3 freshmen that could play early in 2025 for Ohio State including future stars on both sides of the ball
Ohio State since so many players opted to come back for the 2024 season.
That decision paid off for the upperclassmen and Ohio State ran through the College Football Playoff to win their first title in the last decade.
Now that a ton of talent is off to the NFL, the Buckeyes will need new faces to step up. There are multiple talented sophomores on the roster who will step into big roles. However, I’m going to highlight three freshmen that could see playing time in 2025.
CB Devin Sanchez
Sanchez is the highest-rated prospect coming in on the defensive side of the football. Ohio State lost Burke and Jordan Hancock after the National Championship, so they will need two new cornerbacks to step up. Davison Igbinosun remains a starter and Jermaine Mathews is set to step in as well.
Aaron Scott and Bryce West will both battle it out with Sanchez for the next spot in the cornerback rotation. Sanchez is an elite cornerback recruit who should see the field in Year 1. Don’t expect a redshirt to happen with this one.
RB Bo Jackson
If Jackson had a bit more kick with staying healthy in high school, I have no doubt he would have been a five-star running back. The Ohio native was the No. 10 running back, per 247 Sports Composite, and was the No. 6 player in the state of Ohio. Jackson is a 6-foot-1, 210-pound running back who is a hard runner and is explosive.
James Peoples is penciled in as the starter and transfer C.J. Donaldson should be the No. 2 running back. If Jackson can stay healthy through camp, he could potentially push for second-team snaps and be that third running back.
LB Riley Pettijohn
Pettijohn was a big get for James Laurinaitis and the Buckeyes and is another player who is going to compete to see the field early. Sonny Styles will be the top linebacker next year with Arvell Reese also being on the field. After that, Payton Pierce should take a big step in Year 2 if Ohio State moves C.J. Hicks to a pass-rushing role.
Pettijohn could show up on the two-deep as soon as fall camp rolls around. The Texas native was the No. 2 linebacker in the country, per 247 Sports Composite, and had north of 30 offers. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound linebacker already looks like a college player and won’t be redshirting.
Leave a Reply