What Ohio State players from national title will return for 2025? An early roster look

Posted by author January 21, 2025 Football

Spread the love

Ohio State’s 2025 roster will look vastly different than the one that just won the national championship.

Gone are all the seniors who bypassed a chance for the NFL last year to win the title they captured Monday night in a 34-23 win over Notre Dame. Defensive ends Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau, receiver Emeka Egbuka, running back TreVeyon Henderson and linebacker Cody Simon are just a handful of the stars who’ll depart. Also leaving are quarterback Will Howard and center Seth McLaughlin, who were graduate transfers.

But the Buckeyes are hardly devoid of talent. In fact, despite the losses, Ohio State is considered a prime championship contender again next year.

Ohio State football roster for 2025

The Buckeyes have to replace almost all of their starters on both sides of the ball.

Howard’s departure leaves Julian Sayin as the heir apparent at quarterback. At running back, Quinshon Judkins is expected to declare for the NFL draft, leaving James Peoples as the most likely starter.

The entire starting defensive line departs, but Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson should step in at defensive end. In the interior of the line, Eddrick Houston, Kayden McDonald and Hero Kanu figure to play prominent roles.

Depending on whether Davison Igbinosun turns pro, the Buckeyes might have to replace both cornerbacks. Jermaine Mathews would fill one spot.

Jaylen McClain might be the favorite to play alongside star Caleb Downs at safety.

What Ohio State players may enter transfer portal?

Quarterback Lincoln Kienholz could be the third OSU quarterback to leave, following Devin Brown (California) and Air Noland (South Carolina). Kienholz said he intends to stay at least through spring practice. If he becomes a true challenger to Sayin, Kienholz could stay. Otherwise, look for him to leave.

It’s too early to project which other Buckeyes depart, though at least a handful are expected to.

Celebrate Ohio State’s CFP championship with these books, posters and print keepsakes

What Ohio State football freshmen could have immediate impact

It’s hard to imagine any Buckeye being as impactful as wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was last year, but the Buckeyes could get contributions from their first-year players. One thing aiding them is not having as many established veteran starters as the 2024 freshmen did.

Cornerback Devin Sanchez, a five-star recruit, will compete for a starting job. Tavien St. Clair, OSU’s other five-star commitment, could be the backup quarterback if Kienholz leaves and the Buckeyes are unable to land a decent quarterback in the transfer portal.

Carter Lowe, a high four-star recruit from Toledo, could compete at an offensive tackle spot.

What Ohio State players will enter 2025 NFL draft?

It’s a long list. Junior Josh Simmons, whose season ended early with a knee injury, has already declared for the draft.

The list of seniors leaving is long: Sawyer, Tuimoloau, Henderson, Egbuka, and Simon will be joined by defensive tackles Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton, defensive backs Lathan Ransom, Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock, offensive tackles Donovan Jackson and Josh Fryar and tight end Gee Scott Jr.

Judkins is considered a virtual lock to leave. Igbinosun also might depart, as could linebacker Sonny Styles.