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Julian Sayin isn’t ready, Jim Knowles leaving for Penn State hurts, and a big question on defense lead key concerns for Ohio State in 2025

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 1:13 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes have a clean slate heading into the season, and last year’s National Championship run doesn’t mean much now with it firmly in the past.

Ryan Day and the Buckeyes now face the challenge of trying to stack titles and win two in a row. That’s easier said than done, and Ohio State will be tested right out of the gate against the Texas Longhorns.

The Buckeyes had 14 players drafted and lost both of their coordinators from last year’s team. Heading into 2025, Ohio State still has the same goals—compete to win it all and beat Michigan—but there are a few concerns that could come about.

Julian Sayin isn’t ready to be the guy

Once again, Day is naming a new starting quarterback—something that’s become routine during his tenure in Columbus. Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz are battling for the job, and the former five-star Alabama recruit is the favorite to win it. However, some worry that Sayin not being able to clearly pull away is a sign that he may not be the quarterback many believe he is.

Julian Sayin Max Klare. pic.twitter.com/VR8eyOS2Tx
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) April 12, 2025

If Sayin isn’t ready to be the leader and playmaker the Buckeyes need, they likely won’t reach their ultimate goals in 2025. It’s that simple. We saw something similar unfold with Kyle McCord a couple of seasons ago. How quickly a starter is named in fall camp may be very telling.

Jim Knowles leaving for Penn State is felt

Consistency and continuity are vital in college football. Losing both coordinators in one offseason is tough, although having Brian Hartline ready in-house to take over the offense may help soften the blow. To address the departure of Jim Knowles—who left for Penn State in a move that surprised many—Ohio State turned to the NFL and hired Matt Patricia.

Patricia is no guaranteed fit in Columbus. While the Buckeyes retained key assistants like Tim Walton and Matt Guerreri, Patricia lacks college coaching experience. The modern college game—with its rapid player movement and NIL dynamics—will be an adjustment. It might work, or it might not. Either way, losing Knowles to a rival like Penn State wasn’t ideal.

Losing Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau hurts more than expected

Ohio State made a splash in the spring transfer portal by adding North Carolina edge rusher Beau Atkinson, who notched 7.5 sacks last season. That move signaled some concern with what they had in-house. The Buckeyes are projected to start Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson—both entering their third year in the program—but the duo has combined for just seven career sacks.

2025 could bring a breakout for Curry or Jackson, or perhaps a surprise contributor like C.J. Hicks or Logan George will emerge. But for now, Ohio State has more questions than answers regarding its pass rush.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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