Ohio State cornerback Davison Igbinosun has made the exciting decision to return to the Buckeyes for the 2025 season, as confirmed by ESPN’s Pete Thamel. This announcement comes as a breath of fresh air for Ohio State fans, who have watched Igbinosun grow into a key player on the team. A two-time All-Big Ten honorable mention, Igbinosun has been a reliable starter since transferring from Ole Miss, and his leadership will be invaluable moving forward.
Impressive Stats and Key Performances
Igbinosun’s contributions this season have been nothing short of remarkable. He played in all 16 games for the Buckeyes, racking up 45 tackles, two tackles for loss, 11 pass deflections, two interceptions, and one fumble recovery. One of his standout performances came during a crucial victory over Penn State, where he showcased his skills with four tackles and an interception. Such playmaking ability not only highlights his talent but also his potential to lead the defense in the upcoming season.
A Glimpse into His Journey
Before making his mark at Ohio State, Igbinosun spent a season at Ole Miss. During his time with the Rebels, he played in all 13 games and started 10, accumulating 37 total tackles and five passes defended. His impressive performance earned him a spot as a College Football News freshman All-American. Now, with one more season to solidify his collegiate résumé, Igbinosun is poised to make an even bigger impact at Ohio State.
Leadership and Future Aspirations
Davison Igbinosun is not just returning for another season; he’s looking to step into a leadership role. According to Thamel, the allure of being more of a leader next year played a significant part in his decision to stay. This mindset is crucial for a team that is looking to build on its successes and tackle new challenges head-on. With Igbinosun leading the charge, the Buckeyes’ defense will undoubtedly be in capable hands.
Carnell Tate’s Return: Another Boost for the Buckeyes
Igbinosun isn’t the only star player expected to return to Ohio State next season. Wide receiver Carnell Tate is also anticipated to stay with the Buckeyes, according to reports. This is fantastic news for Ohio State fans, as Tate has emerged as one of the team’s most promising talents. His decision to remain with the program adds to the excitement surrounding the upcoming season.
High Stakes for Carnell Tate
Recently, it was reported that outside parties had attempted to tamper with Tate, who has not entered the NCAA Transfer Portal. This speaks volumes about his value to the team, as he was reportedly commanding offers of up to $1 million. With the transfer portal window closing soon, Ohio State has been working diligently to retain its top underclassmen. Tate is certainly one of those coveted players, and his return would be a significant boost for the Buckeyes.
Impressive Season Stats for Tate
In the past season, Tate showcased his skills with 52 catches, 733 receiving yards, and four touchdowns. His performance peaked during Ohio State’s 28-14 victory over Texas in the College Football Playoff semifinals, where he recorded a season-high seven receptions for 87 yards. As the third option behind Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka, Tate still managed to make a significant impact. With the potential for him to step into the WR2 role next season, assuming Smith returns, the Buckeyes’ receiving corps looks promising.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Ohio State
The return of both Igbinosun and Tate sets a positive tone for the Buckeyes as they prepare for the 2025 season. With key players committed to staying, Ohio State is building a strong foundation to compete at the highest level. Fans can look forward to a season filled with excitement, as these talented athletes continue to develop and contribute to the team’s success. Will Igbinosun’s leadership and Tate’s explosive playmaking be enough to propel the Buckeyes to new heights? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Ohio State football is in for an exhilarating ride!
