Fox News The Buckeye 20: Ranking the Jeremiah Smith Best Football Players on Ohio State’s Roster
Ohio State University’s football program has a storied history of producing elite talent, and as the 2025 season approaches, the Buckeyes continue to boast a roster filled with future NFL stars. Among the many standout players, freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has been turning heads since his commitment. However, when it comes to the best football players on Ohio State’s roster, the competition is fierce.
The Buckeye 20: Top Players to Watch in 2025
Here’s a look at the 20 best players on the Ohio State roster, highlighting their impact on the field, with Jeremiah Smith at the forefront.
1. Marvin Harrison Jr. – Wide Receiver
Arguably the most talented receiver in college football, Marvin Harrison Jr. continues to impress scouts and analysts alike. Known for his elite route running, insane catch radius, and ability to make explosive plays, Harrison is widely regarded as a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
2. J.T. Tuimoloau – Defensive End
With a blend of power, speed, and versatility, J.T. Tuimoloau has the potential to be a game-changer. The dominant defensive end has the ability to disrupt offenses both as a pass rusher and in run defense, making him one of the most feared players on the Buckeyes’ defense.
3. Kyle McCord – Quarterback
Kyle McCord has been a steady hand under center for the Buckeyes. With his strong arm, accuracy, and decision-making, McCord is poised to lead Ohio State’s offense to another successful season. He has the potential to elevate the entire offense with his ability to make all the throws.
4. Travion Henderson – Running Back
When fully healthy, Travion Henderson is one of the most explosive running backs in the country. His combination of speed, vision, and power makes him a dual-threat in the backfield. Henderson is a workhorse capable of breaking off big runs, both as a runner and as a receiver.
5. Cade Stover – Tight End
The 6-foot-4, 250-pound Cade Stover is a mismatch waiting to happen. With his size, strength, and athleticism, Stover is a reliable target in the passing game, while also serving as an effective blocker in Ohio State’s run game.
6. Tommy Eichenberg – Linebacker
A leader on Ohio State’s defense, Tommy Eichenberg has become one of the most consistent linebackers in the Big Ten. Known for his ability to read offenses and make tackles in key situations, Eichenberg anchors the Buckeyes’ defense and provides a strong presence in the middle.
7. Denzel Burke – Cornerback
With elite speed and excellent ball skills, Denzel Burke is one of the top cornerbacks in college football. He’s a lockdown defender capable of shutting down top receivers, making him a key asset to Ohio State’s secondary.
8. Emeka Egbuka – Wide Receiver
Teaming up with Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka provides a dynamic receiving threat. Known for his quickness, route running, and ability to make plays after the catch, Egbuka is a top-tier playmaker who can stretch the field and make explosive plays.
9. Zach Harrison – Defensive End
The veteran presence of Zach Harrison continues to be an asset on the Buckeyes’ defensive line. His length, athleticism, and ability to set the edge make him a key player for Ohio State, as he provides consistent pressure on the quarterback.
10. Paris Johnson Jr. – Offensive Tackle
As one of the top offensive line prospects in the nation, Paris Johnson Jr. has all the physical tools to dominate in both the run and pass game. His size, strength, and technique make him a cornerstone for Ohio State’s offensive line.
11. Jeremiah Smith – Wide Receiver (Freshman)
The highly anticipated freshman, Jeremiah Smith, has already started to make waves in camp. Known for his deep-threat ability and excellent hands, Smith brings a dynamic element to the Buckeyes’ receiving corps. He could have an immediate impact on the field, forming a dangerous trio alongside Harrison Jr. and Egbuka.
12. Jahmyr Gibbs – Running Back (Transfer)
Coming over from Georgia, Jahmyr Gibbs is expected to add another dimension to Ohio State’s backfield. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield and make defenders miss in space will provide a versatile option for the offense.
13. Kourt Williams – Safety
A hard-hitting safety with excellent coverage skills, Kourt Williams is a key player in Ohio State’s secondary. His ability to read the quarterback and make plays in the middle of the field will be crucial to the Buckeyes’ success in 2025.
14. Tanner McCalister – Safety
A veteran presence in Ohio State’s defensive backfield, Tanner McCalister brings leadership and experience to the team. Known for his ball-hawking abilities and playmaking skills, McCalister can help solidify the Buckeyes’ defense in critical situations.
15. Luke Montgomery – Offensive Tackle (Freshman)
A freshman offensive lineman with a ton of potential, Luke Montgomery is expected to play a key role in Ohio State’s offensive line rotation. His blend of size, strength, and technique should help him transition to the college game quickly.
16. C.J. Hicks – Linebacker
Highly recruited linebacker C.J. Hicks is a physical specimen who can contribute both as a run stopper and a pass rusher. With his athleticism and instincts, Hicks is expected to be a key part of Ohio State’s defensive unit for years to come.
17. Mitchell Melton – Defensive End
Another talented defensive lineman, Mitchell Melton has shown the ability to pressure the quarterback and defend the run. He’ll play an important role in Ohio State’s pass rush rotation, giving the defense additional depth and flexibility.
18. Jack Sawyer – Defensive End
With a relentless motor and a refined pass-rushing technique, Jack Sawyer is a standout on the defensive line. He has the ability to disrupt the backfield and apply consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
19. Tyler Friday – Defensive Tackle
An underrated but important piece of the defensive line, Tyler Friday excels at occupying blockers and creating opportunities for his teammates. His versatility to play both inside and on the edge will give Ohio State’s defense more options to scheme around.
20. Kendall Milton – Defensive Back (Transfer)
A recent transfer to Ohio State, Kendall Milton is expected to add depth and skill to the secondary. His coverage ability and physicality will help solidify the Buckeyes’ defensive backfield.
Conclusion:
Ohio State’s roster in 2025 is stacked with talent, and while players like Marvin Harrison Jr. and J.T. Tuimoloau are household names, Jeremiah Smith’s arrival as a freshman adds another layer of excitement. The Buckeyes are poised for another strong season, with a mixture of experienced veterans and fresh talent ready to make their mark on the national stage. As the season progresses, expect
the battle for supremacy among these top players to only intensify.