COLUMBUS, Ohio — The air is thick with anticipation and the scent of freshly cut grass at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, where the Ohio State Buckeyes have officially kicked off their 2025 preseason camp. For head coach Ryan Day, the start of fall practices is a new chapter for a program fresh off a national championship but facing the formidable task of replacing a host of key veterans. With a roster teeming with elite talent, both returning and newly acquired, the depth chart is a puzzle that Day and his coaching staff are meticulously piecing together. The first week of camp has offered a tantalizing glimpse into how the three-deep could stack up at every position, revealing heated competitions, rising stars, and the immense depth that has become a hallmark of the Ohio State program.
The most intense and scrutinized position battle, without question, is at quarterback, where redshirt freshman Julian Sayin and redshirt sophomore Lincoln Kienholz are locked in a duel for the starting job. Sayin, a five-star prospect who transferred from Alabama, possesses an elite arm and the poise of a seasoned veteran. He is widely considered the presumptive frontrunner, having impressed in spring practice with his command of the offense and his ability to make every throw on the field. However, Kienholz has not yielded an inch. A gritty, multi-sport athlete from South Dakota, Kienholz has an extra year of experience in the system and has reportedly made significant strides in his passing mechanics and overall leadership. Day has praised both for their competitive spirit and for embracing the challenge, but with a season-opening showdown against a formidable Texas team looming, a decision will need to be made soon. For now, it appears they are taking equal reps with the first-team offense, with true freshman Tavien St. Clair rounding out the three-deep as a highly-touted prospect learning the ropes.
At running back, the departure of the program’s all-time leading rusher, TreVeyon Henderson, and his backfield counterpart, Quinshon Judkins, leaves a void that will be filled by a mix of returning talent and a key transfer. The lead-back duties are expected to fall on the shoulders of James Peoples, a sophomore who flashed immense potential last season. Known for his vision and burst, Peoples has reportedly had a strong camp and is in a prime position to be the featured runner. He will be pushed hard by West Virginia transfer C.J. Donaldson, a bruising back with a different running style who adds a physical presence to the backfield. The two offer a compelling one-two punch that could keep defenses off-balance. Rounding out the three-deep is true freshman Bo Jackson, a dynamic and explosive athlete who has already turned heads in practice.
The wide receiver room remains the gold standard of the Ohio State offense, even with the departure of an NFL first-round pick. Sophomore Jeremiah Smith, a unanimous All-American and Big Ten freshman of the year, is the undisputed star and the top receiver on the depth chart. His rare combination of size, speed, and hands makes him a matchup nightmare for any defensive back. The competition for the other starting spots is fierce. Carnell Tate, who also had an impressive freshman campaign, is positioned to be a starter, bringing crisp route-running and reliable hands to the outside. The slot position appears to be a battle between junior Brandon Inniss and sophomore Bryson Rodgers. Inniss has the inside track, but Rodgers has a great rapport with both quarterbacks and is a technician in the shorter passing game. The second and third-string units are a showcase of the program’s recruiting dominance, featuring promising young talents like Mylan Graham, Quincy Porter, and Phillip Bell, all of whom are vying for playing time and the opportunity to make an impact.
Along the offensive line, the Buckeyes return a veteran core with a few key additions. The interior of the line looks strong, anchored by center Carson Hinzman, who has a firm grasp on the starting role. He is flanked by guards Luke Montgomery and Tegra Tshabola, both of whom have starting experience and are expected to solidify the middle of the line. The tackle positions, however, present more of a competition. Transfer Ethan Onianwa from Rice has reportedly secured the starting left tackle spot, with sophomore Austin Siereveld at right tackle. Both are tasked with protecting the quarterback’s blind side and paving the way for the running backs. The second-team offensive line is a mix of young, promising players like Ian Moore and Phillip Daniels, who are pushing the starters and providing valuable depth.
On the defensive side of the ball, the defensive line remains the heart and soul of the unit, even with some key departures. The end positions are loaded with talent and depth. Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Caden Curry, who have been waiting in the wings behind former stars, are finally poised to be the starters. Both are powerful pass rushers with the potential to be game-changers. Backing them up are Beau Atkinson, a transfer from North Carolina, and Zion Grady, a highly-rated freshman. At defensive tackle, the Buckeyes have a mix of experienced veterans and rising stars. The starting spots appear to belong to Kayden McDonald and Eddrick Houston, a sophomore who is transitioning to the position but has shown incredible promise. The second-team unit is deep and talented, featuring Tywone Malone Jr. and Will Smith Jr.
The linebacker corps is a strength of the defense, led by the versatile and physical Sonny Styles. After an impressive season last year, Styles is locked in as the starter at linebacker, where his size and athleticism make him a force against both the run and the pass. Arvell Reese is projected to be the other starting linebacker, with a new defensive scheme under coordinator Matt Patricia that could showcase his playmaking ability. The two-deep is rounded out by talented young players like Riley Pettijohn and Payton Pierce, who are pushing for snaps and providing quality depth.
The secondary, a perennial strength of the Buckeyes, is once again in good hands, led by All-American safety Caleb Downs. Downs, a transfer from Alabama last year, is one of the best players in the country at his position and is the unquestioned leader of the defense. The other safety position is a competition between a few promising players, with Jaylen McClain and Malik Hartford battling it out for the starting nod. At cornerback, Davison Igbinosun is a returning starter and a lockdown corner who provides experience and leadership. The other starting cornerback spot is a heated competition between Jermaine Mathews Jr. and true freshman Devin Sanchez, a five-star talent who has already made a name for himself in camp. The depth at cornerback is also a major strength, with players like Aaron Scott Jr. and Bryce West ready to step in.
The special teams unit is relatively set, with Jayden Fielding handling kicking duties and Joe McGuire returning as the team’s punter. The return game, however, is an area of intrigue. The Buckeyes have several dynamic options for both kick and punt returns, including Jeremiah Smith, Mylan Graham, and Brandon Inniss. The competition for these spots is sure to continue throughout the preseason as the coaches look for a player who can provide a spark and a game-changing play. The first week of camp has made it clear that the Ohio State Buckeyes are not rebuilding; they are reloading. The depth, talent, and intense competition at every position indicate a team that is well-positioned to compete for another championship.
