Ohio State has a recruiting class littered with potential breakout stars that you need to get to know

Ohio State’s football program has long been a powerhouse in college football, consistently producing top-tier talent, and the 2025 recruiting class looks poised to continue that tradition. As always, Ohio State is bringing in a crop of elite recruits, many of whom are already being touted as potential breakout stars. These players are set to make an impact in the coming years, and it’s worth taking a closer look at some of the most exciting prospects in the class.

1. Dylan Raiola – Quarterback (Class of 2025)

One of the most high-profile recruits in the nation, Dylan Raiola is a quarterback whose name has been mentioned in recruiting circles for years. A 6’3″, 220-pound dual-threat quarterback, Raiola has the size, arm strength, and mobility to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level. He is the number one overall recruit in the 2025 class, and it’s easy to see why.

Raiola possesses a quick release, elite arm strength, and is capable of throwing to all levels of the field. He can make every throw with accuracy and has a natural ability to read defenses. Additionally, Raiola’s mobility allows him to extend plays, making him even more dangerous. Ohio State has a tradition of developing elite quarterbacks, and with Raiola joining the program, the Buckeyes may have another future star under center.

2. Brandon Ennis – Wide Receiver (Class of 2025)

Brandon Ennis is a 6’0″, 195-pound wide receiver who has the speed and agility to excel in any offensive system, but he’s especially dangerous in Ohio State’s up-tempo, pass-heavy offense. Ennis is known for his route-running precision, strong hands, and ability to make plays after the catch. He has the ability to take the top off a defense with his deep speed, but he’s also a technician in the intermediate passing game.

Ennis’s quickness, paired with his ball skills, make him a potential breakout star in the Ohio State offense. His ability to consistently create separation from defenders and make plays in the red zone should give him an early opportunity to contribute, especially with the Buckeyes’ reputation for developing elite wide receivers. His potential as both a deep threat and a reliable chain-mover makes him an exciting prospect for the future.

3. Jeremiah Smith – Wide Receiver (Class of 2025)

Another standout wide receiver in this class, Jeremiah Smith is a 6’1″, 190-pound prospect with elite athleticism and playmaking ability. Smith is a versatile receiver who excels at both the short and deep game. His speed allows him to get open vertically, while his physicality and sharp route running make him a constant threat to defenders on slant routes and quick hitters.

Smith’s physical tools—coupled with his football IQ—make him an excellent fit for Ohio State’s high-octane offense. He’s someone who can immediately contribute as a freshman and quickly become one of the top targets in the receiving corps. His combination of size, speed, and technical skill make him a breakout candidate from day one.

4. Evan Link – Offensive Tackle (Class of 2025)

One of the premier offensive linemen in the 2025 class, Evan Link is a 6’6″, 310-pound powerhouse who has the potential to become a cornerstone of Ohio State’s offensive line. Link is a physically imposing presence who can dominate defenders in the run game and has the footwork to be effective in pass protection.

Ohio State has developed some of the best offensive linemen in college football, and Link has the tools to follow in that tradition. His size, athleticism, and ability to control defenders in the trenches make him a key recruit who could make an immediate impact. Whether it’s as a freshman starter or a key contributor in a rotational role, Link is primed to be a standout player on the offensive line for Ohio State.

5. Tate Haggard – Linebacker (Class of 2025)

Tate Haggard is a 6’2″, 220-pound linebacker with a nose for the ball and a knack for making plays. He has the speed to cover sideline to sideline, and his ability to diagnose plays quickly allows him to be an effective tackler. Haggard’s instincts and football IQ are among the best in the class, and he has the ability to step in and contribute early on special teams, with a chance to earn more playing time in the defensive rotation.

Linebacker play has been a strong suit for Ohio State in recent years, and Haggard’s skill set should allow him to contribute early on in the program. His potential as a three-down linebacker who can make plays in coverage, against the run, and as a pass rusher makes him a breakout candidate who could emerge as one of the top defenders for the Buckeyes in the near future.

6. Jaylen Anderson – Running Back (Class of 2025)

Jaylen Anderson is a 6’1″, 215-pound running back who has the size and burst to excel at the next level. Anderson is a powerful back who can break tackles and churn out tough yards between the tackles, but he’s also capable of flashing speed to the outside. His versatility as both a runner and a receiver out of the backfield make him an exciting weapon for Ohio State’s offense.

The Buckeyes have had a long history of developing high-caliber running backs, and Anderson has the potential to join that list. His combination of size, speed, and receiving ability gives him a unique skill set that will allow him to thrive in the Big Ten. If Anderson can showcase his ability to make defenders miss in space and contribute as a receiving threat, he could be an immediate impact player in Ohio State’s backfield.

7. Kyan Dull – Defensive End (Class of 2025)

Kyan Dull is a 6’4″, 240-pound defensive end who possesses a rare combination of strength, speed, and agility. He is a relentless pass rusher with a high motor and a natural ability to get after the quarterback. Dull excels at using his size and quickness to beat offensive linemen off the edge, and his ability to play with leverage allows him to disengage from blockers effectively.

Defensive end is a position where Ohio State has produced several NFL-caliber players, and Dull has the potential to follow in those footsteps. His pass-rushing skills make him an intriguing prospect who could quickly find his way onto the field, especially in passing situations. With his athleticism and work ethic, Dull is one of the breakout candidates who could make a significant impact early in his college career.

8. Justice Johnson – Cornerback (Class of 2025)

Justice Johnson is a 6’1″, 190-pound cornerback with excellent coverage skills and the ability to make plays on the ball. He is an aggressive defender who is known for his physicality at the line of scrimmage and his ability to shut down receivers in man-to-man coverage. Johnson has the potential to be a lockdown cornerback in Ohio State’s defense, and his ball skills make him a constant threat for interceptions.

The Buckeyes have a rich history of developing elite cornerbacks, and Johnson is poised to continue that tradition. His ability to cover a variety of routes and his ability to play physically while remaining disciplined make him an exciting addition to the Ohio State defense. With his high ceiling and potential to contribute early, Johnson is another recruit who could have a breakout career in Columbus.

9. Trent Phillips – Safety (Class of 2025)

Trent Phillips is a 6’1″, 205-pound safety with great range and ball-hawking ability. Phillips is a versatile defensive back who can play both in the box and as a deep safety, making him a valuable asset in multiple defensive schemes. His ability to read the quarterback and make plays on the ball, combined with his size and physicality, makes him a standout prospect in the 2025 class.

Phillips’ ability to play the run, cover tight ends, and defend in deep coverage gives him the versatility to be an early contributor in Ohio State’s secondary. As one of the top safety recruits in the country, Phillips has the potential to be a future leader in the back end of the defense and could be a key player for the Buckeyes’ defense for years to come.