As the dust settles on a thrilling college football season, the future of the Ohio State Buckeyes is already sparking conversation. Despite the loss of many key players from their national championship-winning roster, Joel Klatt is optimistic about their prospects for the 2025 season. He believes that Ohio State will remain a top-five team, citing two standout players who could redefine the landscape of college football.
Key Players to Watch in 2025
Klatt’s enthusiasm centers around two exceptional athletes: Caleb Downs and Jeremiah Smith. He confidently ranks the Buckeyes at No. 3 in his Way-Too-Early Top-25, emphasizing that even with significant departures, Ohio State will still boast the best player on each side of the ball. “The national champs will look a lot different next year. There’s no doubt. But they’re still going to be an elite team,” Klatt stated. “I think they’ve got the best defender in the sport next year in Caleb Downs and the best offensive player in the sport in Jeremiah Smith.”
A Shifting Defensive Landscape
While the Buckeyes’ defense was a formidable force last season, Klatt acknowledges that it will undergo significant changes. Downs, the standout safety, will have to navigate a new defensive structure as many of his experienced teammates depart. “The defense, however, around Downs is going to look dramatically different,” Klatt explained. “They were able to play a lot of depth, so Downs will have guys that have seen the field – but certainly weren’t starters.”
Rebuilding the defensive line will be a priority, as it was a crucial strength for the Buckeyes last season. Klatt points out that the loss of experienced safeties will impact how the defense operates. “Part of the reason that they were so good defensively is that they had so much experience around Downs with Ransom and Hancock out there at safeties,” he noted. “Are they going to have that? Probably not, at least early in the year. So that’s something to at least pay attention to.”
Offensive Strategy: Centering Around Smith
On the offensive side, Klatt emphasizes the necessity of getting the ball to Jeremiah Smith. Regardless of the new quarterback or other emerging players, Smith’s involvement is vital for Ohio State’s success. “Every single game and every game plan every week next year has to go through Jeremiah Smith. Has to,” Klatt asserted. “They cannot go through periods of the game where he disappears.”
Klatt acknowledges that while the Buckeyes may not have the same level of experience as last season, they still have talented 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 also his impact on the defense,” he added. Utilizing Smith effectively will be crucial to opening up opportunities for less experienced players on the field.
The Talent Still in Columbus
Despite the anticipated changes, Klatt remains optimistic about the Buckeyes’ overall talent level. He points out that while many players are leaving, Ohio State is still loaded with talent. “I know a lot of guys are walking out the door but they’re walking out of a building that’s loaded with talent,” he said. “It was the best roster in college football, and not every one of those pieces is walking out the door.”
Ohio State may not replicate the same success as last season due to the loss of key players, but Klatt believes they will still be competitive. “Like, they’re going to be fine, folks,” he reassured fans. The foundation of talent that remains in Columbus should keep the Buckeyes in the conversation as a top contender.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Ohio State?
As Ohio State gears up for the 2025 season, the focus will be on how they adapt to the changes in their roster and coaching staff. With a new offensive coordinator and a defensive coordinator stepping in, the Buckeyes have the opportunity to redefine their strategies. The key will be how effectively they can integrate their returning stars, Caleb Downs and Jeremiah Smith, into their game plans.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Buckeyes navigate this transition. Will they rise to the occasion and maintain their elite status in college football? Only time will tell, but the excitement surrounding Ohio State remains palpable. With a blend of returning talent and fresh faces, the Buckeyes could very well surprise everyone in the upcoming season.
In the world of college football, change is the only constant. As Ohio State prepares for the challenges ahead, one thing is certain: they will be a team to watch in 2025.
