MAJOR DEVELOPMENT: Spring Practice FUELS Ohio State’s QUEST to Run it Back

The 2025 college football season is quickly approaching, and the Ohio State Buckeyes are determined to bounce back after falling short in their quest for the College Football Playoff in recent years. With spring practice underway in Columbus, the Buckeyes have shown promising signs that they’re gearing up for a national championship run. The program’s culture of excellence under head coach Ryan Day is once again being tested, and spring practice has emerged as the crucial period where the foundation for Ohio State’s quest to “run it back” in 2025 will be built.

Spring practice is always a significant time for college football teams, but for the Buckeyes, this year carries even more weight. Coming off an impressive but bittersweet 2024 season, Ohio State is looking to reclaim its spot among the elite teams in the nation, and the work done in these early spring months will play a pivotal role in that journey. After a disappointing loss in the 2024 Big Ten Championship Game to Michigan, followed by a playoff snub, Ohio State’s pursuit of another national title has become their singular focus.

This article takes a closer look at how the spring practice period has fueled the Buckeyes’ 2025 championship aspirations, highlights key developments and storylines, and analyzes the players and positions that will be pivotal to Ohio State’s quest to “run it back.”

The Quest to “Run It Back” — A Resurgence in 2025

Ohio State has long been a powerhouse in college football, consistently competing for Big Ten and national championships. However, despite their stellar recruiting and on-field performance, the Buckeyes have come up just short in recent seasons. The 2023 season saw them fall to Georgia in the College Football Playoff semifinals, and the following season, Michigan again dealt them a devastating loss in the Big Ten Championship, ultimately keeping them out of the playoff picture.

In the aftermath of these disappointing finishes, Ohio State’s hunger for a national championship has never been greater. The goal heading into the 2025 season is simple: win a national title and secure a spot in the College Football Playoff. This ambition, however, will require several things to fall into place: continued growth and development of returning stars, a strong showing from key recruits, and most importantly, a solid performance in spring practice, which sets the tone for the rest of the season.

Spring practice is where new starters emerge, veterans refine their skills, and the coaching staff solidifies its game plans for the fall. For Ohio State, the 2025 season is about building on the foundation laid in spring and putting everything together during the regular season. It’s about learning from past mistakes and finding ways to overcome them.

The Offseason Focus: What Ohio State Needed to Address

As the Buckeyes look ahead to the 2025 season, the focus during spring practice has been on several key areas where the team needs to improve in order to compete for a national title. These areas include:

1. Rebuilding the Quarterback Position

Ohio State has been fortunate over the past few years to have exceptional quarterbacks like CJ Stroud leading the offense. Stroud, who left for the NFL Draft, was a generational talent whose poise, accuracy, and leadership made him one of the top quarterbacks in college football. As the 2025 season approaches, the Buckeyes are in the midst of a quarterback battle between Kyle McCord and Devin Brown.

• Kyle McCord, a former five-star recruit, has the edge in terms of experience. McCord served as Stroud’s backup in 2024 and saw action in several games. However, the pressure is on him to step into the starting role and live up to the high expectations. His arm strength, poise under pressure, and deep-ball accuracy will be critical for the offense to continue humming at a high level.
• Devin Brown, also a highly regarded recruit, has impressed during the spring with his mobility, quick release, and leadership qualities. Brown is known for his ability to make plays with his legs, a trait that could give Ohio State’s offense a different dynamic in 2025. If Brown wins the starting job, the Buckeyes will have a quarterback who can extend plays and provide a dual-threat presence in the backfield.

While both quarterbacks have their strengths, neither is proven as a full-time starter at Ohio State, and it remains to be seen who will ultimately take the reins in the fall. Spring practice has allowed both players to demonstrate their skills in competitive situations, and the coaching staff will be closely evaluating how each quarterback handles the offense in different scenarios.

2. The Wide Receiver Position: Replacing Major Talent

The departure of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka to the NFL leaves the Ohio State wide receiver room with massive shoes to fill. The Buckeyes have been blessed with one of the most prolific receiving duos in college football over the past few seasons, but now the next generation must rise to the occasion.

• Julian Fleming, who has had an up-and-down career, now has an opportunity to take on a larger role in the offense. Fleming was once regarded as one of the top receivers in his recruiting class, and now, with increased opportunities, he has to prove he can be the focal point of Ohio State’s passing attack.
• Xavier Johnson, a versatile playmaker who has seen action as a receiver and a special teams contributor, will likely play a bigger role in 2025. Johnson has been a reliable option in the past, but now, the expectation is for him to emerge as a primary target for the new quarterback.
• Young stars like Carnell Tate, Brandon Innis, and Kojo Antwi will also be looking to make an impact. Tate, in particular, has received a lot of buzz after an impressive high school career and could be a breakout candidate in his freshman year.

Spring practice has given Ohio State’s wide receivers the chance to develop chemistry with the quarterbacks and refine their routes and timing. With the departure of two of the best wideouts in the country, the success of Ohio State’s passing game in 2025 will depend on how quickly these new players can step up.

3. Strengthening the Defensive Line

Ohio State’s defense was a strong point in 2024, but it fell short in crucial moments, especially in the Big Ten Championship Game. The defensive line is an area of concern, as the Buckeyes need to replace several key contributors on the edge and in the interior. Javontae Jean-Baptiste and Zach Harrison, both of whom were impact players, have moved on to the NFL.

The good news for Ohio State is that they have several talented players ready to fill the void. J.T. Tuimoloau, a rising star on the edge, has the potential to be one of the best pass rushers in the country. Tuimoloau has already shown glimpses of greatness but will need to develop consistency throughout the 2025 season.

On the interior, Tyleik Williams and Michael Hall Jr. are expected to be key contributors. Both players have the strength and athleticism to disrupt opposing offenses, and their play in spring practice has been a positive development.

The defensive line coach, Larry Johnson, is widely regarded as one of the best in the business, and his guidance will be crucial in developing these young players. If the defensive line can become a more consistent force in 2025, Ohio State’s defense will be a much stronger unit overall.

4. Establishing the Running Game

Ohio State has consistently been a top-tier offense, but a strong running game is essential to keeping defenses honest. Last season, the Buckeyes had a solid running attack, but Miyan Williams and TreVeyon Henderson both dealt with injuries that hindered their production. Now, with both back at full health, Ohio State’s backfield has the potential to be one of the best in the country.

• TreVeyon Henderson is one of the most talented running backs in college football. When healthy, he can break off long runs and contribute as a receiver out of the backfield. Spring practice has allowed him to refine his timing and conditioning, making him a key piece for the Buckeyes’ offense in 2025.
• Miyan Williams, a powerful runner who can grind out tough yards between the tackles, provides balance to Ohio State’s backfield. If Williams can stay healthy, he’ll be an asset in short-yardage and goal-line situations.

The offensive line will play a crucial role in the success of the running game, and spring practice has helped solidify the line’s chemistry and cohesion. With a strong running game to complement the passing attack, Ohio State will be a more balanced and dangerous offense in 2025.

Spring Practice Takeaways: A Championship-Caliber Team in the Making

As spring practice wraps up, the signs are clear: Ohio State is building a team that could very well compete for a national championship in 2025. The Buckeyes have the talent, depth, and coaching staff necessary to make a deep run in the College Football Playoff. However, their success will depend on the development of key positions like quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive line. The spring practice period has given Ohio State a chance to address these areas of concern, and the team appears focused and

ready for the challenge ahead.

The Buckeyes’ journey to “run it back” in 2025 will not be an easy one, but with the continued development of their players and the leadership of head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State is well-positioned to be a dominant force in college football once again. The 2025 season is shaping up to be a pivotal year in the program’s history, and if spring practice is any indication, the Buckeyes are ready to take their place among the nation’s elite once more.