The Buckeyes’ 2025 Saga
Prologue: A Legacy to Uphold
Fresh off a dramatic 14‑2 campaign and an epic national championship run through the expanded 12-team playoff—capstone wins over Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame—the Buckeyes return to Columbus looking to cement their dynasty.
1. Opening Act: Road to Redemption
The season kicks off at home on August 30 versus Texas—a rematch charged with vengeance and pride. That’s followed by first-ever regular‑season meeting with Grambling State (Sept 6), then a clash with state rival Ohio University on Sept 13. Two open dates—Sept 20 and Oct 25—give welcome pauses before West Coast challenges and Big Ten gauntlet begins.
2. Big Ten Crossroads
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Sept 27: At Washington marks Ohio State’s first Seattle trip since 2007—an early litmus test on hostile turf.
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Oct 4: Back home to face Minnesota.
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Oct 11 & 18: Southern swing through Champaign and Madison to battle Illinois and Wisconsin. Illinois returns to Ohio State’s rotation for the first time since 2015.
3. Home Stretch & Rivalry Ice
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Nov 1: Penn State arrives in Columbus, a marquee Big Ten showdown.
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Nov 8: At Purdue for another critical road test.
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Nov 15: West coast flavor returns as UCLA visits Ohio Stadium.
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Nov 22 vs. Rutgers sets stage for final showdown.
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Nov 29: The season culminates at Michigan in Ann Arbor—no easier rival to close out with.
If they top the conference, they’ll head to Lucas Oil Stadium on Dec 6 for the Big Ten Championship, aiming to clinch an automatic playoff bid.
New Stars, Familiar Facets
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Quarterback duel between freshman phenom Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz is heating up, though Sayin appears primed for the starting role following Will Howard’s championship leadership.
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The receiving corps is elite with Jeremiah Smith—nationally heralded as freshman of the year and set to be the electrifying centerpiece—and Carnell Tate helping anchor an enviable group alongside newcomers like Max Klare at tight end.
Strengths & Staff
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On offense, interior strength comes from Carson Hinzman, Tegra Tshabola, Luke Montgomery, and Austin Siereveld stepping in to stabilize the line in new coordinator Brian Hartline’s offense.
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On defense, Caleb Downs returns as the nation’s most feared defensive back, joined by talented corners Davison Igbinosun and Jermaine Mathews Jr., while Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese anchor linebacker duties under new DC Matt Patricia.
The defensive line will need production from portal transfer Beau Atkinson from North Carolina to fill gaps left by 2024 departures.
Expectations & X‑Factors
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Experts and fan surveys make it clear: OSU enters 2025 as early favorite to repeat as national champions, despite rising competition from Texas, Georgia, Penn State, and Oregon.
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Fan sentiment overwhelmingly crowns Jeremiah Smith as offensive MVP favorite and Caleb Downs as defensive standout heading into the year.
Chapter Titles We’re Watching
| Topic | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| QB Transition | Can Sayin or Kienholz seamlessly lead a high-octane offense? |
| Receiver Legacy | Will Smith and Tate deliver as perennial game-breakers without Egbuka? |
| D‑Line Depth | Will Atkinson and recruits elevate pressure without older starters? |
| Coaching Continuity | Hartline’s scheme and Patricia’s defense need to jell quickly. |
The Road Ahead
Ohio State’s path in 2025 is framed by fierce early challenges and pivotal conference clashes. With legacy, talent, and expectations aligning, the Buckeyes could dominate—or find the gauntlet of the Big Ten and rising programs more rugged than anticipated. One thing’s certain: when #4 turns onto High Street for gameday, the weight of history—and victory—is undeniably theirs to carry.
Here’s hoping the scarlet and gray storm back toward another national title run.