Ohio State’s 2025 Football Roster Faces Significant Turnover: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The Ohio State Buckeyes are heading into the 2025 season with a significant roster overhaul, as up to 15 key players are preparing to enter the NFL Draft. While roster turnover is an annual reality in college football, the sheer volume of departures this year presents unique challenges for head coach Ryan Day and his staff. With several star players moving on to the next level, the Buckeyes will need to rely on their deep talent pool, incoming recruits, and strategic coaching adjustments to remain competitive in the Big Ten and the national championship race.
Key Departures and Their Impact
Several of Ohio State’s top performers have declared for the NFL Draft, leaving gaps across multiple positions. These include:
Offense:
Quarterback Kyle McCord – McCord led the Buckeyes in 2024, showing steady improvement but ultimately falling short of a national title. His departure means Ohio State will be looking for a new signal-caller to lead the team in 2025.
Wide Receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. – The most significant loss for the Buckeyes, Harrison Jr. is projected to be a top-five NFL Draft pick. His elite route-running and playmaking ability made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and his absence will leave a major void in the passing game.
Running Back TreVeyon Henderson – Henderson’s explosive running style and ability to break big plays were crucial for Ohio State’s offense. With his departure, the Buckeyes will need a new lead back to step up.
Offensive Tackle Paris Johnson Jr. – A cornerstone of Ohio State’s offensive line, Johnson’s protection allowed the Buckeyes’ passing game to thrive. Replacing a top-tier tackle like him won’t be easy.
Defense:
Defensive End JT Tuimoloau – Tuimoloau was a dominant force on the defensive line, making game-changing plays in key moments. His pass-rushing ability will be sorely missed.
Linebacker Tommy Eichenberg – As the leader of the defense, Eichenberg’s experience and leadership helped anchor the unit. His departure leaves a leadership void on that side of the ball.
Cornerback Denzel Burke – Burke was Ohio State’s top corner and consistently matched up against the best wide receivers in the country. His exit leaves the secondary in need of a new shutdown corner.
With these losses, Ohio State must not only replace talent but also address leadership gaps. Players like Harrison Jr., Eichenberg, and Tuimoloau were not just stars on the field—they were also key figures in the locker room.
Who Will Step Up?
The Buckeyes have one of the most talented rosters in college football, and while losing 15 players is a tough blow, there are plenty of talented individuals ready to step up.
Quarterback Battle
With Kyle McCord gone, the quarterback position is wide open. The Buckeyes have multiple options, including:
Devin Brown – A former highly-rated recruit, Brown has been waiting for his shot to take over as the starting QB.
Lincoln Kienholz – An exciting dual-threat quarterback who could bring a new dynamic to the Buckeyes’ offense.
Incoming Freshmen – The Buckeyes have one of the top quarterback recruits in the country joining the team, and if he impresses in spring practice, he could compete for the starting role.
Whoever wins the job will have a talented group of receivers and a strong offensive line to support them.
New Playmakers on Offense
Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka – With Harrison Jr. gone, Egbuka is expected to take on the role of WR1. He has already proven to be a dangerous weapon and will be key in 2025.
Running Back Dallan Hayden – With TreVeyon Henderson off to the NFL, Hayden will likely get more opportunities to showcase his skills.
Tight End Jelani Thurman – Ohio State has a history of producing great tight ends, and Thurman could be the next big name at the position.
Defensive Standouts
Defensive End Jack Sawyer – With Tuimoloau gone, Sawyer is expected to become the primary pass rusher for the Buckeyes.
Linebacker C.J. Hicks – One of Ohio State’s most exciting young defenders, Hicks could take on a leadership role in 2025.
Safety Sonny Styles – With the departure of multiple defensive backs, Styles will be counted on to help lead the secondary.
Recruiting and Transfers: Filling the Gaps
Ohio State has consistently brought in top-tier recruiting classes, and 2025 is no different. The Buckeyes have several blue-chip recruits who could make an immediate impact. Additionally, the transfer portal provides an opportunity to bring in experienced players from other programs to fill key roles.
Head coach Ryan Day and his staff will likely target offensive line depth, defensive backs, and possibly a veteran quarterback in the transfer portal.
Coaching Adjustments and Scheme Changes
With a new-look roster, Ohio State may need to tweak its offensive and defensive schemes to play to its strengths.
Offensively, the Buckeyes may rely more on the run game early in the season while the new quarterback settles in.
Defensively, new starters will need to step up quickly, and the coaching staff may have to simplify schemes early in the year to allow young players to adjust.
2025 Season Outlook
Despite the significant turnover, expectations remain high for Ohio State. The Buckeyes will still be one of the most talented teams in the country, and their goal remains the same: win the Big Ten and compete for a national championship.
The key to success in 2025 will be how quickly the new starters adjust and whether the team can maintain the same level of execution as past seasons.
Conclusion
Ohio State’s 2025 roster turnover is significant, but the Buckeyes have the talent, coaching, and recruiting power to remain one of the top programs in college football. While replacing stars like Marvin Harrison Jr. and TreVeyon Henderson won’t be easy, the next wave of Buckeye greats is ready to take center stage.
With a strong recruiting class, key returning players, and the right coaching adjustments, Ohio State has all the pie
ces to once again compete for a Big Ten title and a spot in the College Football Playoff.