Ohio State continues its tradition of excellence with four players earning First-Team All-American honors: Caleb Downs, Jeremiah Smith, Arvell Reese, and Kayden McDonald.
Ohio State has always been home to stars on the field and winners of postseason awards. However, being named a First-Team All-American is truly something special.
The Buckeyes have now produced 93 consensus First-Team All-Americans, joining legends like Archie Griffin, Eddie George, Chris Spielman, and Troy Smith. This year, four more names are added to that prestigious list:
- Caleb Downs – now a two-time All-American
- Jeremiah Smith
- Arvell Reese
- Kayden McDonald
These honors cap off remarkable seasons for each player and further cement their place in Buckeye history.
Jeremiah Smith
Despite not taking home the Biletnikoff Award, Jeremiah Smith still delivered a stellar 2025 campaign. The sophomore wide receiver finished the season with 80 receptions for 1,086 yards and 11 touchdowns, continuing his rapid ascent among the greatest receivers in Ohio State history.
In just two seasons in Columbus, Smith has already totaled 156 receptions, 2,401 yards, and 28 touchdowns, with the 2025 College Football Playoff still ahead and another season remaining in scarlet and gray. His production, consistency, and impact make him more than worthy of having a Buckeye Tree planted in his honor.
Caleb Downs
Caleb Downs already has a tree in Buckeye Grove, but this spring he’ll receive an additional plaque, joining an elite group of Ohio State players named two-time All-Americans.
Downs finished the 2025 season with 60 total tackles, 40 solo tackles, one sack, and two interceptions, but the statistics only tell part of the story. He served as the quarterback of the defense, routinely forcing opposing offenses to scheme away from him. His leadership, football IQ, and on-field presence made him the centerpiece of one of the nation’s most dominant defenses.
Arvell Reese
Arvell Reese’s late-season surge in 2024 had Buckeye Nation buzzing about his potential, and in 2025, he more than lived up to the hype. Reese put together a season to remember, recording 62 total tackles, 31 solo tackles, and 6.5 sacks.
With the College Football Playoff still ahead, Reese is on pace to be a top-five selection in the upcoming NFL Draft. Alongside Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles, Reese helped anchor what was statistically the best defense in college football.
Kayden McDonald
Kayden McDonald will also have his tree planted in Buckeye Grove after anchoring a disruptive defensive line under longtime defensive line coach Larry Johnson. Ohio State’s front was among the top five units against the run, and McDonald was at the heart of that success.
McDonald finished the season with 57 total tackles, 28 solo tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. His dominant 2025 campaign has put him firmly on the NFL radar, and if he chooses to declare, he could very well sneak into the first round of the NFL Draft.
Just missing the cut, Sonny Styles and Carnell Tate earned Second-Team All-American honors, while Julian Sayin and Cayden Curry were named to the Third Team.
This spring, three more Buckeye Trees will be planted in Buckeye Grove before the annual Ohio State Spring Football Game, continuing a tradition that celebrates excellence and legacy.
Co-Host of The Bunch of Nuts Podcast. Broadcaster for FCSN. I have worked multiple Big Noon Kickoff productions in the booth with Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt.