puts the Buckeyes in a favorable position to compete for both the Big Ten Championship and a national title. The development of their new quarterback and continued success on both sides of the ball will be crucial.

Ohio State’s defense will need to continue improving under Ryan Day’s leadership, and the offensive line will need to stay healthy and dominate up front. If the Buckeyes can stay healthy, develop their young talent, and maintain their momentum in recruiting, they will undoubtedly remain one of the top teams in the country.

The 2025 season could very well be another banner year for Ohio State, with the potential to add another Big Ten title and even a national championship to their storied legacy.