As we head into the 2025 college football season, Ohio State’s defense will once again be a key factor in the team’s pursuit of a national championship. With the roster continuing to evolve, several key players are poised to step into leadership roles and make their mark. The Buckeyes have consistently developed top-tier defensive talent, and the 2025 season should be no different.
With the expectation of returning key veterans and blending in a strong crop of new talent, let’s forecast what the two-deep depth chart might look like for Ohio State’s defense heading into the 2025 season. Please note, this is a projection based on current roster trends and the potential departure or return of key players.
Ohio State 2025 Defense: Projected Two-Deep Depth Chart
Defensive Line
The defensive line is always a crucial part of Ohio State’s defensive identity, and in 2025, the Buckeyes will have several strong players ready to contribute both as pass-rushers and run-stoppers.
Defensive Ends:
- Starters:
- JT Tuimoloau (Junior) – Tuimoloau is already one of the most dynamic pass-rushers in the country. After another dominant season in 2024, he’ll be a cornerstone of the defense.
- Jack Sawyer (Senior) – Sawyer is expected to be one of the top defensive players on the team. His ability to rush the passer and disrupt the backfield will be vital for Ohio State.
- Backups:
- Caden Curry (Sophomore) – A strong and athletic player who will push for more playing time as a rotational piece.
- Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (Sophomore) – A talented young player with significant potential to contribute and develop under Ohio State’s coaching staff.
Defensive Tackles:
- Starters:
- Tyleik Williams (Junior) – Williams will be a key leader on the interior defensive line. His size and strength will help him control the middle and clog running lanes.
- Mike Hall Jr. (Junior) – Hall is an athletic, versatile defensive tackle who can dominate both against the run and as a pass-rusher. His skill set will allow Ohio State to rotate between a 3-4 or 4-3 look.
- Backups:
- Ty Hamilton (Senior) – A reliable rotational player who provides depth and experience.
- Hero Kanu (Sophomore) – A physical, athletic talent who could see significant snaps and make an impact on passing downs.
Linebackers
Ohio State’s linebacker corps will likely have a mix of experience and youth, with the Buckeyes hoping to reload after losing some key pieces in recent years.
Outside Linebackers (Edge / OLB):
- Starters:
- Chad Wiggins (Junior) – Wiggins is a rising star at linebacker. His ability to cover ground and be effective in both pass rush and coverage will make him a key player in Ohio State’s defense.
- Palaie Gaoteote IV (Senior) – Gaoteote will be a seasoned leader on the outside, bringing experience and leadership to the defense.
- Backups:
- Kurtis Mays (Sophomore) – Mays has a lot of upside and will be a key rotational piece who could work his way into the starting role over time.
- C.J. Hicks (Sophomore) – Hicks is one of the most highly touted linebacker recruits in recent years and has a chance to make an immediate impact with his elite athleticism.
Inside Linebackers (ILB):
- Starters:
- Steel Chambers (Senior) – Chambers has emerged as one of the top linebackers for the Buckeyes and will continue to be a major force in the middle of the defense.
- Teradja Mitchell (Senior) – Mitchell will bring veteran leadership to the inside linebacker position. His leadership and tackling ability will help stabilize the unit.
- Backups:
- Jamal Anderson (Sophomore) – Anderson’s versatility and speed will allow him to contribute in a variety of ways.
- CJ Hicks (Sophomore) – It’s possible that Hicks could see time inside as well, offering flexibility in the Buckeyes’ linebacker group.
Secondary
The secondary will be key in Ohio State’s efforts to defend high-powered passing offenses. The Buckeyes have recruited heavily in this area, and it’s expected that they will continue to have one of the best secondaries in college football.
Cornerbacks:
- Starters:
- Denzel Burke (Junior) – Burke is a true lockdown corner and should be among the best in the nation at his position. His ball skills and ability to shut down top receivers make him a key asset for the Buckeyes.
- Jordan Hancock (Junior) – Hancock has shown great promise and could emerge as one of the top corners on the roster. His quickness and coverage skills will be vital.
- Backups:
- Jahsen Wint (Sophomore) – Wint will add depth to the cornerback position and will be ready to contribute if needed.
- Jalil Farooq (Freshman) – An incoming 2025 recruit with excellent athleticism who may have the potential to crack the two-deep depth chart in his first season.
Safeties:
- Starters:
- Kye Stokes (Junior) – Stokes is one of the most dynamic safeties in the nation, and he’ll be crucial to Ohio State’s success in both the run and pass defense.
- Lathan Ransom (Senior) – Ransom brings excellent leadership and playmaking ability. He’s expected to be a key presence in the secondary and a key tackler in the defensive backfield.
- Backups:
- Courtney Ramey (Sophomore) – A talented safety who will provide excellent depth and could play a significant role as a rotational piece.
- Javon Rucker (Freshman) – A highly touted recruit who could be a wildcard in terms of making an early impact.
Special Teams
Ohio State’s defense should set up favorable field positions for the special teams unit, and it’ll be important for the Buckeyes to maintain solid coverage units and force turnovers.
- Kicker: Noah Ruggles – Ruggles is a proven commodity and should continue to be a reliable option for Ohio State.
- Punter: Parker Fleming – The punter will need to provide solid hang time and flip the field when necessary.
- Kickoff/Punt Coverage: With an aggressive defense, Ohio State will look to build on their strong special teams play, using athletic players to cover kicks and punts effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Ohio State’s defense in 2025 should be loaded with elite talent across all positions, especially in the defensive line and secondary. Players like JT Tuimoloau, Denzel Burke, and Kye Stokes will be central figures.
- The linebacker corps will be a mix of experienced leaders (like Steel Chambers) and highly talented young players (such as C.J. Hicks) ready to make their mark.
- Ohio State’s ability to develop NFL-caliber players in the secondary will continue to be a strength, and Jim Knowles, if retained, will continue to bring an aggressive scheme.
- Recruiting will play a major role, especially with freshmen like Javon Rucker and Jahsen Wint providing depth and competition.
Ohio State has positioned itself as one of the top teams in the country in both recruiting and player development, meaning their defense in 2025 should be poised for another successful season, with players ready to shine on the biggest stages.
Let me know if you want to go deeper into any specific positions or players!