Jake Burkey

Ohio State vs. Texas Showdown: Game Preview & Insights

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jeremiah-smith/38164">Jeremiah Smith</a> is poised for an even more significant role this season after a historic freshman year with over 1,300 yards and 16 touchdowns (15 receiving, 1 rushing). It’s remarkable that he is only 19 years old and still has a ton of room to grow.
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1. WR Jeremiah Smith

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/caleb-downs/63885">Caleb Downs</a> came up to Columbus from Alabama, hoping to be a part of a National Championship run, and that’s precisely what happened. Downs played a significant role in Ohio State's defense, making plays all over the field. He will be relied upon again this season in an even bigger way.

2. S Caleb Downs

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/carnell-tate/38122">Carnell Tate</a> is projected to become Ohio State’s second receiver next season. He’s not talked about nearly enough, but this guy was a five-star recruit out of high school for a good reason, and he showed why last season.

3. WR Carnell Tate

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/julian-sayin/38120">Julian Sayin</a> is officially QB1. With <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/will-howard/38101">Will Howard</a> moving on to the NFL, Sayin has big shoes to fill. With one of the most elite wide receiver corps in the nation and a solid offensive line, he has all the tools needed to thrive.

4. QB Julian Sayin

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/sonny-styles/38074">Sonny Styles</a> transitioned to linebacker in 2024, finishing with 100 tackles and six sacks, showcasing his athleticism. He’s poised to lead the defense in a larger role. Expect him to be a dominant force and a potential All-Big Ten performer.

5. LB Sonny Styles

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With <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/quinshon-judkins/38127">Quinshon Judkins</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/treveyon-henderson/38067">TreVeyon Henderson</a> now in the NFL, it’s time to unleash <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/james-peoples/38092">James Peoples</a>. He didn't get meaningful reps last year, but his time is now.

6. RB James Peoples

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/brandon-inniss/38061">Brandon Inniss</a> is another five-star recruit out of high school, who, unfortunately, barely saw the field last year due to the elite talent already on the depth chart. With <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/emeka-egbuka/38156">Emeka Egbuka</a> heading to the NFL, Inniss will slot in as the third receiver for the Buckeyes this season.
Matriculate down the field with SportsGrid’s FREE Top <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/picks">College Football Picks</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/player-props">College Football Player Prop Picks</a> weekly!

7. WR Brandon Inniss

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A transfer from Purdue, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/max-klare/26362">Max Klare</a> caught 73 passes for 881 yards over two seasons, adding a dynamic receiving threat. He’ll benefit from attention on Ohio State’s receivers. Expect him to be a mismatch nightmare, potentially hitting 700 yards.

8. TE Max Klare

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/davison-igbinosun/38104">Davison Igbinosun's</a> aggressive play led to nine pass breakups in 2024, though penalties were an issue. If he refines his technique, he could be a lockdown corner. Expect him to reduce his frequent flags and become a top NFL prospect.

9. CB Davison Igbinosun

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/arvell-reese/38052">Arvell Reese's</a> athleticism is apparent, and he’s ready for a larger part in 2025. His pass-rushing ability adds versatility to the linebacker corps. Expect him to emerge as a breakout star with 50+ tackles.

10. LB Arvell Reese

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Transferring from North Carolina, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/beau-atkinson/33140">Beau Atkinson</a> brings 7.5 sacks from 2024, filling the void left by <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/jack-sawyer/86360">Jack Sawyer</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/jt-tuimoloau/86156">JT Tuimoloau</a>. His production will bolster the pass rush. Expect him to lead the team in sacks, potentially reaching double digits.

11. DE Beau Atkinson

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A West Virginia transfer, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/cj-donaldson/32496">CJ Donaldson</a>’s physical running style (743 yards in 2024) suits Ohio State’s system. He will have to battle with <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/james-peoples/38092">James Peoples</a> for carries, but regardless, expect a breakout year.

12. RB CJ Donaldson

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/carson-hinzman/38168">Carson Hinzman</a> regained the starting center role after <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/seth-mclaughlin/86338">Seth McLaughlin's</a> injury in 2024, proving reliable. His leadership will anchor a rebuilt offensive line. Expect All-Big Ten caliber play and a strong NFL Draft case.

13. C Carson Hinzman

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jermaine-mathews/38147">Jermaine Mathews</a> flashed brilliance with his ball-hawking skills in 2024, ranking high in pass breakups. He’s poised to be a lockdown corner. Expect him to lead the team in interceptions and gain national attention.

14. CB Jermaine Matthews

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/kenyatta-jackson/38093">Kenyatta Jackson's</a> explosive first step and 6-foot-5 frame make him a rising star on the defensive line. He’s set to start after a rotational role in 2024. Expect him to be a disruptive pass rusher with 6-8 sacks.

15. DE Kenyatta Jackson

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/luke-montgomery/38111">Luke Montgomery's</a> versatility and aggression made an impact when he stepped in during 2024. He’s expected to start on the offensive line, bringing physicality. Expect him to solidify the interior and earn All-Big Ten consideration.

16. IOL Luke Montgomery

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/kayden-mcdonald/38064">Kayden McDonald</a> saw some playing time throughout this season, but is now in a starting role since <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/ty-hamilton/38083">Ty Hamilton</a> left for the NFL.  McDonald had 19 total tackles last season and will be relied upon in that defensive front.

17. DT Kayden McDonald

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A key transfer addition, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/ethan-onianwa/23322">Ethan Onianwa</a>, addresses Ohio State’s need for offensive line stability. His talent could make him a one-year standout before going to the NFL. Expect him to protect <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/julian-sayin/38120">Julian Sayin's</a> blind side effectively.

18. LT Ethan Onianwa

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/cj-hicks/38146">C.J. Hicks</a>, now a defensive end for Ohio State in 2025, is expected to shine as a pass rusher with his elite athleticism. He’s poised to fill the void left by departing stars and could become a key defensive playmaker.

19. DE C.J. Hicks

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/caden-curry/38098">Caden Curry</a> will decide whether to stay another year or leave for the NFL. However, I don’t think his draft positioning is where he wants it to be, so there is potential for a return to Columbus, where he would fill in at <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jack-sawyer/38077">Jack Sawyer's</a> spot on defense.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/">SportsGrid</a>.

20. DE Caden Curry

Top 20 Ohio State Buckeye Stars to Watch For In 2025 Season

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Meet the top 20 Buckeyes to watch for in 2025—from Smith and Downs to emerging stars—key returners and transfers fueling Ohio State’s bid for a repeat run.

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