ABC News: Ohio State’s New Weapon Could Unlock Another Level of Its Offense, But Will the Buckeyes Use It?
COLUMBUS, OHIO (March 31, 2025) — Ohio State football fans have been buzzing all offseason about the potential for the Buckeyes to take their offensive game to the next level. With a roster stacked with talent and a highly regarded coaching staff, the team is primed for another championship run, but the big question remains: will Ohio State unlock the full potential of its offense in 2025?
Enter Xavier Phillips, the Buckeyes’ highly touted new weapon. Phillips, a versatile player who transferred from a powerhouse program, brings a dynamic skill set that could be the key to Ohio State’s offensive success this year. Whether it’s his quickness in the open field, his ability to stretch defenses, or his hands that seem to make impossible catches look routine, Phillips has all the tools to elevate the team’s offense.
But here’s the twist—it’s not just about his individual talent. Phillips’ ability to work in tandem with quarterback Kyle McCord and running back TreVeyon Henderson could unlock a potent trifecta that defenses will struggle to contain.
The Potential
With Phillips on the field, Ohio State’s offense could evolve into something more unpredictable. The Buckeyes have been known for their explosive passing game and strong ground attack in recent years, but Phillips offers a unique combination of speed and agility that gives the team more versatility.
“He adds a dimension that we haven’t had in a while,” said Ohio State head coach Ryan Day. “Not just a wide receiver, not just a playmaker—he’s someone who can do it all. He’s quick, he can line up in the backfield, and he can stretch the field vertically. That creates opportunities for everyone else.”
If Day fully integrates Phillips into the offense, Ohio State’s attack could be even more dangerous, using him to pull attention from other offensive stars and create mismatches with defenders.
The Decision: Will They Use Him?
Despite Phillips’ obvious talents, the question remains: will Ohio State actually use him the way they could? Coach Ryan Day is known for running a disciplined offense that relies on a balanced attack. Last season, the Buckeyes frequently rotated personnel to maintain freshness and balance, especially in their high-pressure games.
While some have speculated that Day will keep Phillips in a limited role to avoid overloading him, others believe that Phillips could be used in a variety of packages, moving across different positions to confuse opposing defenses.
“Ryan Day has always been strategic with how he uses players, and this is no different,” said Bruce Feldman, a national college football analyst. “They’re going to find creative ways to use him, but they won’t just throw him out there for the sake of it. It’s all about timing.”
The Buckeyes have plenty of depth at key positions. This might limit Phillips’ role in terms of raw numbers, but his versatility could be Ohio State’s secret weapon in the big games where they need that extra spark to win.
Buckeyes’ Offensive Identity in 2025
Looking at Ohio State’s roster, it’s clear that they have all the right pieces to challenge for a national title. The offense has arguably been one of the top units in college football for the past few years, but Phillips’ arrival may finally give them the edge they need to stand out against other elite teams.
McCord, who had flashes of brilliance last season, will have another weapon at his disposal, adding to an already stellar receiving corps led by Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. Henderson’s presence in the backfield, combined with Phillips’ ability to line up both in the slot and in motion, could cause problems for any defense.
Ultimately, the decision of how to use Phillips will come down to how Coach Day and his staff want to approach the 2025 season. With a potent offense already in place, the challenge will be finding the balance between explosiveness and efficiency, ensuring they get the most out of their newest star.
In the end, the key question is: will Ohio State unleash Phillips as their offensive weapon? If they do, the Buckeyes may very well have the secret sauce to bring home a national title this year.
As spring practice continues, all eyes will be on how the coaching staff utilizes Phillips—and whether this new weapon is the missing link to take Ohio State’s offense from great to unbeatable.
Stay tuned to ABC News for more u
pdates on Ohio State’s 2025 season.