As the Ohio State Buckeyes approach the 2025 season, they are once again considered one of the top programs in college football, but they face some massive questions that could determine the course of their season. Whether it’s issues on the field, coaching changes, or roster turnover, there are several key areas that Ohio State must address if they want to continue their path toward a national championship. Here are the biggest questions the Buckeyes will be facing heading into the 2025 season:
1. Who Will Replace Justin Frye as Offensive Line Coach?
One of the most pressing questions surrounding Ohio State’s 2025 season is the potential departure of Justin Frye, their offensive line coach. Frye has been instrumental in shaping the Buckeyes’ offensive line into one of the nation’s best, and if he leaves, it could significantly affect the development of Ohio State’s front.
The offensive line is crucial to Ohio State’s offensive identity, particularly in terms of their ability to protect the quarterback and establish a strong running game. If Frye departs, Ryan Day and the Buckeyes’ coaching staff will need to find a replacement who can continue to develop the talent and maintain the high level of play the unit has enjoyed in recent years.
The loss of Frye also brings a potential impact on recruiting. Ohio State has been able to secure elite offensive line prospects, and finding a coach who can continue that trend will be critical.
2. Will the Quarterback Position Finally Be Settled?
Ohio State is entering 2025 with significant questions about their quarterback position. While Kyle McCord showed flashes of potential in 2024, there’s still uncertainty about whether he can take over as the full-time starter or if there will be a true competition for the job.
The Buckeyes have a long history of having elite quarterbacks, and in 2025, they’ll need a consistent and dynamic leader at the position to compete at the highest level. McCord, or potentially another quarterback on the roster, will need to prove they can execute the offense at a high level, protect the ball, and make the critical throws in big moments.
If McCord or another quarterback struggles, Ohio State may find themselves in a similar situation to previous seasons where they couldn’t fully capitalize on the talent around them due to inconsistent quarterback play. That’s a huge question mark for a team with championship aspirations.
3. Will the Defensive Coordinator Situation Stabilize?
After the potential departure or reassignment of Jim Knowles (who has been with Ohio State since 2021), the Buckeyes will need to figure out whether to retain him or move in a new direction. There’s no doubt that the defense has shown flashes of brilliance, but the inconsistency has been apparent, especially in big games.
Ohio State’s defense has not been able to consistently stop high-powered offenses in critical moments, and if Knowles departs, the Buckeyes will need to make a hire who can continue the program’s legacy of producing elite defensive talent and help elevate their performance on the field.
Whether Ohio State moves forward with Knowles, brings in a new coordinator, or promotes from within, the new defensive system will need to be in place to shore up the defensive line, linebacker play, and secondary, which have all had mixed results in recent years.
4. Can Ohio State Finally Get Over the Michigan Hump?
After a tough loss to Michigan in 2024, Ohio State will have revenge on its mind heading into the 2025 season. The rivalry between the Buckeyes and the Wolverines has been one of the most intense and high-profile matchups in college football, and the Buckeyes have not been able to get past Michigan in consecutive seasons. The question for Ohio State is whether they can finally get back on top of the Big Ten and beat Michigan when it counts.
The Buckeyes have the talent to do it, but the pressure to finally break through and reclaim the conference title will be significant. The result of that game could determine not only the Big Ten champion but also whether Ohio State secures a spot in the College Football Playoff, making it even more critical for the Buckeyes to resolve their issues before the season-ending showdown.
5. How Will the Linebacker Corps Look in 2025?
Ohio State’s linebacker play has been inconsistent in recent seasons, and with Tommy Eichenberg and Steel Chambers likely gone after 2024, the Buckeyes will have some big shoes to fill. The question here is whether Ohio State can reload with young talent or if they will have to rely on veterans to anchor the group.
Players like C.J. Hicks, Kurtis Mays, and Chad Wiggins will need to step up in a big way in 2025. If the Buckeyes can’t get consistent play at linebacker, it could cost them in the middle of the field, especially against the pass and in the run game.
Ohio State will also need to develop better depth behind their starting linebackers to ensure they can rotate players effectively, especially given the nature of the Big Ten’s grueling schedule.
6. Will the Secondary Take the Next Step?
Ohio State’s secondary has been one of the team’s biggest question marks in recent years, and while players like Denzel Burke and Kye Stokes have shown potential, the Buckeyes need more consistency from the back end of their defense. The unit has often struggled with allowing big plays, particularly in the passing game, which has led to blown coverages and high yardage totals.
For Ohio State to take the next step, they’ll need more consistent play from their corners and safeties, particularly in key moments. Jordan Hancock and Jahsen Wint will need to take major strides, and the addition of some strong recruits could make a difference, but the consistency of Ohio State’s secondary will remain a massive question for the Buckeyes.
7. Can Ohio State Continue Their Recruiting Dominance?
While Ohio State has been an elite program for several years, one of the key questions for the 2025 season is whether they can continue to recruit at the same high level. With competitors like Alabama, Georgia, and Michigan continually pushing for top talent, Ohio State must remain on top of its recruiting game.
The Buckeyes will need to focus on landing key positions in the 2025 recruiting class, including offensive line, linebacker, defensive back, and quarterback. The program has consistently brought in top-tier talent, and if they can continue that trend, they will maintain their spot among the top teams in college football.