This Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver has been called out for the 2025 college football season.

Ohio State Buckeyes Wide Receiver Called Out for the 2025 College Football Season: What’s Next for the Rising Star?

The Ohio State Buckeyes football program has consistently been a powerhouse in college football, producing some of the most talented and dynamic players in the nation year after year. The wide receiver position, in particular, has been a key position for Ohio State, with notable alumni like Michael Thomas, Terry McLaurin, and most recently, Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson making their marks in the NFL. However, with the 2025 college football season on the horizon, one Buckeye wide receiver has recently been called out to rise above the rest and prove himself as one of the premier talents in the country.

This wide receiver, who has the potential to be a breakout star in 2025, faces both the weight of expectation and the opportunity to establish himself as one of the best at his position. His performance in the upcoming season could be pivotal not only for his career but for Ohio State’s title aspirations.

The Buckeye Tradition of Elite Wide Receivers

Before delving into the specifics of the player who has been called out for 2025, it’s important to understand the tradition of elite wide receivers at Ohio State. The program has consistently produced top-tier wideouts who have gone on to make their marks in the NFL.

Players like Michael Thomas, a dominant receiver for the New Orleans Saints, revolutionized the position at Ohio State before setting records in the NFL. Terry McLaurin, another Buckeye product, has become one of the most dependable and skilled wide receivers in the league, while Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, who both recently entered the NFL, have continued the tradition of producing elite wide receivers from Ohio State.

This long history of success places immense pressure on any wide receiver coming into the program, especially those who are expected to be key contributors in the future. The Buckeyes’ offense has been built around dynamic playmakers at the wide receiver position, and the expectation is that this next wave of talent will carry on that legacy.

The Player in the Spotlight: A Rising Star

In the 2025 season, one player who has been called out to step into the spotlight is Julian Fleming. A highly touted recruit when he joined Ohio State in 2020, Fleming has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to fully realize his potential. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound wide receiver from Pennsylvania was ranked as one of the top wide receiver recruits in the nation and was considered by many as a future superstar. As he enters his fourth year with the team, the call has come for him to step up and deliver on the immense promise that accompanied his arrival in Columbus.

A Promising Start, But Inconsistent Development

Fleming’s journey to this point has been marked by both promise and inconsistency. After committing to Ohio State, he was expected to become one of the team’s key playmakers, providing a deep threat and a reliable target for whoever was behind center. His first few seasons have been a mix of high expectations and sporadic contributions. While Fleming has shown flashes of his potential, he has struggled to stay healthy and develop a consistent rapport with the quarterbacks at Ohio State.

The 2021 and 2022 seasons were particularly challenging for Fleming. Although he made important contributions to the team, he was overshadowed by other star receivers like Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, who were both first-round NFL draft picks. Despite being part of a loaded receiver room, Fleming’s development was slowed due to a combination of injuries and competition for snaps. As a result, he didn’t consistently see the kind of playing time that would have allowed him to fully develop.

However, in 2023 and 2024, Fleming’s play began to show signs of improvement. With Olave and Wilson gone, and with an emerging new quarterback in Kyle McCord or Devin Brown, Fleming had the opportunity to carve out a larger role in the offense. The 2024 season saw Fleming begin to make more impactful plays, and he established himself as a reliable weapon for the Buckeyes. However, he still wasn’t the dominant receiver that many expected when he first arrived on campus. Now, in 2025, the pressure is on for him to finally fulfill his potential.

The Call-Out: What’s at Stake for Fleming in 2025

The call-out for Fleming to step up in 2025 comes with high stakes. Ohio State is coming off a successful season, but it’s clear that the program is still in search of that next star wide receiver to elevate its offense. The Buckeyes’ title aspirations depend on whether they can develop a true No. 1 option at wide receiver, someone who can take the top off the defense, win contested catches, and be a game-changer in big moments.

Fleming’s skills are undeniable, but he must show that he can deliver consistently. He has the size, speed, and physicality to be a dominant receiver, but there have been questions about his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. The call for him to rise to the occasion is rooted in the fact that, as the season progresses, the Buckeyes will need a true leader in the wide receiver room, and Fleming has all the tools to fill that role.

The Need for Consistency

For Fleming to truly break out in 2025, he must find a way to be consistently productive. His flashes of brilliance have been evident in several games over the past few years, but he has yet to put together a full season of high-level play. In 2025, Ohio State needs Fleming to step up and become a reliable target every single game. Whether it’s making tough catches over the middle, breaking away for a big gain, or blocking downfield to spring running backs, Fleming’s role must be expanded.

Ohio State has a history of wide receivers who became elite by developing consistency over the course of their careers. For Fleming, this means becoming someone who can be counted on in all aspects of the game — not just as a deep threat but also as a possession receiver who can move the chains and make critical catches in the red zone.

Gaining Trust from the Quarterback

Another key area of focus for Fleming in 2025 is building chemistry and trust with the quarterback. With the potential of either McCord or Brown under center, Fleming needs to establish a strong rapport with whichever signal-caller leads the offense. As we’ve seen in the past with great wide receivers, having a quarterback who trusts you to make big plays is essential to being successful. Fleming needs to prove that he can be the go-to target when it matters most, especially in crucial third-down situations or during late-game drives.

Adjusting to Changes in the Offense

Ohio State’s offensive scheme has undergone some changes in recent years. With the departure of former offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson and the rise of new offensive minds, the team’s system may evolve in 2025. Fleming must be adaptable and show that he can thrive in whatever scheme the Buckeyes deploy. Whether that means being more of a traditional possession receiver or stretching the field as a deep threat, Fleming’s ability to adjust to the team’s offensive needs will be vital for his success and the success of the team.

Ohio State’s Wide Receiver Room in 2025

Fleming won’t be the only receiver vying for significant snaps in 2025. The Buckeyes are also bringing in an exciting group of younger wide receivers, such as Brandon Innis, Carnell Tate, and Kojo Antwi, who will be looking to make an impact. While these players are talented, Fleming’s experience and leadership will be critical for stabilizing the position group. If he can step up and become the No. 1 target, it will not only help the Buckeyes’ offense but will also provide a blueprint for the younger receivers to follow.

Competition with Other Teams

Ohio State plays in the Big Ten, a conference that is known for its tough defenses and competitive programs. To make a run at the College Football Playoff in 2025, Fleming and the Buckeyes will have to face some of the best defenses in the country, including those from Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin. Being able to perform against elite defenses will test Fleming’s ability to make plays in the most challenging situations. However, if he can rise to the occasion and put together a standout season, he will solidify his place as one of the best wide receivers in the country.

The NFL Draft Looms

As 2025 progresses, Fleming will also have his eyes on the NFL Draft. The wide receiver position is one of the most competitive in terms of talent, and scouts will be watching closely to see how Fleming performs in his final year at Ohio State. A standout season could elevate his draft stock and place him among the top wide receivers available in the draft. However, to get there, he needs to prove that he can deliver on his potential and become the type of player who can dominate at the next level.