Five Ohio State football records could fall in 2025, according to Buckeye Talk podcast, highlighting rising stars and explosive potential.

Ohio State football is no stranger to record-breaking performances. From Archie Griffin’s legendary back-to-back Heisman wins to C.J. Stroud’s precision passing, Buckeye history is filled with milestones that reflect the program’s dominance. But as we look ahead to the 2025 season, a new crop of talent and offensive firepower has experts buzzing—including the team at the Buckeye Talk podcast.

In a recent episode, hosts Doug Lesmerises, Nathan Baird, and Stephen Means broke down six long-standing Ohio State records that could realistically fall this season. With an explosive offense, returning stars, and emerging breakout players, the Buckeyes are poised for a historic campaign.

Let’s dive into the six records they believe are most likely to be broken—and why.

1. Single-Season Passing Yards

Current Record: 4,435 yards – Dwayne Haskins (2018)
2025 Threat: Julian Sayin

After transferring from Alabama, former five-star quarterback Julian Sayin has taken control of the offense with a poise beyond his years. He’s known for his quick release, deep accuracy, and command at the line of scrimmage. Coaches have described his work ethic as “Stroud-like,” and fans are eager to see how his arm translates over a full season.

With a loaded receiver room—including Tre Simmons, Emeka Egbuka’s heir apparent, and sophomore phenom Jaylen Ball—Sayin has the weapons to air it out. The Buckeye Talk team noted that Ohio State’s schedule also sets up favorably: plenty of high-scoring opportunities, a strong offensive line, and a coaching staff willing to lean into the passing game.

“If he stays healthy and starts every game,” Lesmerises said, “Sayin could absolutely take down Haskins’ record. He’s that talented, and the system is built for it.”

2. Single-Season Touchdown Receptions

Current Record: 17 – David Boston (1998)
2025 Threat: Tre Simmons

Tre Simmons is the latest in a long line of Ohio State wide receiver standouts. A true vertical threat, Simmons led the team in touchdown catches as a freshman and has been working all offseason to elevate his game to elite status.

On the podcast, Nathan Baird emphasized Simmons’ improved route running and chemistry with Sayin. “Simmons has the size, speed, and instincts to be a nightmare for opposing defenses,” Baird said. “He’s got red zone appeal and big-play ability. If he catches 12-13 TDs by mid-November, the record’s in play.”

The key will be volume. If Simmons becomes Sayin’s go-to target in scoring situations, he could surpass Boston’s long-standing mark by season’s end.

3. Single-Game Rushing Yards

Current Record: 314 yards – Trey Sermon (2020 Big Ten Championship vs. Northwestern)
2025 Threat: Quinshon Judkins

A transfer from Ole Miss, Quinshon Judkins arrives in Columbus with SEC toughness and the vision of a veteran. Already making waves in spring ball, Judkins is expected to share the backfield with sophomore standout Dallan Hayden—but the potential for a breakout game is undeniable.

Buckeye Talk speculated that Judkins could have a “Sermon-like” moment in a late-season game, especially if OSU leans on the run in poor weather or against an overmatched defense.

“Judkins has that north-south power and patience to gash tired defenses,” Stephen Means noted. “In the right situation—say, 30 carries and a soft front—he could break Sermon’s record.”

A critical factor? Ohio State’s interior offensive line, which returns multiple starters and appears poised to dominate in short-yardage situations.

4. Career Receiving Yards

Current Record: 3,343 yards – Michael Jenkins (2000–2003)
2025 Threat: Jaylen Ball (projecting sophomore and junior seasons)

Though just entering his sophomore year, Jaylen Ball already has the makings of a record-setter. After an eye-opening freshman campaign that included multiple 100-yard games, Ball has drawn comparisons to Garrett Wilson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba in terms of body control and route polish.

The podcast crew acknowledged that breaking a career record in just two or three years is difficult—but not impossible. “If Ball stays healthy and remains the focal point of the offense for the next two seasons, Jenkins’ record will be within striking distance,” Lesmerises said.

With modern offenses throwing more than ever and bowl games/CFP matchups padding stats, it’s conceivable that Ball could approach the 3,400-yard mark by the end of his junior year.

5. Team Points Per Game (Season Average)

Current Record: 47.2 points per game – 2019
2025 Threat: Sayin-led offense

The 2019 Buckeyes were a juggernaut, thanks to Justin Fields, J.K. Dobbins, and an all-time great offensive line. But 2025 might bring an even more explosive unit.

The podcast hosts believe this year’s team has more depth at the skill positions and a pass-first identity that could lead to huge scoring totals. With matchups against weaker non-conference teams and some rebuilding Big Ten defenses, multiple 50-point outings seem likely.

“This team could score 600+ points if things go right,” Means projected. “If Sayin stays hot and the defense gets quick stops, they’ll have the ball in scoring position all game long.”

Ryan Day’s aggressive play-calling and fourth-down strategy could also contribute to more red zone possessions and points.

6. Freshman All-Purpose Yards

Current Record: 1,805 yards – Maurice Clarett (2002)
2025 Threat: Deuce Green

True freshman Deuce Green might be the most electrifying player on the roster. A running back/slot receiver hybrid, Green was a five-star recruit who turned heads in spring practices with his burst, elusiveness, and receiving skills out of the backfield.

Buckeye Talk’s insiders believe that Green will see action not just on offense, but as a return man—giving him a real shot to rack up all-purpose yards.

“If they let Deuce return punts and kickoffs, and he touches the ball 10–12 times on offense, he could break Clarett’s record,” Baird suggested.

The Buckeyes haven’t had a true “weapon” like this since Curtis Samuel, and Green could be even more dangerous in open space.

What Makes 2025 Special?

Why are so many records in jeopardy this season? Several factors converge:

• Elite quarterback play: Julian Sayin is as polished a passer as Ohio State has had entering a season since C.J. Stroud.
• Depth at skill positions: The wide receiver and running back rooms are stacked with NFL-caliber talent.
• Evolving offensive philosophy: Ryan Day has made it clear—Ohio State will be aggressive, fast-paced, and explosive in 2025.
• Improved schedule alignment: More games against struggling defenses and fewer elite units early in the season create opportunities to pad stats.

Final Thoughts from Buckeye Talk

As Lesmerises put it, “Records are made to be broken, but not every year feels like a record-breaking year. This one does. The talent, the experience, the system—they’re all aligned.”

The Buckeye Talk podcast team isn’t predicting that all six records will fall—but they believe multiple could be rewritten in the next few months. And that possibility has fans across Buckeye Nation more excited than ever.

Ohio State enters the 2025 football season with expectations that stretch far beyond simply winning games. With an abundance of young stars and a revamped offensive philosophy, the Buckeyes have a legitimate chance to etch their names into the record books.

Whether it’s Sayin launching bombs, Simmons hauling in touchdowns, Judkins bulldozing defenders, or Green electrifying on special teams, there’s a palpable sense that something historic is coming.

And if the predictions from Buckeye Talk prove true, this could be a season Ohio State fans talk about for decades.