Ohio State Football Recruiting: Ryan Day’s 2 Incoming Freshmen Make Waves as Buckeyes Stack Up 2025 Roster
Ohio State football is entering an exciting phase under head coach Ryan Day, and the Buckeyes are poised to continue their dominance in the Big Ten and on the national stage. With the 2025 season fast approaching, the Buckeyes’ recruiting efforts have paid off in a major way, as they’ve locked in two game-changing freshmen that are already making waves. The recruiting class of 2025 is shaping up to be one of the strongest in recent memory, with a blend of talent, skill, and upside that bodes well for the future of Ohio State football.
These incoming freshmen have the potential to make an immediate impact on the field, adding depth and talent to an already loaded roster. For Ryan Day, who has turned Ohio State into a perennial playoff contender, securing top-tier recruits is an essential part of maintaining the program’s status as one of the best in the country. The buzz around these two players is palpable, and their arrival signals that the Buckeyes are well-positioned to compete for championships in the coming seasons.
The Recruiting Impact of Ryan Day
Under Ryan Day’s leadership, Ohio State has consistently been one of the top programs in the country in terms of recruiting. His ability to recruit at an elite level, particularly on offense, has been a key factor in Ohio State’s sustained success. With an offense that is consistently ranked among the best in the nation, Day has attracted some of the best talent in the country, particularly at quarterback, wide receiver, and running back.
Day’s reputation as a quarterback guru has been instrumental in bringing top-tier signal-callers to Columbus. However, it’s not just the offensive side of the ball that has flourished under his watch. Ohio State has also continued to stack up talent on the defensive side, ensuring a balanced team capable of winning championships. The 2025 class is expected to build on this foundation, and the two incoming freshmen we’re focusing on—Jalen Thomas and Tariq McAllister—are expected to play pivotal roles for the Buckeyes as they continue their pursuit of greatness.
Incoming Freshman 1: Jalen Thomas – Elite Defensive Playmaker
The first of the two incoming freshmen who has the Buckeye fanbase buzzing is Jalen Thomas, a defensive back from Indianapolis, Indiana. Thomas is widely regarded as one of the top cornerbacks in the 2025 recruiting cycle, and his commitment to Ohio State is a huge win for Ryan Day and his staff. Standing at 6’0” and weighing 190 pounds, Thomas brings a combination of size, speed, and agility that allows him to excel in man-to-man coverage while also providing versatility in zone schemes.
What makes Thomas particularly intriguing is his ability to shut down top-tier wide receivers. During his high school career, he earned multiple All-State honors and was known for his exceptional ball skills and ability to read quarterbacks. His reputation as a lockdown corner has made him one of the most highly sought-after recruits in the country, and his decision to join Ohio State adds another piece to the puzzle for a defense that has continued to grow under Day’s leadership.
Ohio State’s defense, especially in the secondary, has become a stronghold in the Big Ten. With players like Denzel Burke, Cam Brown, and Ronnie Hickman developing into future NFL prospects, Ohio State has established itself as a defensive powerhouse. With Thomas’s addition to the mix, the Buckeyes’ secondary could be even more dominant in the 2025 season and beyond.
Jalen Thomas’s Skillset and Impact
Thomas is known for his excellent ball skills, including the ability to intercept passes and make plays in critical moments. His high school highlight reel is filled with game-changing interceptions and pass breakups, showcasing his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and position himself in prime locations to make a play. Additionally, Thomas’s agility allows him to stick with wide receivers on deep routes and play physical at the line of scrimmage.
While it is always difficult for true freshmen to make an immediate impact at Ohio State, Thomas has the skill set to make an immediate difference. His physicality, football IQ, and natural talent could see him entering the rotation as a freshman, providing much-needed depth to a secondary that prides itself on shutting down opposing passing games. If Thomas can adjust to the speed of the game at the collegiate level, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him contribute in significant ways during his first season.
Incoming Freshman 2: Tariq McAllister – Offensive Weapon with Explosive Potential
The second incoming freshman making waves is Tariq McAllister, an incredibly talented running back from St. Louis, Missouri. McAllister, a dynamic player with the ability to make an impact in both the running and passing games, is one of the most versatile backs to come out of the 2025 recruiting class. Standing at 6’1” and 210 pounds, McAllister has the size to be an every-down back, but it’s his quickness, vision, and playmaking ability that set him apart.
McAllister was highly sought after by programs across the country, and his commitment to Ohio State is a huge boost for the Buckeyes’ offense. Known for his ability to break tackles, accelerate through holes, and catch passes out of the backfield, McAllister adds another dimension to Ohio State’s already potent offense. His versatility allows him to be used in a variety of ways, whether he’s running the ball between the tackles, catching passes in the flat, or lining up as a slot receiver.
Tariq McAllister’s Skillset and Impact
McAllister is an explosive back who thrives in both short-yardage situations and long breakaway runs. His vision on the field allows him to make cuts that leave defenders grasping at air, and his speed helps him outrun opposing defenders once he’s through the line of scrimmage. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield makes him a nightmare for defensive coordinators, as he is just as dangerous as a receiver as he is a rusher.
With Ohio State’s offense known for its high tempo and reliance on explosive plays, McAllister’s skill set aligns perfectly with the program’s needs. While Ohio State’s running back room is already stacked with talent, McAllister’s ability to impact the game in various ways gives him the chance to earn immediate playing time as a freshman. If he can adapt quickly to the speed of the college game, McAllister could form a dynamic duo with the Buckeyes’ other talented backs, providing a deep and versatile rushing attack for Ryan Day’s offense.
The Ohio State Recruiting Machine
Ryan Day has proven to be a master recruiter, continuously bringing in elite talent to Ohio State. With the addition of Jalen Thomas and Tariq McAllister, the Buckeyes’ recruiting efforts for 2025 have already put the program in an excellent position to compete for championships in the near future.
Both Thomas and McAllister offer immense upside, and their arrival will only increase the competition for playing time across both sides of the ball. For Day, that type of competition is a positive sign, as it keeps players hungry, focused, and committed to improving. Ohio State’s stacked roster, which already includes elite talent at every position, will be even stronger with these two incoming freshmen, and they could help take the program to new heights in the coming seasons.
The success of Ohio State’s recruiting efforts under Ryan Day is a reflection of the program’s commitment to excellence. The Buckeyes have consistently ranked among the top recruiting classes in the country, and the addition of Thomas and McAllister ensures that the program will remain at the forefront of college football.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future for Ohio State
As Ohio State continues to build its roster for the 2025 season and beyond, the additions of Jalen Thomas and Tariq McAllister are pivotal. Both players bring a wealth of talent, skill, and versatility to the program, and their potential to make an impact as freshmen is undeniable.
With Ryan Day at the helm, Ohio State’s future looks incredibly bright. The program is loaded with talent across all positions, and the competition for playing time will only make the team stronger. The combination of elite coaching, top-tier recruiting, and high-level talent gives the Buckeyes the tools they need to compete for national championships in the years to come.
As fans eagerly await the 2025 season, the excitement surrounding these incoming freshmen is palpable. Jalen Thomas and Tariq McAllister are just the latest examples of the incredible talent that Ohio State continues to attract, and with players like them joining the roster, the Buckeyes will be poised to continue their tradition of excellence. The future is bright for Ohio State, and these two freshmen will undoubtedly play an important role in the team’s success.