Ohio State Preview

The Buckeyes enter 2025 with a very different look, but the same sky-high expectations. Ryan Day has guided new quarterbacks to stardom before, and now it’s Julian Sayin’s turn. The sophomore transfer from Alabama has taken command of the offense since spring. Poised, accurate, and composed beyond his years, Sayin steps into a role previously held by Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, and C.J. Stroud — all of whom turned their debuts into springboards for Heisman contention.

Sayin has no shortage of weapons. Leading the way is Jeremiah Smith, the sophomore sensation who broke out as a freshman with 76 catches for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns. Smith’s worst game last season came against Texas in the Cotton Bowl (1 catch, 3 yards), and he has circled this matchup since January. Expect him to play with a chip on his shoulder against a Longhorn secondary replacing two starters.

Behind Smith, the Buckeyes will rely on Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss, both poised for bigger roles this season, and true freshman Mylan Graham, whose explosiveness adds another layer to the attack. At tight end, Max Klare provides steady hands and reliable blocking.

The running game is just as dangerous. James Peoples looks ready to be the next great Buckeye back, with transfer CJ Donaldson and true freshman Bo Jackson adding depth and power. If the offensive line can hold up against Texas’s pass rush, this is an offense that can score with anyone in the country.

Defensively, it’s the start of the Matt Patricia era. Patricia inherits just three returning starters, but one of them is All-American safety Caleb Downs, the heartbeat of the defense and arguably the best defensive back in college football. Downs’ versatility allows Ohio State to mix coverages and send pressure from different angles, and he’ll likely shadow Texas TE/WR hybrids all day.

The defensive front no longer features Jack Sawyer or JT Tuimoloau, but new leaders have emerged. Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Caden Curry are stepping into bigger roles, while freshman Zion Grady could flash early. At linebacker, Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese provide physicality and sideline-to-sideline range. This is a younger unit, but one that plays with speed, aggression, and confidence.