Ohio State Football Projected 2025 Offensive Depth Chart Ahead of Spring Ball
As Ohio State gears up for spring practice in 2025, the Buckeyes are already focusing on solidifying their roster and building a foundation for the upcoming season. The offense is expected to remain one of the nation’s most dynamic, thanks to a deep talent pool at several key positions. With star players leaving for the NFL and new faces arriving, Coach Ryan Day will be tasked with molding a team that is primed to compete for a national title.
Let’s break down the projected 2025 Ohio State Football Offensive Depth Chart heading into spring ball:
Quarterback
- Kyle McCord (Junior)
- Devin Brown (Sophomore)
- Lincoln Kienholz (Freshman)
Analysis:
At quarterback, Ohio State has a high-level battle brewing between Kyle McCord and Devin Brown. McCord, who saw playing time last season, enters spring ball as the projected starter. His experience and solid arm make him the favorite, but Devin Brown—a dual-threat quarterback with dynamic playmaking ability—will push for the starting job throughout the spring. The competition between these two could extend into fall camp, and whichever quarterback wins the job will have the responsibility of leading one of the most explosive offenses in college football.
Running Back
- Travion Henderson (Junior)
- Miyan Williams (Senior)
- Dallan Hayden (Sophomore)
- Chip Trayanum (Junior)
Analysis:
Travion Henderson, when healthy, is one of the most electrifying running backs in the country. He’s expected to be the starter in 2025 after a dominant 2023 season, but injuries plagued him throughout 2024. If he’s fully recovered, expect him to return to form as a key piece of Ohio State’s offense. Behind him, Miyan Williams brings power and consistency, while Dallan Hayden will continue to show his ability to contribute in various roles. Chip Trayanum, a converted linebacker, will also compete for snaps in the backfield, bringing a versatile and physical edge to the running back room.
Wide Receiver
- Marvin Harrison Jr. (Junior)
- Emeka Egbuka (Junior)
- Isaiah Bond (Freshman)
- Julian Fleming (Senior)
- Kyion Grayes (Sophomore)
- Jayden Ballard (Sophomore)
Analysis:
Ohio State boasts one of the most talented wide receiver rooms in college football, and in 2025, Marvin Harrison Jr. will lead the charge as one of the top draft prospects in the nation. Harrison is poised to have another Heisman-caliber season, with his elite route running, hands, and ability to stretch the field. Alongside him, Emeka Egbuka will continue to be a reliable playmaker. Freshman Isaiah Bond, who flipped his commitment from Texas, adds a deep-threat weapon to the mix and will compete for playing time immediately. Veterans like Julian Fleming, who has yet to fully realize his potential, and Kyion Grayes and Jayden Ballard, who provide depth, will be valuable contributors in Ohio State’s air attack.
Tight End
- Cade Stover (Senior)
- Gabe Powers (Freshman)
- Joe Royer (Junior)
Analysis:
Ohio State’s tight end position is a pivotal piece of the offense, especially with the Buckeyes looking to balance the pass game with the run game. Cade Stover, a senior, has become one of the most reliable pass-catchers at the tight end position in recent years and is expected to lead the group. He brings both blocking and receiving ability to the table. Joe Royer will also see significant playing time, and Gabe Powers, a highly-rated freshman, could break into the rotation and potentially compete for snaps.
Offensive Line
- LT: Josh Simmons (Junior)
- LG: Donovan Jackson (Junior)
- C: Carson Hinzman (Sophomore)
- RG: Matthew Jones (Senior)
- RT: Paris Johnson Jr. (Senior)
Analysis:
The offensive line will look to continue the Buckeyes’ tradition of dominance at the line of scrimmage. Paris Johnson Jr., a projected first-round pick, will anchor the line at right tackle, and Matthew Jones, a senior, will be a key leader at guard. Donovan Jackson, one of the nation’s top interior linemen, returns at left guard. At center, Carson Hinzman, a talented sophomore, has the inside track, with some competition behind him.
Josh Simmons, a transfer from San Diego State, will slot in at left tackle and will be critical to providing stability and pass protection for whoever is under center. With the pieces in place, Ohio State’s offensive line will be ready to protect their quarterback and open up lanes for the running backs to exploit.
Projected Offensive Depth Chart Overview
| Position | Starter | Backup 1 | Backup 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarterback | Kyle McCord (Jr.) | Devin Brown (So.) | Lincoln Kienholz (Fr.) |
| Running Back | Travion Henderson (Jr.) | Miyan Williams (Sr.) | Dallan Hayden (So.) |
| Wide Receiver 1 | Marvin Harrison Jr. (Jr.) | Kyion Grayes (So.) | Julian Fleming (Sr.) |
| Wide Receiver 2 | Emeka Egbuka (Jr.) | Jayden Ballard (So.) | Isaiah Bond (Fr.) |
| Tight End | Cade Stover (Sr.) | Joe Royer (Jr.) | Gabe Powers (Fr.) |
| Left Tackle | Josh Simmons (Jr.) | ||
| Left Guard | Donovan Jackson (Jr.) | ||
| Center | Carson Hinzman (So.) | ||
| Right Guard | Matthew Jones (Sr.) | ||
| Right Tackle | Paris Johnson Jr. (Sr.) |
Key Points Heading Into Spring Practice:
- Quarterback Competition: The battle between Kyle McCord and Devin Brown will be the focal point of spring practice. Both have the talent to lead the offense, but only one can emerge as the starter. Expect both players to get significant reps with the first-team offense as Coach Day looks to make a decision by the summer.
- Wide Receiver Depth: With Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka leading the charge, the wide receiver room is stacked. The addition of Isaiah Bond and the continued development of Kyion Grayes, Jayden Ballard, and Julian Fleming will give Ohio State an even deeper receiving corps. The Buckeyes’ offense could see a wide variety of playmakers emerge.
- Offensive Line Continuity: The offensive line is a critical component for Ohio State’s success. With some new faces and an influx of transfers like Josh Simmons, chemistry will be key. Keeping the quarterback protected and establishing a strong run game will be the main objectives in the trenches.
- Running Back Health: Health is a big question for Travion Henderson, who missed parts of the previous season with injuries. If Henderson can stay healthy, Ohio State’s backfield will be formidable. Miyan Williams and Dallan Hayden add important depth, making this one of the most well-rounded running back units in the country.