Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

National outlet projects how many All-Americans the Ohio State Buckeyes will have in 2025

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 4:33 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes will face pressure to repeat in 2025 after winning the National Championship last season.

Even though Ohio State had 14 players drafted and several others sign NFL contracts, the program consistently reloads thanks to elite recruiting.

As for who will lead the Buckeyes in 2025, that answer is well known: their two stud players on opposite sides of the ball, both strong candidates for All-American honors.

Athlon Sports gives pair of Buckeyes preseason first-team All-American honors

Athlon named wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs to their First Team list for the 2025 season. While the Buckeyes lost a significant amount of talent from last year’s roster, they return their two best players. Having Smith back after his monster freshman campaign, along with a second season of Downs, is crucial to Ohio State’s title repeat hopes.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SportsCenter (@sportscenter)

In addition, wide receiver Carnell Tate and linebacker Sonny Styles were named to Athlon’s Second Team. Both are expected to have big seasons in 2025 before making the jump to the NFL.

Smith eclipsed 1,300 receiving yards as a true freshman and quickly emerged as the top wide receiver in college football. Brian Hartline’s ability to consistently develop elite receivers is remarkable, and Smith is on track to be the best of them all.

Nick Saban’s retirement benefited several programs, and Ohio State was among them. The Buckeyes added Caleb Downs, quarterback Julian Sayin, and center Seth McLaughlin from Alabama. Downs is a do-it-all defender at safety and should earn All-American honors once again in 2025.

Ohio State will kick off their season on August 30, when they host the Texas Longhorns in a rematch of last season’s Cotton Bowl.

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

More must-reads: