As college football programs begin the long road toward their respective seasons, the excitement and anticipation surrounding training camp and spring practice intensify. For teams with high expectations and aspirations of championship contention, the depth chart is constantly evolving. This is especially true for teams like Ohio State, which has an established reputation for producing top-tier talent at every position. In particular, the Buckeyes’ edge rusher room, the play of quarterbacks like Manning, and the potential early transfer noise surrounding the program have all been a point of discussion. Each of these elements plays a key role in determining the trajectory of Ohio State’s season and its long-term success.
Ohio State’s success has always been closely tied to its ability to develop and maintain depth across all positions, and this year is no different. Whether it’s the leadership and raw talent of quarterbacks or the increased competition within the edge rusher room, the dynamics within the program are crucial for understanding where the Buckeyes stand heading into the 2025 season.
Manning’s Play: A Crucial Element for Ohio State’s Success
At the forefront of any championship-caliber team is the quarterback. For Ohio State, the battle at the quarterback position is always under scrutiny. With the departure of star quarterback C.J. Stroud, the Buckeyes have found themselves in a competitive and intriguing position to define their quarterback depth chart for the 2025 season. The role of Manning, a rising talent within the program, has become a focal point of discussion.
The Rise of Manning: A Highly-Touted Talent
Manning, who arrived at Ohio State with high expectations as one of the top quarterback prospects in his recruiting class, is in the unique position of potentially leading the Buckeyes into a new era under center. His play during spring practice and scrimmages has drawn attention from coaches, players, and analysts alike. While it’s too early to definitively say he will be the starting quarterback, his growth and development in camp are undeniable. Manning’s natural ability to make all the throws, combined with his command of the offense, have set him apart from other candidates.
Manning’s arm strength is one of his standout attributes. He’s capable of making every throw, from deep shots downfield to touch passes over the middle, and this has allowed him to show his versatility and adaptability in Ohio State’s offense. His performance has been particularly impressive in scrimmages, where he’s demonstrated poise under pressure and an ability to read defenses. While some of his decisions can be considered raw at times, Manning’s upside as a potential star quarterback is evident.
The key to Manning’s success will not just be his physical tools, but his mental approach to the game. Ohio State’s quarterback coach, Corey Dennis, has already started working closely with Manning to refine his footwork, reading progressions, and improving his decision-making under pressure. If Manning can continue his development through the offseason and camp, he may have the potential to become the next great Ohio State quarterback.
The Competition and What It Means for the Team
While Manning has impressed so far, he is far from guaranteed the starting role. Ohio State has a well-established depth chart and other quarterbacks, including Kyle McCord and Devin Brown, are pushing hard for the starting spot. McCord, a highly rated recruit who has already spent some time in the program, brings valuable experience to the table. Meanwhile, Devin Brown, known for his mobility and dual-threat abilities, has also shown flashes of brilliance in camp.
This competition at quarterback is vital not only for the future of the offense but also for the program’s broader trajectory. A stable and capable quarterback is crucial for Ohio State to maintain its high standards, both in the Big Ten and on the national stage. The battle at quarterback could ultimately determine how far the Buckeyes go this season, as the right leader will need to guide a highly talented group of skill players. Manning’s play, in particular, will be watched closely by fans and analysts alike, as his ability to command the offense and win the starting job could be a turning point for the team’s fortunes in 2025.
The Deep Edge Room: Competition Breeds Excellence
In recent years, Ohio State has built one of the most formidable defensive lines in college football. The edge rusher position has been a cornerstone of the team’s defensive success, and the current group of edge rushers is shaping up to be one of the most talented and deep in the country. As Ohio State prepares for the upcoming season, one of the most exciting storylines will be the competition within the edge room.
A Deep Talent Pool
Ohio State’s defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, is known for his aggressive, pressure-oriented defense, which relies heavily on the edge rushers to disrupt opposing offenses. This year, the Buckeyes boast a wealth of talent at the edge position, creating an intense battle for playing time. The most notable names in the room include senior JT Tuimoloau, junior Jack Sawyer, and rising sophomores like Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson. Each player brings a unique set of skills, but collectively, they form a group that could be devastating to opposing quarterbacks.
Tuimoloau is arguably one of the most disruptive edge rushers in the country. With a combination of strength, speed, and technique, he has the ability to both rush the passer and stop the run. His explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and ability to shed blockers makes him a force to be reckoned with, and he is likely to be one of Ohio State’s most impactful players on defense in 2025. Tuimoloau’s experience and leadership will be vital in guiding the younger players in the room and setting the tone for the defense.
Jack Sawyer, another highly touted recruit, has flashed elite potential during his time at Ohio State but is now entering a crucial stage of his development. Known for his relentless motor and ability to generate pressure, Sawyer has the physical tools to dominate, but he must improve his consistency and technique to reach his full potential. This season could be a breakout year for Sawyer if he can fine-tune his game and become a more complete edge rusher.
Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson, both emerging stars, are eager to make their mark in Ohio State’s defensive scheme. Both players have shown flashes of brilliance in practice and in limited game time, and this season will be critical for their development. As the depth chart in the edge room becomes even more crowded, these players will need to continue their growth and prove they are capable of contributing at a high level.
The Importance of Depth
What makes Ohio State’s edge rusher room particularly intriguing is the depth. The Buckeyes have enough talent to rotate players in and out of games without significantly losing production, which is critical over the course of a long season. Depth allows Ohio State to keep players fresh, maintain constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and limit the risk of injuries. The competition within the edge room is fierce, and it’s this very competition that will likely push the players to elevate their play.
The success of Ohio State’s defense will hinge largely on the performance of its edge rushers. With a deep, talented group of players, the Buckeyes are in an excellent position to continue their reputation as one of the most formidable defenses in the country. The ability to rotate fresh legs and generate constant pressure on quarterbacks will be a major advantage as Ohio State looks to compete for a national title.
Early Transfer Noise: Addressing the Rumors and Concerns
As is often the case in college football, rumors of player transfers begin to swirl during the offseason, especially when a program has as much talent as Ohio State. Transfer noise is something that every program has to deal with, but how the coaching staff handles it can often be the difference between maintaining team chemistry and seeing a mass exodus of players.
Why Transfer Noise Exists
There are a variety of reasons why transfer noise becomes a topic of conversation in programs like Ohio State. With a roster full of highly ranked players, the competition for playing time can be fierce, and some players may not be happy with their role on the team. It’s natural for players to look at other opportunities if they feel like they are not getting the playing time they deserve. This is particularly true for players in crowded positions like quarterback, running back, and wide receiver.
Additionally, the transfer portal has made it easier than ever for players to explore opportunities at other programs. This has led to a more fluid roster environment, where athletes are often looking for the best possible fit for their careers, both in terms of playing time and future opportunities.
Ohio State’s Approach to Transfer Noise
While the transfer noise surrounding Ohio State has certainly generated some headlines, it’s important to understand that the coaching staff is used to managing such situations. Head coach Ryan Day and his staff have cultivated an environment where competition is encouraged, and players are pushed to perform at their highest level. As such, players who might feel frustrated by the competition are often given the tools to improve and ultimately contribute to the team in meaningful ways.
Additionally, Day has always emphasized the importance of maintaining team unity and fostering an atmosphere where players understand the broader goals of the program. While transfer rumors can create uncertainty, Ohio State’s ability to manage this noise and keep players focused on the bigger picture will play a key role in their success during the 2025 season.
The Path Forward for Ohio State
As Ohio State enters another highly anticipated season, the program’s success will depend on a variety of factors. Manning’s development at quarterback, the competition and depth within the edge rusher room, and the management of transfer noise all contribute to the bigger picture. Each element—whether it’s the battle at quarterback or the talented defensive front—plays a crucial role in determining whether the Buckeyes will remain one of the top programs in college football.
If Ohio State can successfully navigate these challenges and continue to develop its young talent, they will be in a strong position to contend for national championships in the coming years. The road to the top is never easy, but with the depth, talent, and leadership within the program, the Buckeyes are poised to continue their success on the national stage.