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Ohio State Buckeyes’ top-10 players heading into the 2025 college football season
Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Ohio State Buckeyes’ top-10 players heading into the 2025 college football season

Originally posted on A to Z Sports  |  By Brandon Little  |  Last updated May 26, 2025 2:08 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes are looking to defend last year’s National Championship and make another run at winning it all during the 2025 season.

While the Buckeyes lost a lot of talent, this is Ohio State — and Ryan Day continues to bring top-five recruiting classes to Columbus. Ohio State reloads as well as anyone in the country, if not better.

Spring ball wrapped up a few weeks ago, and fall camp is still a few months away. So why not take a look at the top 10 players for Ohio State heading into the 2025 season?

1. WR Jeremiah Smith

Smith is set to be the top target in Ohio State’s offense and is primed for an even bigger season as a sophomore. Expect the top wide receiver in the country to be a Heisman Trophy contender.

2. S Caleb Downs

Downs was an All-American for the Buckeyes last season and may be the best defender in college football. The elite safety is gearing up for one final big season before heading to the NFL. Personally, I’d love to see him add a few more interceptions in 2025.

3. LB Sonny Styles

Styles broke out last season and now steps into a leadership role with Cody Simon off to the NFL. With his rare athleticism, Styles is a bit of a unicorn at linebacker and has the potential to be a high draft pick.

4. WR Carnell Tate

With Emeka Egbuka gone to the NFL, Tate steps into the No. 2 receiver role. He’s the next in line to continue Ohio State’s tradition of elite wideouts. I expect Tate to reach, or come very close to, 1,000 receiving yards this season.

5. CB Davison Igbinosun

Ohio State’s top cornerback has a chance to be special — if he can reduce the penalties caused by his aggressive style. Igbinosun returned for another season instead of entering the draft, and now has a great opportunity to raise his stock.

6. TE Max Klare

Cade Stover was a solid tight end, but not one who kept defensive coordinators up at night. Ohio State hopes Klare becomes that kind of mismatch. With a deep tight end room, this portal addition was made out of luxury.

7. DE Beau Atkinson

Atkinson brings the most production of any returning defensive lineman. After recording 7.5 sacks at North Carolina last season, it’ll be exciting to see what he does in Columbus this fall.

8. LB Arvell Reese

Reese is an athletic freak who can do just about everything at linebacker — including rushing the passer. The Glenville product is stepping into a larger role in 2025 and should be very productive.

9. RB James Peoples

I expect Peoples to emerge as Ohio State’s RB1 this season, with CJ Donaldson likely to be second in carries. With TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins off to the NFL, the second-year back has a major opportunity in front of him.

10. LT Ethan Onianwa

The Buckeyes’ biggest need in the portal was offensive line help, and Onianwa was their top addition. The talented left tackle could be a one-and-done in Columbus before heading to the NFL.

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

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