Ohio State Buckeyes Receive Major Update on Two Incoming Freshmen
The Ohio State Buckeyes football program is always under a microscope, with fans eagerly awaiting updates about incoming recruits, and for good reason. As one of the most successful college football programs in the nation, Ohio State consistently brings in top-tier talent from across the country. The 2025 recruiting class is no exception, and the Buckeyes recently received a significant update regarding two incoming freshmen who are expected to make an impact in the near future.
With the 2025 season on the horizon, Ohio State fans are eager to see how their new recruits will contribute to the team’s success, and these two freshmen, in particular, have garnered attention for their impressive skill sets and potential to make an immediate impact on the field.
Freshman Updates: A Positive Sign for Ohio State
The update that Ohio State received on these two incoming freshmen is a positive one, signaling the possibility of immediate contributions from them as soon as they step foot on campus. These updates have been particularly important as the program continues to build towards the future, with a focus on competing at the highest levels of college football.
The players in question, although not yet officially part of the team’s active roster, have shown promise in their high school careers and during their respective recruitment processes. They were both highly coveted by other top programs, and their decisions to commit to Ohio State were seen as significant victories for the Buckeyes’ recruiting efforts.
This article will take a closer look at these two freshmen, their backgrounds, and what they bring to the table for the Buckeyes as they prepare for the 2025 season.
Freshman 1: A Defensive Playmaker Ready to Step Up
The first incoming freshman that has Buckeye fans buzzing is Jaxon Bryant, a standout defensive back from Atlanta, Georgia. Bryant, who played for one of the most successful high school programs in the state of Georgia, is a highly regarded prospect who was widely considered one of the top cornerbacks in the country. At 6’1” and 190 pounds, Bryant possesses a blend of size, speed, and athleticism that has allowed him to excel at the high school level and earn recognition as a top-tier recruit.
What makes Bryant particularly exciting is his ability to play both man-to-man and zone coverage, allowing him to be versatile within Ohio State’s defensive scheme. His impressive ball skills, which include multiple interceptions during his high school career, make him a dangerous weapon in the secondary. Additionally, his ability to break up passes and cover the field from sideline to sideline is a testament to his anticipation and high football IQ.
Ohio State’s secondary has long been a strength of the program, and Bryant is expected to join the ranks of the Buckeyes’ elite defensive backs, including those who have gone on to successful NFL careers. With an impressive skill set and a chip on his shoulder, Bryant could be the type of player who quickly finds himself in the rotation, possibly even seeing significant playing time in his freshman season.
The Recruiting Battle for Jaxon Bryant
When Bryant made his commitment to Ohio State, it was a major recruiting victory for the Buckeyes. He had received offers from nearly every major program in the country, including Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. His commitment to Ohio State over other powerhouse schools like those sent a strong message that the Buckeyes are continuing to recruit at an elite level.
Bryant has been praised not only for his athletic ability but also for his leadership on and off the field. Coaches and teammates alike have spoken highly of his work ethic and desire to continuously improve. He has the potential to make an immediate impact as a freshman, and if he can adapt quickly to the speed of college football, he could emerge as a key player for the Buckeyes’ defense.
Freshman 2: A Dual-Threat Quarterback with Incredible Potential
The second incoming freshman that Ohio State fans are eagerly anticipating is Nolan Thomas, a dual-threat quarterback from Los Angeles, California. Thomas, at 6’3” and 210 pounds, possesses a blend of size, athleticism, and arm strength that make him one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the 2025 class. While many dual-threat quarterbacks are known for their ability to run the football, Thomas has shown that he can do it all: he is just as capable of making throws downfield as he is making plays with his legs.
During his high school career, Thomas established himself as one of the top quarterbacks on the West Coast. He threw for over 3,000 yards and 35 touchdowns as a senior while also rushing for over 600 yards and 10 additional touchdowns. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs makes him an ideal fit for Ohio State’s offense, which has traditionally relied on dual-threat quarterbacks who can move the ball both through the air and on the ground.
What makes Thomas particularly exciting is his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions under pressure. His poise in the pocket and natural ability to extend plays with his legs give him a unique skill set that has led to comparisons with some of the best quarterbacks to ever play at Ohio State. While it’s unlikely that Thomas will immediately start as a freshman—given the talent already on the roster—his upside is undeniable, and he could find himself in the mix for playing time sooner rather than later.
The Recruiting Battle for Nolan Thomas
Nolan Thomas was one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the 2025 recruiting cycle, and his commitment to Ohio State was considered a huge win for head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes. Thomas had offers from nearly every top program in the country, including USC, Alabama, and Texas, but he ultimately chose Ohio State due to its offensive system, coaching staff, and reputation for developing quarterbacks.
Ohio State has a rich history of producing NFL-caliber quarterbacks, and Thomas sees the Buckeyes as the perfect place to develop his skills further. Given his natural ability and the development system at Ohio State, he has the potential to follow in the footsteps of quarterbacks like Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and J.T. Barrett—players who excelled at Ohio State before moving on to the next level.
Thomas’s commitment to Ohio State adds to a highly impressive quarterback room that includes multiple top-tier recruits. His versatility as a dual-threat quarterback could be a key asset for the Buckeyes’ offense, and he has the potential to become a household name in the Big Ten as he develops over the next few years.
What This Means for Ohio State’s Future
With the addition of Bryant and Thomas, Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class continues to look stronger by the day. Both players bring a wealth of talent to a program that is already one of the best in the nation, and they are expected to contribute to the Buckeyes’ success for years to come.
For Ohio State’s defense, the addition of Bryant provides another elite-level cornerback who could develop into a future star. The Buckeyes have long been known for their elite defensive backs, and Bryant’s skill set will only enhance the defense moving forward.
On the offensive side of the ball, Thomas’s dual-threat ability adds another dimension to an already potent offense. While he may not start immediately, his presence in the quarterback room will help push the other quarterbacks on the roster to elevate their game. The competition for the starting quarterback position will undoubtedly heat up, and Thomas’s arrival only adds to the intrigue surrounding Ohio State’s offensive future.
Both Bryant and Thomas are expected to be major pieces of the Buckeyes’ future success, and their early arrival in Columbus signals good things ahead for the program. Whether they immediately play significant roles in their freshman seasons or spend time developing behind the scenes, Ohio State fans have much to look forward to as these two incoming freshmen continue to make their mark.