The extent of Ohio State football’s roster turnover in 2025 is demonstrated by one statistic.

As the 2025 college football season approaches, Ohio State finds itself in a pivotal position regarding roster turnover. With a roster full of talented athletes who have either entered the NFL Draft, graduated, or decided to transfer, the Buckeyes are in the midst of a significant reshuffling. This turnover, while typical for a program of Ohio State’s stature, is particularly noteworthy given the sheer volume of key players that have departed. A telling statistic that demonstrates the extent of this turnover is the fact that Ohio State has lost a record number of players to the NFL Draft and transfers, a trend that could reshape the Buckeyes’ approach in 2025.

In this article, we will explore how Ohio State’s roster turnover in 2025 is one of the most significant in recent years, the impact it could have on the team, and how head coach Ryan Day and his staff are managing these changes.

A Snapshot of Ohio State’s Roster Turnover in 2025

Ohio State has long been a fixture in the upper echelon of college football, consistently producing talent that moves on to the NFL. This cycle of turnover is part of the life cycle of elite programs, as players come and go, always in search of new opportunities and challenges. However, the magnitude of Ohio State’s 2025 roster turnover is particularly striking for several reasons.

To give context, in the 2025 offseason, Ohio State saw 11 players (many of them starters or key contributors) enter the NFL Draft, marking one of the largest exoduses from the program in recent memory. Among these players were standout performers such as:

• C.J. Stroud (QB): A Heisman Trophy finalist and one of the most prolific quarterbacks in Ohio State history, Stroud’s departure leaves a significant void at the most critical position on the field.
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR): One of the top wide receivers in the nation, Smith-Njigba’s departure robs Ohio State of a key weapon in its aerial attack.
• Paris Johnson Jr. (OT): A dominant force on the offensive line, Johnson’s departure creates a leadership void in the trenches.
• Zach Harrison (DE): A disruptive pass rusher, Harrison’s loss impacts Ohio State’s ability to get after opposing quarterbacks.

These players, along with several other key departures, represent a significant shift for Ohio State, not just in terms of individual talent, but in the overall identity of the team. The Buckeyes will need to find ways to fill these massive voids both on the field and in the locker room.

Beyond the NFL Draft, Ohio State has also seen a significant number of players enter the transfer portal. This includes players who may not have been first-team starters but still contributed to depth in key areas like wide receiver, defensive back, and the offensive line. The transfer portal, while offering an opportunity for players to seek new programs and fresh starts, has also led to roster churn for Ohio State and other top-tier programs. For example, the Buckeyes saw four players in the 2025 offseason transfer out, including a starting defensive back and a promising young running back.

The Impact on Ohio State’s Depth Chart

One of the most immediate effects of this turnover is the impact it will have on Ohio State’s depth chart. College football rosters are often constructed to feature a healthy mix of upperclassmen and underclassmen, with the expectation that experienced players will anchor the team while younger players gradually emerge as contributors. The mass departures of 2025, however, mean that Ohio State will have to rely on a much younger roster than it typically would. Let’s break down some of the areas where this turnover will be most evident:

Quarterback: A New Era Under Center

Perhaps the most pressing question for Ohio State heading into the 2025 season is who will step in to replace C.J. Stroud, one of the best quarterbacks in college football. With Stroud now preparing for life in the NFL, the Buckeyes are tasked with finding a new leader at the quarterback position. Several young quarterbacks, including Kyle McCord and Devin Brown, are in the mix to take over the starting role. However, with Stroud’s departure, these players will have to adjust quickly to the demands of leading a national championship-caliber team.

The departure of a top-tier quarterback like Stroud leaves a significant gap in terms of both talent and experience. In 2025, Ohio State’s quarterback battle will be one of the most highly anticipated storylines, as the Buckeyes seek a signal-caller who can continue the team’s high-flying offense. Whether McCord, Brown, or another player emerges from this competition, the need for a strong performance under center is crucial for Ohio State’s success.

Wide Receiver: Replacing Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Ohio State’s wide receiver corps has long been a strength of the program, with players like Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and now Jaxon Smith-Njigba setting the bar for future Buckeye pass-catchers. However, with Smith-Njigba off to the NFL, Ohio State’s receiving unit will be missing one of its most dynamic and explosive players.

Fortunately, Ohio State has an embarrassment of riches at wide receiver. Players like Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Julian Fleming are expected to step up in 2025 and take on larger roles. These young receivers have shown flashes of brilliance in limited action and will be expected to fill the void left by Smith-Njigba’s departure. However, they will also need to prove that they can replicate the level of playmaking ability and consistency that Ohio State has come to expect from its receiving unit.

Offensive Line: Replacing a Star in Paris Johnson Jr.

The loss of Paris Johnson Jr., one of the best offensive tackles in college football, is a blow to Ohio State’s offensive line. Johnson was a leader on the line and provided critical protection for Stroud. His absence creates a gap that will need to be filled by a combination of returning players and new recruits.

Ohio State has consistently fielded one of the top offensive lines in college football, and they will need to reload quickly to ensure they can continue to protect their new quarterback and create running lanes for their backs. Players like Donovan Jackson, Matthew Jones, and Luke Montgomery will need to step up in 2025, and the development of their younger linemen will be crucial to Ohio State’s success on offense.

Defense: A Rebuilding Year?

Defensively, Ohio State will also need to replace some significant talent. The loss of Zach Harrison, who was a key piece of the Buckeyes’ pass rush, means that the defensive line will look very different in 2025. Ohio State will need players like JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer to take on larger roles and become dominant forces in the trenches.

In the secondary, Ohio State will look to replace multiple contributors who have gone on to the NFL or graduated. The Buckeyes’ defense, which was previously one of the most formidable units in college football, will face some growing pains as they incorporate younger players into prominent roles. However, Ohio State’s recruitment of top defensive talent continues to pay dividends, and there is hope that incoming players will provide immediate contributions.

How Ryan Day and Staff Are Managing Turnover

The challenges presented by such extensive roster turnover are not lost on Ryan Day and his coaching staff. However, Ohio State’s established recruiting success and infrastructure put the program in a strong position to weather these changes. The coaching staff will be working diligently to ensure that the young players stepping into key roles are adequately prepared to compete at a high level. Additionally, Ohio State’s use of the transfer portal could help them fill gaps quickly and bolster the roster with experienced players.

Recruiting, too, will play a major role in Ohio State’s ability to recover from this turnover. The 2025 class is stacked with talent, and the coaching staff will look to integrate some of these younger players immediately. Ohio State’s ability to bring in top-tier recruits year after year gives them the advantage of being able to reload rather than rebuild, and they are sure to target players who can contribute early in their careers.