Projecting Ohio State Football’s Starting Depth Chart Heading into the 2025 Spring Game

As Ohio State football prepares for its 2025 spring game, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the team is shaping up for what promises to be another competitive season in the Big Ten and on the national stage. With key departures to the NFL and players stepping into new roles, Ohio State’s starting depth chart will be under heavy scrutiny. This projection attempts to break down the starting depth chart heading into the 2025 spring game by analyzing returning players, recruits, and potential breakout stars across all positions.

Quarterback: Kyle McCord/Devin Brown

The quarterback battle will be one of the most watched storylines heading into Ohio State’s 2025 spring game. After the departure of C.J. Stroud to the NFL, the Buckeyes are looking to establish a new leader under center. Two names are currently at the forefront of the competition: Kyle McCord and Devin Brown.

McCord, who served as Stroud’s backup in 2022 and 2023, has the most experience. He showed flashes of his talent during his limited playing time, including a memorable performance in the 2022 Big Ten Championship Game against Michigan. McCord is a prototypical pro-style quarterback, with solid mechanics, a strong arm, and the ability to read defenses. However, his biggest challenge will be proving that he can handle the pressure of leading the offense full-time.

On the other hand, Devin Brown offers a more dual-threat option. A dynamic playmaker with excellent mobility, Brown adds another layer to the Buckeye offense with his ability to escape pressure and make plays on the run. Brown impressed during his time in the 2023 season and is seen as someone with higher upside due to his ability to extend plays with his legs.

For now, McCord might have a slight edge in terms of experience, but Brown’s mobility and potential for growth make this a highly competitive battle. Heading into the 2025 spring game, expect both players to get significant reps, with McCord likely starting but Brown pushing for a larger role as the spring progresses.

Running Back: TreVeyon Henderson/Chip Trayanum

In the backfield, Ohio State will once again boast a talented group of running backs. The 2025 spring game will feature one of the best running back duos in the country, led by TreVeyon Henderson and Chip Trayanum.

Henderson, a former 5-star recruit, has had an up-and-down career at Ohio State due to injury but still possesses elite talent. In his first season in 2021, Henderson showcased his explosiveness, speed, and ability to break off long runs. If he can stay healthy in 2025, he could return to being one of the best running backs in college football. Henderson’s combination of vision, burst, and long speed makes him the Buckeyes’ top option heading into the spring game.

Behind Henderson, Chip Trayanum will continue to provide a powerful option in the backfield. A former linebacker turned running back, Trayanum is known for his physicality and toughness. He isn’t the fastest back, but he can grind out tough yards between the tackles and excel in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Trayanum has proven to be a dependable, if not spectacular, player and will continue to provide depth and a complementary skill set to Henderson.

Given their contrasting styles—Henderson’s explosiveness and Trayanum’s physicality—the two should form a solid one-two punch in the Buckeyes’ offense in 2025. Expect both to play key roles, with Henderson likely taking the lead early in the season, barring injury.

Wide Receiver: Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, Julian Fleming

Ohio State’s receiving corps has been one of the best in college football for the past few years, and the 2025 season should be no different. With C.J. Stroud’s departure, the wide receiver group will be tasked with helping the next quarterback acclimate quickly to the starting role. Fortunately, the Buckeyes have one of the most talented receiving trios in the nation.

Marvin Harrison Jr. is the star of the group and arguably the best wide receiver in college football heading into the 2025 season. Harrison, who earned unanimous All-American honors in 2023, is a polished route runner with exceptional size, hands, and ball skills. He has all the tools to be a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and Ohio State will lean heavily on him as a primary target.

Emeka Egbuka, the versatile wide receiver from Washington, will complement Harrison on the opposite side. Egbuka has the ability to play both outside and in the slot, providing the Buckeyes with a dynamic option in the passing game. He’s a smooth route runner with excellent hands and the ability to make plays after the catch. Egbuka has been productive since arriving in Columbus and is poised for a breakout 2025 season.

Julian Fleming, a former 5-star recruit, has been a bit of a disappointment in his first few seasons at Ohio State, but he remains immensely talented. Fleming has the physical tools to be a star, with speed, size, and a strong ability to make contested catches. If he can stay healthy and regain the form he showed in high school, he could be a major factor for the Buckeyes in 2025.

Behind these three, Ohio State has a wealth of talent, including Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who has made a significant impact in his first few seasons. However, Harrison, Egbuka, and Fleming should be the primary starting trio heading into the spring game.

Tight End: Cade Stover

Ohio State’s tight end position has been inconsistent over the years, but in 2025, Cade Stover is poised to step up as a key playmaker in the offense. Stover, who has developed into a reliable target in the passing game, will be a matchup nightmare for defenses. He has great size and athleticism and can stretch the field while also being a solid blocker in the running game. His development will be critical as Ohio State looks to diversify its offense and create mismatches in the passing game.

Offensive Line:

The offensive line is a crucial area for Ohio State heading into the 2025 spring game. The Buckeyes have seen some turnover along the line, but they return a talented group that will provide the necessary protection for their new quarterback and open up lanes for their talented running backs.

• Left Tackle: Josh Simmons
  • Simmons, a transfer from San Diego State, comes in with experience and a high ceiling. He will be tasked with protecting the quarterback’s blindside and ensuring that Ohio State’s offense stays balanced.
• Left Guard: Donovan Jackson
  • Jackson is one of the best interior linemen in college football and will anchor the left side of the line. He is known for his ability to both run block and pass protect, providing stability in the trenches.
• Center: Jakob James
  • James is poised to take over as the starting center after a few years of development. His ability to make line calls and control the interior will be vital for Ohio State’s offense.
• Right Guard: Matthew Jones
  • Jones is a seasoned veteran who has been a key contributor to Ohio State’s offensive line. His experience will be crucial in ensuring the unit plays cohesively.
• Right Tackle: Paris Johnson Jr.
  • Johnson is one of the top offensive line prospects in the country. His athleticism and strength make him a force on the right side of the line, and he’ll be an important part of Ohio State’s offensive success in 2025.

Defensive Line:

The Buckeyes’ defensive line is an area where they’ve excelled in recent years, and the 2025 unit will be no different. Ohio State is stacked with talent across the defensive line, with several potential future NFL players.

• Defensive End: J.T. Tuimoloau
  • Tuimoloau is a dominant force on the edge. His pass-rushing ability, combined with his size and strength, make him one of the most disruptive defensive players in college football.
• Defensive End: Jack Sawyer
  • Sawyer, another elite prospect, will partner with Tuimoloau on the edge. He has great speed and technique, allowing him to get after the quarterback and disrupt opposing offenses.
• Defensive Tackle: Tyleik Williams
  • Williams is a powerful and athletic interior lineman who can collapse the pocket and make plays in both the run and pass game. His ability to control the middle of the line will be key for Ohio State’s defense.
• Defensive Tackle: Mike Hall Jr.
  • Hall has the potential to be a game-changer in the middle of the defensive line. His quickness and ability to penetrate will give Ohio State an elite defensive front.

Linebackers:

Ohio State’s linebacker corps in 2025 will feature a mix of experience and emerging talent.

• Middle Linebacker: Tommy Eichenberg
  • Eichenberg, a leader on the defense, will continue to play a key role at middle linebacker. His ability to read the offense and make tackles all over the field makes him indispensable.
• Outside Linebacker: Steele Chambers
  • Chambers has emerged as a dynamic player for Ohio State. He is a playmaker in space and will be tasked with making plays on the edge while also providing coverage against the pass.

Secondary:

Ohio State’s secondary in 2025 will be one of the most talented in the nation. With a mix of veterans and highly-rated recruits, the Buckeyes should be able to cover and tackle at an elite level.

• Cornerback: Denzel Burke
  • Burke has been a steady presence at cornerback for Ohio State. His size, speed, and ability to lock down receivers will make him the cornerstone of Ohio State’s secondary.
• Cornerback: Jordan Hancock
  • Hancock will likely start opposite Burke. He has the athleticism and coverage skills to be a major threat in Ohio State’s defense.
• Safety: Lathan Ransom
  • Ransom will be the leader of the secondary. His ability to play both safety spots, combined with his playmaking ability, will be a key component in Ohio State’s defense.
• Safety: Sonny Styles
  • Styles is a versatile safety who can cover the field and make plays in a variety of ways. His athleticism and ability to make big plays will be a major asset for Ohio State in 2025.

Heading into the 2025 spring game, Ohio State’s depth chart is shaping up to be one of the most talented in the country. With a mix of experienced players and rising stars, the Buckeyes will be well-positioned for another national championship run. The battles at quarterback, running back, and defensive line will be key areas to watch, but Ohio State’s overall talent and depth should make them a formidable opponent in the Big Ten and on the national stage.