Let’s predict the Ohio State football team’s depth chart heading into the 2025 season as the Buckeyes prepare to defend its crown.

As Fall Camp is near us and the countdown to kickoff begins, all eyes turn to how Ohio State will stack its roster for another run at glory. The competition for starting spots in Columbus is a tight race, with returning stars and rising talents battling to secure their place on the Buckeyes’ two-deep.

From quarterback showdowns to key position battles on both sides of the ball, here’s a look at how Ohio State’s projected depth chart is shaping up heading into the 2025 season.

OFFENSE

Quarterback:

Julian Sayin, RS Freshman

Lincoln Kienholz, RS Sophomore

One of the most anticipated position battles this offseason, the competition here is shaping up to be much closer than many in the national media suggest. I firmly believe in Julian’s quick release and expect him to ultimately lock up the starting job. However, don’t count out Lincoln—this race is tighter than it appears. I anticipate Ryan Day will wait until later in camp to officially name a starter.

Running Back:

James Peoples, Sophomore

CJ Donaldson, Senior

This two-back set brings a complementary dynamic that should elevate Ohio State’s ground game. James profiles as a versatile, do-it-all running back, while CJ brings the physicality as the bruiser of the group. After transforming his body, CJ is poised to play at a higher tempo than he showed at West Virginia, giving the Buckeyes a tougher edge between the tackles.

Although two standout talents departed from last year’s roster, I’m much higher on this running back room than most. With their contrasting styles and renewed energy, look for Peoples and Donaldson to carry the workload effectively and set the tone for Ohio State’s offense this season.

Wide Receiver:

Jeremiah Smith, Sophomore

Carnell Tate, Junior

Brandon Inniss, Junior

 

Mylan Graham, Sophomore

Bryson Rodgers, RS Sophomore

Quincy Porter, Freshman

Brian Hartline once again has a stacked wide receiver unit on his hands, headlined by the electrifying Jeremiah Smith. What sets this group apart isn’t just top-end talent—it’s the remarkable depth, with the Buckeyes boasting two legitimate options at every receiver spot. These playmakers are versatile enough to slide anywhere across the formation and create matchup problems all over the field. I’m genuinely excited to see how this dynamic group pushes defenses and elevates Ohio State’s aerial attack in the coming season.

Tight End:

Max Klare, RS Junior

Jelani Thurman, RS Sophomore

Will Kaczmarek, RS Senior

The tight end position might just be Ohio State’s deepest and most dynamic group on the roster this season. Max Klare stands out as possibly the best receiving tight end in the country, while Kaczmarek anchors the unit as the top blocker. Jelani Thurman brings versatility by excelling in both facets of the game. Keenan Bailey has plenty of weapons to work with for this season. Expect Klare to be involved early and often, as this tight end group figures to play a significant role in Ohio State’s offense this year.

Offensive Line:

LT – Ethan Onianwa, RS Senior

LG – Luke Montgomery, Junior

C – Carson Hinzman, RS Junior

RG – Tegra Tshabola, RS Junior

RT – Austin Sierevald, RS Sophomore

 

Backup options:

Phillip Daniels, RS Sophomore

Ian Moore, RS Freshman

Josh Padilla, RS Sophomore

This might be the deepest the offensive line room has been heading into a season in quite some time. There’s real depth and flexibility here, giving the Buckeyes plenty of quality options up front. I fully expect Austin to secure a starting role—Coach Day has made it clear he’ll be in the lineup, the only question is where.

My prediction: Austin ultimately settles in at right tackle. When it comes to the competition, Tegra’s experience currently gives him the edge over Phillip Daniels. All things considered, I like the look of Austin starting at RT, which only strengthens what could be one of Ohio State’s most reliable units this year.

DEFENSE

Defensive Line:

Edge – Kenyatta Jackson, RS Junior

DT – Eddrick Houston, Sophomore

DT – Kayden McDonald, Junior

Edge – Caden Curry, Senior

 

Depth:

Edge – Beau Atkinson, RS Junior

Edge – CJ Hicks, RS Junior

Edge – Logan George, Junior

DT – Jason Moore, RS Sophomore

DT -Tywone Malone, RS Senior

DT – Will Smith Jr., RS Sophomore

This unit is absolutely loaded at edge rusher—or defensive end, depending on how Matt Patricia decides to deploy them. There’s almost an embarrassment of riches here, and you could even make a case to include Zion Grady, who’s been turning plenty of heads this offseason.

The main talking point, though, remains defensive tackle depth. Losing Hero Kanu to Texas was a tough blow, but I have faith in Jason Moore’s upside and believe he’s ready to step up this year. The starters across the line are as strong as anyone in the country, but with a longer season ahead, building quality depth will be critical for sustained success.

Linebacker:

Sonny Styles, Senior

Arvell Reese, Junior

 

Payton Pierce, Sophomore

Riley Petijohn, Freshman

James Laurinaitis has assembled the most athletic linebacker group Ohio State has had in years—a dramatic turnaround from units that were tough to watch not so long ago. Thanks to an infusion of talent and speed, this room is poised to be an absolute force in 2025.

Don’t be surprised to see some freshmen earn meaningful snaps as well—their athletic upside is through the roof. With Laurinaitis at the helm, look for Ohio State to unleash this group as pass rushers in creative ways, adding yet another dynamic element to an already loaded defense.

Defensive Backs:

Boundary – Davison Igbinosun, Senior

Boundary – Jermaine Matthews, Junior

Nickel – Lorenzo Styles, RS Senior

Free SAF – Caleb Downs, Junior

Strong SAF – Malik Hartford, Junior

 

Boundary – Aaron Scott, RS Freshman

Boundary – Devin Sanchez, Freshman

Nickel – Bryce West, Sophomore

Free SAF – Faheem Delane, Freshman

Strong SAF – Jaylen McClain, Sophomore

With their experience and depth, this unit will likely serve as a critical safety blanket for Matt Patricia early in the season. There’s no question Ohio State boasts one of the premier defensive back groups in the nation. The most intriguing position battle is at safety, where Malik and Jaylen are neck-and-neck to line up alongside Caleb Downs.

While I gave Malik the slight edge, both will see significant snaps out of the gate, and I expect a clear starter to emerge as the season unfolds. Don’t overlook Bryce West—he could challenge Lorenzo for playing time at nickel (slot corner). And according to some sources inside the Woody, Faheem Delane has been turning heads this offseason. Buckeye fans should be thrilled about this next wave of BIA talent ready to take over at the Shoe.

This group offers an impressive blend of experience, athleticism, and promising young talent—ingredients that could fuel another championship run this season. Week 1 will provide an early glimpse of just how high this team’s ceiling can be, but there’s every reason to believe the Buckeyes will be a force to be reckoned with by playoff time.

While quarterback play remains the biggest question mark, if that position delivers, Ohio State has all the tools necessary to make a strong case for going back-to-back with the talent still on hand.