A look at Ohio State football’s 2025 offense, broken down by position

Ohio State Football’s 2025 Offense: A Detailed Breakdown by Position

As we look ahead to the 2025 season for Ohio State football, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the program’s offensive unit will develop. Under the guidance of head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have consistently been one of the most potent offenses in the country, featuring high-powered passing attacks and a stable of talented running backs. With key departures and a new wave of talent coming in, it’s important to examine each position group to see what 2025 could hold for Ohio State’s offense.

Quarterback

The quarterback position is always the focal point of any high-level offense, and for Ohio State, 2025 will be no exception. After the potential departure of quarterback Kyle McCord in 2024 (pending his decision to leave early for the NFL Draft), the Buckeyes will be tasked with finding his successor. In 2025, the starting quarterback will likely be someone from the highly-touted 2024 recruiting class or a redshirt sophomore with some experience.

Possible Candidates:

Devin Brown (Sophomore in 2025): As a 2023 recruit, Brown is a dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm and impressive mobility. While his ability to make plays with his legs will be valuable in the modern college game, his development as a passer will be crucial. Should he win the starting job in 2025, he’ll have the advantage of being in the system for a few years, providing him with a strong foundation.
Lincoln Kienholz (Freshman in 2025): A highly-ranked recruit, Kienholz may push for early playing time, depending on how quickly he adapts to the college game. Known for his ability to make plays on the move and his physicality, Kienholz could be the type of quarterback Day prefers to run his offense with.

No matter who wins the starting job, the 2025 Ohio State offense will likely continue to be a blend of dynamic passing and QB run-game opportunities. Expect a lot of emphasis on quick decision-making, with an offense that leans on short-to-medium-range passing mixed with deeper shot attempts to keep opposing defenses off-balance.

Running Back

Ohio State has a storied history of elite running backs, from Eddie George to Ezekiel Elliott to J.K. Dobbins, and 2025 will look to add to that tradition. With the likely departure of TreVeyon Henderson, who could leave for the NFL after the 2024 season, the Buckeyes will need a new star to emerge in the backfield. However, Ohio State is well-known for its depth and ability to plug in talented players, so they won’t be hurting for talent at this position.

Possible Candidates:

Miyan Williams (Junior in 2025): If Williams decides to stay for his junior year, he could be the workhorse for Ohio State. Known for his physical running style, Williams could take over as the primary back if Henderson departs. His ability to break tackles and gain tough yardage could make him a focal point of the offense.
Dallan Hayden (Sophomore in 2025): Hayden showed flashes of his talent in limited action during his freshman season. If he develops further in the 2024 season, he could earn a starting role in 2025. He has the ability to be a complete back with speed, vision, and pass-catching abilities.
Mark Fletcher (Freshman in 2025): A big, powerful back, Fletcher could make an immediate impact if given the opportunity. His size and strength make him an ideal goal-line back, but he’ll need to show his ability to contribute in all facets of the game if he wants to be a true every-down back.

Ohio State’s running game is known for its balance and versatility, and 2025 should see the continuation of this approach. Whether it’s the traditional zone-blocking schemes or more outside zone runs, the Buckeyes will lean on their talented backs to create yardage on the ground.

Wide Receiver

Ohio State has been an absolute factory of wide receiver talent in recent years, and the 2025 season could see another deep and explosive group on the field. The Buckeyes have consistently churned out first-round NFL draft picks, and the receiving corps in 2025 could have multiple players who are poised for big-time success.

Key Players:

Emeka Egbuka (Junior in 2025): If Egbuka returns for his junior year, he will be one of the top playmakers in the Big Ten and one of the top wideouts in the nation. He has elite speed, exceptional ball skills, and the ability to stretch the field. He would be the go-to target in the passing game, with a great mix of speed and size.
Julian Fleming (Senior in 2025): Fleming, a highly-touted recruit who has had an up-and-down career at Ohio State, could have a breakout senior year in 2025. He has the physical tools to be a star, and with more experience in the offense, he could develop into a dangerous weapon for whoever wins the quarterback job.
Carnell Tate (Freshman in 2025): Tate is a dynamic player who could earn playing time early in his career. As a five-star recruit, he brings a unique combination of size, speed, and route-running ability. His talent and versatility make him a dangerous weapon for opposing defenses.
Brandon Innis (Freshman in 2025): Another five-star recruit, Innis is a slot receiver with excellent agility and quickness. His ability to get open in tight spaces and create mismatches in the middle of the field will likely make him a key piece in Ohio State’s passing attack.

Ohio State’s offense has always been known for its ability to create mismatches on the perimeter. With a deep receiving corps in 2025, the Buckeyes will likely continue to exploit defenses with speed and precision. Expect a fast-paced offense that utilizes different formations and motion to get the ball in the hands of their playmakers.

Tight End

The tight end position has traditionally not been a focal point in Ohio State’s offense, but that has been slowly changing under Ryan Day’s tenure. With more emphasis on balanced offensive schemes and the increased value of versatile players who can block and catch passes, the tight end role is becoming more significant.

Possible Contributors:

Kate Stover (Senior in 2025): Stover could be one of the top tight ends in the Big Ten in 2025. Known for his ability to block and catch, he will be a reliable target for the quarterback in both the passing game and in running situations. His experience will be invaluable in both the red zone and when providing additional protection for the quarterback.
Bennett Christian (Sophomore in 2025): Christian is a big, athletic tight end who could see more action as his career progresses. If he takes a step forward in his development, he could provide another option in the passing game. His physicality as a blocker could help in the running game as well.

Ohio State’s tight ends in 2025 should be more involved in the offense, acting as security blankets for the quarterback while also helping out with blocking duties. The evolution of this position group is a trend that has been gaining momentum over the last few years, and 2025 should see even more tight end production.

Offensive Line

The offensive line will be critical in determining the success of Ohio State’s offense in 2025. Known for producing some of the top linemen in the country, Ohio State will once again have a deep, talented group of blockers up front. However, with some potential departures after the 2024 season, there will be some new faces stepping into prominent roles.

Key Players:

Josh Fryar (Senior in 2025): Fryar will be a key leader on the offensive line in 2025. A versatile and experienced player, he could play multiple positions along the line and will be critical in keeping the pocket clean for the quarterback and opening up lanes for the running game.
Matthew Jones (Senior in 2025): Another experienced player, Jones has the size and skill set to be one of the best guards in the Big Ten. His ability to dominate in both the run and pass game will be important in ensuring Ohio State’s offense can execute at a high level.
Zen Michalski (Sophomore in 2025): With his physicality and athleticism, Michalski could emerge as one of the key tackles for Ohio State. His development over the next couple of years will be crucial to the success of the offensive line.

Ohio State has consistently been one of the best teams in the country at controlling the line of scrimmage, and 2025 should be no different. The offensive line will need to continue its tradition of elite play to provide the offense with both protection in the passing game and holes in the running game.

The Ohio State offense in 2025 looks poised to continue the program’s high-level production, with plenty of returning talent and new stars ready to emerge. The quarterback competition will be a focal point, as the Buckeyes will need a new leader to step in and take control. The running back and wide receiver positions should be strong, with a talented group of players capable of making explosive plays. The offensive line will again be a strength, providing the foundation for both the passing and running games.

With a combination of experienced players and exciting newcomers, Ohio State’s offense in 2025 has the potential to be one of the best in the country once again. As always, the key will be how quickly the young players adapt and whether the program can maintain its excellence on the offensive side of the ball. But if the past is any indicator, Ohio State football’s offense in 2025 will likely be dynamic, exciting, and capable of putting up big numbers.