The Ohio State Buckeyes have just celebrated a monumental victory, clinching their first national championship in a decade. However, as they look ahead to the 2025 season, FOX analyst Joe Klatt has raised some concerns about the challenges that lie ahead for this powerhouse program.
Defensive Challenges Ahead
Klatt, who has ranked the Buckeyes third for the upcoming season, focused on the defensive side of the ball during his analysis. Ohio State is facing a significant rebuilding effort on the defensive line, which was a cornerstone of their success last season. Klatt pointed out that they have lost all four starters, including standout defensive ends JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer.
“They have to rebuild up front, on the defensive line, which was a huge strength for them this last season,” Klatt explained in an episode of The Joel Klatt Show: A College Football Podcast. He emphasized the need for safety Caleb Downs to integrate new players around him in the secondary, as the three-safety defense implemented by Jim Knowles was crucial to their success.
While the Buckeyes may have had one of the deepest defensive line groups in the FBS, players like Kenyatta Jackson, Caden Curry, Kaden McDonald, Hero Kanu, and Eddrick Houston will need to step up and prove they can maintain that level of impact. The safety positions, however, could pose a more significant challenge, as Downs will need support from a revamped secondary to replicate last season’s defensive prowess.
Offensive Potential with Key Players
On the offensive front, Klatt remains optimistic, particularly about the potential of sophomore wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. He believes that Smith will be the focal point of the Buckeyes’ offensive strategy moving forward. Alongside him, Carnell Tate and tight end Max Klare are expected to be key contributors in the passing game.
“Every single game, and every game plan, every week next year, has to go through Jeremiah Smith. Has to,” Klatt stressed. He cautioned that the Buckeyes cannot afford to let Smith disappear during games, especially since they will be without experienced players like TreVeyon Henderson, Quinshon Judkins, and Emeka Egbuka.
Klatt acknowledged that while the new players stepping in for these stars will be talented, they may not have the same level of experience. “Now, they are going to be very good players, I’m not saying that these are substantial steps down, but it has to go through Smith, not just for his production, which is going to have to be there, but his impact on the defense,” he added.
Quarterback Situation in Flux
As the Buckeyes prepare for the 2025 season, the quarterback position remains uncertain. With Will Howard concluding his college career, the starting spot is up for grabs. Adding to the mix, former backup quarterback Devin Brown has transferred to the California Golden Bears, leaving Ohio State in search of a new leader under center.
Brown had entered the transfer portal in December but chose to stay with the team during their championship run as Howard’s backup. Now, he will compete for the starting job at Berkeley. For Ohio State, highly-touted freshman Julian Sayin is expected to take the reins. Sayin, a 5-star prospect from Carlsbad High School in California, has the potential to make an immediate impact. Incoming freshman Tavien St. Clair could also challenge for the starting role, making for an exciting competition in Columbus.
Talent Remains High
Despite the challenges, Klatt acknowledges that Ohio State’s talent level remains among the best in the nation. With Caleb Downs leading the defense, there is a strong foundation to build upon. The Buckeyes have consistently recruited top-tier talent, and while they may lose some key players, the incoming class is filled with promise.
As Klatt mentioned, while Ohio State will bid farewell to talented athletes like Egbuka, Henderson, Judkins, and Howard, the offense could still thrive in 2025. The offensive line is expected to improve, and with Smith gaining experience, he could become an even more dangerous weapon.
Looking Ahead
As the Buckeyes gear up for the 2025 season, they will need to navigate these hurdles with skill and determination. The combination of a restructured defense, a potentially explosive offense centered around Jeremiah Smith, and an open quarterback competition sets the stage for a thrilling season.
With the right adjustments and a focus on developing their young talent, Ohio State has the potential to build on their recent success and remain a formidable force in college football. Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as the Buckeyes prepare to defend their title and chase another championship. Will they rise to the occasion and overcome these challenges? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the excitement surrounding Ohio State football is palpable as they move forward into a new era.
