Ohio State No. 8 in Greg McElroy’s Preseason College Football Rankings

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Aug 7, 2025 6:00 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes still walk with the pride of a national championship, yet college football analyst Greg McElroy slots the Buckeyes at No. 8 in his 2025 preseason top 10.

That might strike fans as low for a team that just captured the title, but McElroy’s breakdown is more nuanced. He praises elite talent, such as game-changing wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety standout Caleb Downs, while highlighting deep uncertainty across the roster.

“What we know about Ohio State is elite,” McElroy said during a Thursday's segment of his "Always College Football" podcast. “But there is just a lot that we don’t know right now.”

From known stars to a volatile quarterback situation, the Buckeyes enter 2025 riding championship buzz but navigating a maze of turnover and unknowns.

Ohio State Lost a Ton of NFL Talent

McElroy emphasizes Ohio State’s success comes with a steep price: roster overhaul. Fourteen Buckeyes were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, including first-rounders in wideout Emeka Egbuka (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), guard Donovan Jackson (Minnesota Vikings), defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (Detroit Lions) and offensive tackle Josh Simmons (Kansas City Chiefs).

Running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson went early in the second round. Defensive stars like EDGE J.T. Tuimoloau also heard their names called, along with linebacker Cody Simon, safety Lathan Ransom and EDGE Jack Sawyer. Quarterback Will Howard joined his former teammates in the NFL.

That kind of draft exodus creates opportunity, but also leaves gaps, McElroy says, that must be filled quickly. He specifically noted that while the offensive line has talent, it lacks returning cohesion.

The departure of key veterans means that younger players will be thrust into high-pressure roles, especially with a new quarterback set to start in 2025.

There’s little room for error with the Texas Longhorns looming in Week 1.

Ohio State’s Quarterback Race Remains Wide Open

McElroy singled out the quarterback spot as a major unknown, saying “there is a lot that we don’t know right now.”

Replacing Howard, who led Ohio State to the CFP title while posting impressive numbers, is no small task. Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz remain neck and neck for the starting job.

Coach Ryan Day says it likely comes down to the wire, and neither has clearly separated himself.

Sayin brings poise and arm promise, while Kienholz offers athleticism and dual-threat ability. The QB room has grown tighter, with true freshman Tavien St. Clair pushing the competition further.

Despite these uncertainties, McElroy still considers Ohio State a national championship-caliber squad. He acknowledges that what the Buckeyes do know is elite, but the unknowns currently anchor them at eighth in his rankings.

Ohio State and Texas square off at noon ET Aug. 30 on Fox Sports.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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