Ohio State enters preseason camp with intense competition at quarterback, strong safety, and defensive end leading the storylines in what could be one of the most consequential fall camps of the Ryan Day era. The Buckeyes are coming off a season where they fell short of their ultimate goals—losing to Michigan, missing the Big Ten Championship, and watching the College Football Playoff without an invitation. That sting has permeated every offseason workout, team meeting, and coaching strategy session. Now, with the pads set to pop and questions lingering across key positions, the Buckeyes are on high alert, knowing that decisions made in these next few weeks could define not just the 2025 season, but the trajectory of the program itself.
The quarterback battle has taken center stage and for good reason. After Kyle McCord transferred to Syracuse and Devin Brown was unable to fully seize the job during the 2024 campaign, the Buckeyes hit the portal and high school trail aggressively. They brought in Kansas State transfer Will Howard, who brings significant starting experience and a toughness that has impressed teammates during summer conditioning. At the same time, true freshman Julian Sayin, a former Alabama signee who flipped to Ohio State after Nick Saban’s retirement, might be the most naturally gifted quarterback the Buckeyes have had since Justin Fields. Add in Devin Brown, who is still in the mix despite uneven play last season, and Lincoln Kienholz, a redshirt freshman with elite arm strength and mobility, and what emerges is a crowded, high-stakes competition with no clear favorite—yet.
Howard enters camp as the presumed leader because of his experience, but Sayin’s buzz has grown louder with each passing day. Multiple sources within the Woody Hayes Athletic Center have hinted that Sayin’s grasp of the playbook, footwork, and leadership has been borderline astonishing for a player so young. Coaches are hesitant to anoint a freshman before full-contact practices begin, but there’s no doubt that Sayin’s presence changes the dynamic. For Brown, this is do-or-die. After injuries and missed opportunities, he knows that anything less than a near-perfect camp could bury him on the depth chart. Kienholz is the wildcard, showing flashes in spring and impressing with his off-platform throws, though he remains a developmental option barring a major breakthrough.
As intense as the quarterback competition is, the battle at strong safety might be even more important to the Buckeyes’ overall defensive outlook. Jim Knowles returns with his most experienced and talented unit since arriving in Columbus, but the “adjuster” position—the linchpin in his hybrid safety-heavy system—is up for grabs. Last season, Lathan Ransom held the role until injuries sidelined him, and the defense noticeably struggled without a steady presence back there. This fall, redshirt sophomore Malik Hartford, junior Sonny Styles, and true freshman Jaylen McClain are all fighting for the role with distinct strengths.
Styles has the frame of an outside linebacker and the explosiveness to cover tight ends and slot receivers, but questions remain about his lateral quickness and reaction time in zone coverage. Hartford has been praised for his instincts and communication skills, a vital part of Knowles’ scheme that demands safeties rotate and disguise coverages pre-snap. McClain is perhaps the most intriguing. Though young, he’s a physical tackler with high football IQ and could emerge as a viable option if the older players falter or fail to separate. Knowles has been clear that versatility and intelligence are the keys to the safety positions in his system. This camp will determine which player best balances physicality, coverage ability, and mental acuity under fire.
Then there’s the defensive end spot, which may have the highest upside of any position group but also remains unproven. Jack Sawyer returns and is expected to anchor one side, but the other end is up for grabs. Caden Curry, Kenyatta Jackson Jr., and redshirt freshman Jason Moore have all been earmarked as potential breakout players. Defensive line coach Larry Johnson has repeatedly stated that the rotation will be deep, but he’s looking for one player to emerge as a dominant edge rusher opposite Sawyer—something the Buckeyes have lacked since Chase Young’s departure.
Curry is a relentless motor guy with solid fundamentals but lacks elite burst. Jackson has all the traits—length, speed, bend—but has yet to put it all together consistently in practice or games. Moore might be the dark horse. After a redshirt year spent refining technique and adding muscle, he has turned heads with his quickness and strength during summer conditioning. The Buckeyes know that if they can develop a true game-wrecker opposite Sawyer, their pass rush could take the defense from very good to elite. The front seven, after all, is already expected to be strong with returning stars like Tyleik Williams and Mike Hall inside, and a linebacker duo of Cody Simon and C.J. Hicks that may be the fastest in the Big Ten.
Beyond those headlining competitions, other battles are percolating across the roster. At running back, TreVeyon Henderson is the undisputed starter, but who emerges behind him is still uncertain. Chip Trayanum transferred, opening the door for Dallan Hayden and redshirt freshman James Peoples to step into the backup role. Peoples, in particular, has impressed coaches with his vision and burst and may carve out a role in short-yardage or third-down packages.
The offensive line also faces questions, particularly at center and right tackle. Matt Jones returns to anchor the interior, but who will snap the ball to the eventual starting quarterback remains up in the air. Sophomore Carson Hinzman struggled last season and must fend off Jakob James and true freshman Ian Moore, who enrolled early and has shown poise and power. At right tackle, Tegra Tshabola and Luke Montgomery are in a dead heat, with both showing potential but needing to limit penalties and missed assignments. Offensive line coach Justin Frye has emphasized that the unit must gel quickly to protect whichever quarterback wins the job, especially with an early-season matchup against Texas looming.
Speaking of Texas, the Longhorns come to Columbus in Week 2 in what may be the biggest non-conference showdown in college football this season. That adds even more urgency to these position battles. Ohio State can’t afford to experiment deep into September. They need answers now. That sense of immediacy is felt in every drill, every rep, every film session. There’s no room for hesitation, no time for slow development. With national title aspirations on the line and the specter of three straight losses to Michigan hanging over their heads, urgency has become the program’s guiding principle.
Off the field, the coaching staff dynamic also adds intrigue to camp. Chip Kelly, hired as the new offensive coordinator after leaving his head coaching post at UCLA, brings a proven track record and a fresh perspective. Known for his fast-paced schemes and quarterback-friendly concepts, Kelly’s influence could reshape Ohio State’s offensive identity. Early whispers suggest he’s already begun tailoring packages for both Howard and Sayin, aiming to maximize their strengths. His presence also relieves Ryan Day from the burden of play-calling, allowing the head coach to focus more broadly on team management and defensive strategy. That shift could prove pivotal if the Buckeyes find themselves in close, high-leverage games late in the season.
The importance of this camp can’t be overstated. This is not just about talent evaluation—it’s about reestablishing identity, regaining national respect, and, most importantly, regaining control of the rivalry with Michigan. In the new Big Ten, which now includes USC, Oregon, Washington, and UCLA, the margin for error shrinks. Every game, every possession, every snap becomes magnified. Ryan Day, entering what some consider a make-or-break year, knows that failure to win the conference—and beat Michigan—could lead to major changes, not just in coaching staff but in the program’s national standing.
There’s a quiet intensity across the practice fields in Columbus. Players are acutely aware of the stakes. Coaches are demanding precision, toughness, and leadership. The fans are watching closely, with expectations sky-high and patience thinning. In many ways, this camp feels less like preparation and more like a pressure cooker, slowly building toward a boiling point that will erupt under the lights this fall.
Whether the Buckeyes rise or falter will depend on how these competitions unfold and which players emerge not just as starters but as stars. From quarterback to safety to defensive end, this camp will define roles, set tone, and likely shape the playoff picture. The talent is there. The motivation is undeniable. Now it’s a matter of execution, chemistry, and resolve. And for Ohio State, those answers must come quickly—because the countdown to Texas has already begun, and the margin for error is paper thin.
