Position-by-position analysis of Ohio State football’s 2025 defense and special teams

Position-by-Position Analysis of Ohio State Football’s 2025 Defense and Special Teams

As Ohio State heads into the 2025 college football season, the Buckeyes are expected to have another strong defense and special teams unit. Ohio State has been known for producing elite defensive units under head coach Ryan Day, with a consistent focus on talent development, scheming, and preparation. The defense has been the backbone of many of their successful seasons, and the 2025 edition will aim to continue that tradition. Similarly, Ohio State’s special teams unit has proven to be a valuable asset, making key contributions in field position and providing a steady presence in the kicking game.

In this position-by-position analysis, we will break down each aspect of Ohio State’s 2025 defense and special teams, evaluating the strengths, potential weaknesses, and key players at each position.

Defensive Line

The defensive line is one of Ohio State’s most crucial areas, and the 2025 unit has a great deal of potential to be a dominant force. In recent seasons, Ohio State’s defensive line has been a top-tier unit in college football, producing elite pass rushers and run-stoppers alike. In 2025, the Buckeyes will feature a blend of experienced veterans and emerging stars who are expected to carry the team.

Strengths:

• Talent Depth: Ohio State’s defensive line in 2025 will feature a deep rotation, with returning players and highly-touted recruits expected to make an immediate impact.
• Pass Rush: Ohio State is known for its ability to generate pressure on the quarterback, and this unit will likely continue that tradition. The combination of speed, strength, and technique gives the defensive line the potential to be one of the most disruptive in the country.
• Run Defense: The Buckeyes have consistently been one of the top teams in the nation at stopping the run, and this year’s defensive line will feature powerful and agile defensive tackles capable of clogging up running lanes.

Key Players:

• J.T. Tuimoloau: One of the best defensive players in college football, Tuimoloau will be a key force on the edge. His combination of size, athleticism, and relentless motor make him a matchup nightmare for opposing offensive lines.
• Jack Sawyer: Sawyer has shown flashes of greatness, and in 2025, he will need to take the next step as a consistent pass rusher and a solid all-around defensive end.
• Ty Hamilton: A stalwart in the interior, Hamilton has the strength and technique to dominate against the run and provide some pressure on the quarterback.

Weaknesses:

• Unproven Depth: While Ohio State has a strong starting unit, the depth behind the starters will need to step up, as losing key players could hurt the overall performance.
• Pass Rush Consistency: While Tuimoloau and Sawyer are potential game-changers, the team will need to ensure that the defensive line maintains pressure consistently throughout the season.

Linebackers

Linebackers are the heart of the defense, and Ohio State’s 2025 linebacker corps looks set to be a strong one, though it may experience some turnover from the previous season. Linebackers are tasked with covering the ground between the defensive line and the secondary, ensuring that they can both stop the run and cover passing lanes.

Strengths:

• Athleticism and Speed: Ohio State has a history of developing fast and physical linebackers, and the 2025 unit is no different. These linebackers are expected to fly around the field, using their speed to cover ground and disrupt plays.
• Leadership: With a mix of experienced players and rising stars, the linebacker group is expected to lead the defense by example. Veterans will help mentor younger players, maintaining the continuity of the unit.

Key Players:

• Mitchell Melton: Melton is expected to be one of the leaders of the linebacking corps in 2025. Known for his ability to cover a lot of ground and make plays in the backfield, Melton will be a crucial piece in both the run and pass defense.
• C.J. Hicks: One of the most highly-touted linebacker recruits in recent years, Hicks will be expected to make an impact in 2025. His versatility and ability to cover both the pass and the run make him a valuable asset.

Weaknesses:

• Inexperienced Depth: Ohio State will need to develop its younger linebackers in 2025 to provide solid depth behind the starters. Any injuries or inconsistencies could impact the team’s overall performance in the linebacker group.
• Pass Coverage: While the linebacker group has the athleticism to cover the field, they will need to improve in pass coverage, especially against elite offenses with strong receiving corps.

Secondary

Ohio State’s secondary in 2025 is one of the most intriguing and important parts of the defense. The cornerback and safety positions will need to work in unison to slow down passing attacks and prevent big plays.

Strengths:

• Talent at Cornerback: Ohio State has a deep pool of talent at cornerback, with players who have the ability to lock down top receivers in the Big Ten and across the country.
• Playmaking Ability: The secondary is expected to feature ball hawks who can create turnovers, intercept passes, and make game-changing plays.
• Versatility: Ohio State’s secondary has the ability to play both man-to-man and zone coverage, giving defensive coordinator Jim Knowles the flexibility to call various schemes.

Key Players:

• Denzel Burke: One of the top cornerbacks in college football, Burke is expected to be a shutdown corner in 2025. His ability to cover top receivers will be crucial for Ohio State’s success in pass defense.
• Jahsen Wint: Wint has developed into one of the more consistent safeties in the Big Ten. His ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and cover the field will be a major asset to Ohio State’s secondary.
• Tyler Williams: Williams has the potential to emerge as a key contributor, providing depth at cornerback and the ability to make plays when called upon.

Weaknesses:

• Inexperience at Safety: While the cornerback positions are in good hands, the safety positions may see some turnover. If the younger safeties struggle with consistency, it could leave Ohio State vulnerable to big plays.
• Miscommunication: The secondary’s success depends on communication, especially when playing zone coverage. Ohio State will need to ensure that there are no breakdowns in coverage, particularly against top-tier quarterbacks.

Special Teams

Ohio State’s special teams unit in 2025 will look to continue its trend of playing a crucial role in the team’s success. Special teams can make a significant impact in terms of field position, kickoffs, and critical moments like field goals and punting.

Strengths:

• Kicking Game: Ohio State has a history of having solid kickers and punters, and the 2025 season is no different. The Buckeyes will likely have one of the more reliable kicking games in the country, which can be the difference-maker in close games.
• Return Game: Ohio State has produced elite returners in the past, and with players like Emeka Egbuka and Marvin Harrison Jr., the team could have the ability to break a return for a touchdown at any moment.

Key Players:

• Noah Ruggles (Kicker): Ruggles is one of the top kickers in college football and a key player for Ohio State’s special teams in 2025. His accuracy and leg strength make him a reliable weapon in clutch moments.
• Jesse Mirco (Punter): Mirco is an outstanding punter who can pin teams deep and control field position. His consistency and leg strength will be critical in giving Ohio State’s defense a favorable starting point.
• Returners (Emeka Egbuka, Marvin Harrison Jr.): Both of these players have the speed and vision to make a game-changing return, whether on kickoffs or punts. Their ability to create field position will be vital to the team’s overall success.

Weaknesses:

• Consistency in Coverage: Special teams coverage will need to be consistent, as breakdowns in coverage can lead to big returns. Ohio State will need to ensure that its coverage units are disciplined and focused on limiting opponents’ return yards.
• Pressure Situations: While the kicking game is strong, the pressure situations that come with clutch field goals or punts in high-stakes moments will need to be managed carefully. A missed field goal or an inconsistent punt can shift the momentum of a game.