ESPN thinks the Ohio State Buckeyes have one of the best freshmen in the country to watch during the 2025 NCAA football season, and for good reason. With a program built on elite recruiting, NFL-caliber development, and a championship standard, it’s no surprise that another young Buckeye is already drawing national attention before even taking a collegiate snap. The player in question? Wide receiver Quincy Porter, a dazzling five-star talent out of New Jersey who has analysts, fans, and even coaches buzzing as the 2025 season approaches.
Porter, who ranked among the top 10 players nationally in the 2025 recruiting cycle, committed to Ohio State over the likes of Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, and USC. The Buckeyes’ ability to land the 6-foot-3, 200-pound wideout wasn’t just another recruiting win—it was a statement that the powerhouse program remains wide receiver U. ESPN’s college football experts identified Porter as one of the true impact freshmen who could immediately break into the spotlight, especially with his route-running precision, athleticism, and mature understanding of the game.
What sets Porter apart is more than just his athletic gifts. It’s how he fits within Ohio State’s offensive ecosystem. Under offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who joined the Buckeyes after his stint at UCLA, the team is expected to implement a fast-paced, creative offensive scheme that heavily utilizes dynamic receivers in space. That system, married with Porter’s advanced route tree and elite separation ability, makes for a potentially explosive pairing.
According to multiple reports out of spring practices in Columbus, Porter has already made a name for himself. Veteran defensive backs reportedly struggle to stay in phase with him during drills, and he’s earned praise for not just his highlight-worthy catches but his consistency. Head coach Ryan Day recently told reporters that Porter “plays like a third-year guy,” pointing to his preparation, humility, and competitive drive. For a team with playoff aspirations and a fanbase demanding excellence, the emergence of Porter is more than welcome.
Ohio State, of course, is no stranger to standout freshmen. Over the past decade, the Buckeyes have routinely developed true freshmen into stars. Think J.K. Dobbins bursting onto the scene in 2017, or more recently, Marvin Harrison Jr., who went from promising prospect to generational talent in Columbus. If the early signs are any indication, Porter could be next in line to follow that path.
What makes Porter especially intriguing is how his skill set complements Ohio State’s wide receiver room. The Buckeyes have veteran targets like Emeka Egbuka returning, but with players heading to the NFL and a new quarterback under center, the door is open for a freshman like Porter to carve out a significant role early. Whether it’s out of the slot or on the boundary, his versatility allows Ohio State to use him in multiple formations, creating mismatches against slower linebackers or undersized corners.
ESPN’s Tom Luginbill described Porter as a “tactician” on the field, emphasizing that his feel for coverages and ability to throttle down his speed at the right moments makes him quarterback-friendly in every way. That’s huge, considering Ohio State is transitioning at the quarterback position with redshirt sophomore Lincoln Kienholz expected to lead the offense. Having a dependable freshman who can get open quickly and consistently is a luxury not many programs can boast.
The national spotlight only adds to the stakes. With the expanded College Football Playoff format debuting this fall, there’s never been a more important time for programs to find instant-impact players. Depth and offensive firepower are key, and freshmen like Porter could be the X-factor that tips the scale for title contenders. The Big Ten is tougher than ever with the additions of USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington, and the margin for error has slimmed. A breakout season from Porter would not only elevate Ohio State’s offense but also potentially swing crucial matchups in the Buckeyes’ favor.
Porter’s journey to Columbus is rooted in both talent and resolve. At Bergen Catholic, one of the top programs in New Jersey, he lit up defenses with an uncanny blend of speed, precision, and strength. He racked up over 1,200 yards and 16 touchdowns in his senior year, frequently drawing double teams yet still dominating at every level. Recruiting services noted his work ethic and football IQ, and he was often cited as the most college-ready receiver in the class of 2025.
Beyond the stats and stars, Porter has always carried himself with the kind of mindset coaches love. During All-American Bowl week, he reportedly arrived early to practice every day and stayed after for extra reps with the quarterbacks. That attitude has continued at Ohio State, where he’s routinely one of the last players off the field. Coaches have praised not just his physical tools but his maturity, leadership potential, and attention to detail.
While expectations can be a double-edged sword for high-profile freshmen, Porter seems equipped to handle the pressure. Being labeled as a must-watch player by ESPN before even suiting up speaks volumes about both his ceiling and the faith national analysts have in his development. The bright lights of college football can be overwhelming, but at a place like Ohio State, the spotlight is part of the deal—and Porter seems more than ready to shine.
The fans are already taking notice. Social media clips from spring ball showing Porter torching defensive backs have gone viral. Buckeye Nation is notoriously passionate, and Porter has quickly become a favorite among fans who see shades of Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson in his game. With Ohio State pushing for a national title and games against powerhouses like Michigan, Penn State, and Oregon on the schedule, every edge matters. Porter doesn’t need to be the best receiver on the field—he just needs to be the kind of player defenses can’t ignore. So far, it looks like he’ll be exactly that.
One of the most compelling elements of Porter’s early buzz is how organically it’s built. He hasn’t been the loudest on social media, nor has he embraced the hype machine that often surrounds five-star recruits. Instead, he’s let his game do the talking. And when your game includes elite body control, strong hands in traffic, and the ability to separate from defenders in tight coverage, people tend to listen. For ESPN to single him out among a stacked freshman class is significant. The worldwide leader in sports doesn’t throw around praise lightly, especially in a sport as deep and unpredictable as college football.
With the 2025 season just around the corner, all eyes will be on Columbus to see how the Buckeyes reload and whether Porter lives up to his billing. History suggests that he will. In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him not just emerge as a reliable option, but potentially become one of the top freshman receivers in the country statistically. That would put him in rare company and further cement Ohio State’s reputation as the premier destination for elite pass-catchers.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, ESPN’s inclusion of Quincy Porter on their list of top freshmen to watch is more than just preseason hype. It’s a recognition of a player with the tools, mentality, and opportunity to become a star. In a sport where young talent often determines the fate of title runs, Porter may be the next in a long line of Buckeye greats to leave his mark from day one. And if spring and summer are any indication, he won’t just be a player to watch—he’ll be a player fans and opponents can’t take their eyes off.
