Bryson Rodgers Feels He’s One of the Nation’s Best Route Runners and is Preparing for an Expanded Role in 2025

As college football continues to evolve with faster offenses and higher-scoring games, one thing remains constant: the importance of a wide receiver’s ability to create separation and make plays. The best wide receivers in the nation don’t just rely on their speed or athleticism; they possess an innate understanding of the game, paired with precise and well-timed route running. One player who is quickly gaining recognition for his craft in route running and his ability to impact a game is Bryson Rodgers, a standout wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Heading into the 2025 season, Rodgers has declared that he feels he’s one of the best route runners in the country, and he’s preparing for an expanded role in the Buckeyes’ offense.

Rodgers’ assertion isn’t one made lightly. It’s backed by countless hours of preparation, refining his craft, and consistently impressing coaches, teammates, and fans alike with his football IQ, physical attributes, and, most importantly, his ability to get open and make plays. As the Buckeyes enter another competitive season with national championship aspirations, Rodgers’ expanded role could be the key to their success. But to understand why Rodgers is so confident in his abilities and what he hopes to accomplish in 2025, it’s important to take a closer look at his rise through the ranks, his development as a route runner, and his plans for the upcoming season.

The Making of a Star: Early Life and College Commitment

Bryson Rodgers’ football journey began long before his time at Ohio State. Hailing from a football-rich environment, Rodgers grew up watching the game and learning from the best. It wasn’t just his natural talent that made him stand out from an early age; it was his obsession with mastering every aspect of the position. Rodgers’ high school years were marked by exceptional performances, especially when it came to his ability to run precise routes and create separation from defenders. His high school coaches took notice of his ability to adapt to different offensive schemes and his work ethic that set him apart from other players on the field.

While Rodgers’ physical attributes were impressive, his route running quickly became the hallmark of his game. Whether it was a crisp out route, a deep post, or a fade down the sideline, Rodgers consistently displayed an uncanny ability to make defenders look out of place. His high school numbers were a testament to his abilities, with Rodgers regularly topping 100-yard receiving games and showing his capacity to be a big-play threat.

It was this rare combination of skills that led to a fast rise in the recruiting world. As a highly sought-after prospect, Rodgers garnered attention from several top programs across the country. But it was Ohio State that captured his heart. The tradition of excellence, the opportunity to work with an elite coaching staff, and the chance to play in one of the most dynamic offenses in the country made Ohio State the ideal place for Rodgers to hone his craft and continue his development.

When Rodgers committed to Ohio State, it was clear that the program was getting not just a physically gifted receiver, but a player with a high football IQ and a deep understanding of what it took to succeed at the next level.

Ohio State: Early Years and Development

Arriving at Ohio State, Rodgers faced the typical challenges that come with transitioning from high school to college football. The speed of the game was faster, the competition was stiffer, and the expectations were sky-high. But rather than get overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the program, Rodgers immediately set out to prove himself, particularly focusing on improving his route-running ability.

Ohio State, known for its potent offenses and talented receiving corps, was a perfect place for Rodgers to develop. The Buckeyes have produced some of the best wide receivers in recent memory, including Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Rodgers, while not immediately thrust into the starting role, learned from these veteran receivers, observing their meticulous approach to route running, footwork, and technique.

Under the guidance of wide receivers coach Brian Hartline, one of the top position coaches in the nation, Rodgers quickly became known for his dedication to perfecting his craft. Hartline, who had a stellar career as a wide receiver in the NFL, understands what it takes to be successful at the highest levels. Hartline emphasized the importance of precision, timing, and footwork in running routes. Rodgers took these teachings to heart, and it wasn’t long before he started to see major improvements in his game.

As his freshman year progressed, Rodgers began to make more appearances in games, contributing to a high-powered Ohio State offense. His route running, previously an area of strength, became even more refined. The adjustments he made to his footwork, release technique, and ability to make defenders miss at the top of routes allowed him to gain separation even against the best cornerbacks in the country. It became clear that Rodgers’ potential was immense, and his trajectory as one of Ohio State’s top wide receivers seemed to be on the rise.

Route Running: The Art of Separation

To fully understand why Bryson Rodgers feels confident in his claim of being one of the nation’s best route runners, it’s important to break down what makes his route running so effective.

1. Footwork and Release: At the core of Rodgers’ ability to create separation is his elite footwork. Whether it’s a quick release off the line of scrimmage or his ability to pivot and change direction at the top of a route, Rodgers’ footwork is sharp, clean, and precise. In football, a receiver’s ability to get in and out of breaks cleanly is critical to shaking off coverage. Rodgers has worked relentlessly to perfect this aspect of his game, consistently using his footwork to gain a step on defenders and make plays down the field.

2. Change of Pace: One of Rodgers’ most impressive traits is his ability to vary his speed and change pace mid-route. This is particularly effective when he’s facing press coverage or dealing with tight man-to-man defense. By adjusting his pace, Rodgers can keep defenders on their toes, making it difficult for them to anticipate his next move. This ability to alter his speed has been a huge factor in his success, especially in the middle of the field where defenders are often caught off guard.

3. Understanding of Defenses: Another key element that sets Rodgers apart from his peers is his football IQ and understanding of defensive schemes. Rodgers isn’t just focused on executing a route; he’s constantly reading the defense and adjusting on the fly. He knows which defenders are more susceptible to certain moves, and he tailors his route-running to exploit those weaknesses. His ability to adjust his routes based on how the defense is lined up allows him to consistently create separation and make big plays.

4. Timing and Precision: In the fast-paced world of college football, timing is everything. Rodgers has developed an exceptional sense of timing in his routes, making sure that he’s always in the right spot at the right time. Whether it’s knowing when to cut on a deep post or when to break off a route on a quick slant, Rodgers’ awareness and ability to adjust to the quarterback’s timing have made him an incredibly reliable target.

These traits have allowed Rodgers to stand out as one of the top route runners in college football. His precision and ability to execute at the highest level have made him an increasingly dangerous weapon for Ohio State’s offense. As a result, his role in the offense is expected to expand in 2025.

2025: An Expanded Role and Championship Aspirations

Heading into the 2025 season, Bryson Rodgers is primed to take on a more significant role in the Ohio State offense. With several key receivers from previous seasons moving on, the door is wide open for Rodgers to emerge as one of the top targets for Ohio State’s quarterbacks. The offense will be looking to him not only to make plays but to become a leader in the receiving corps, someone who can help elevate the Buckeyes’ passing game to new heights.

Rodgers has expressed confidence in his ability to step up and fill this role. He understands that, as the stakes get higher, his ability to execute and be a reliable target for his quarterback will be crucial. His expanded role will likely include more opportunities for him to showcase his route-running ability, particularly in critical moments.

“I feel like I’ve put in the work, and I’m ready for whatever comes my way in 2025,” Rodgers said in a recent interview. “I know what I’m capable of, and I know that I’m one of the best route runners in the country. I’ve learned a lot from my teammates and coaches, and now it’s my time to step up and help this team win a championship.”

With C.J. Stroud having left for the NFL and the Buckeyes potentially working in a new quarterback, Rodgers will be crucial in developing chemistry with the signal caller. His understanding of the offense, combined with his technical prowess, will allow him to continue being one of the most dynamic and reliable receivers in college football.