Ohio State star pass-rusher named to Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List as he's set for breakout 2025 season

Ohio State fans are already proud of the accolades that Jeremiah Smith earned in his true freshman season, but another frosh emerged as the face of the Buckeyes in front of our eyes as the College Football Playoff advanced. 5-star defensive lineman Eddrick Houston was a disruptive presence against an excellent Oregon offensive line. Houston, who moved from being an edge defender to an interior tackle during the season, just had high expectations placed upon him.

Early this week, Houston made his way onto the Outland Trophy watch list, a prestigious award that highlights the nation's best interior lineman. Both offensive and defensive linemen are included on the watchlist. Houston and offensive guard Tegra Tshabola represent the Buckeyes.

Houston produced only seven tackles but had seven quarterback pressures and three run stops in 141 snaps. He became a regular rotation member in Week 11 against Purdue.

"I think he's got a very bright future ahead of him, I think he's a very good football player,” head coach Day said of Houston. “He's gotta keep learning. He has the size, the strength, (and) the toughness to play inside."

Houston is listed at 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds. The talented freshman out of Buford, Georgia, has been lining up at the 3-tech, a spot that he could stay. It was decided early in the offseason that he'd be a full-time tackle, and that was reinforced when the Buckeyes lost Hero Kanu to Texas in the transfer portal.

After Houston made his first career start against Purdue, Day continued to pour on the compliments.

“He’s really flashed for us making the move from defensive end into three-technique,” Day stated. “He has a lot of ability and he is active. You know he’s young and he’s going to have to continue to learn. He’s going to make plays, he’s going to make mistakes. He needs to grow up quickly because we’re going to need him. I think his future is very, very bright at Ohio State.”

The last Ohio State player to win the Outland Trophy was legendary tackle Orlando Pace in 1996.