The 2025 Ohio State Buckeyes football season was a testament to the program's resilience and ability to reload rather than rebuild. Despite losing 14 players to the NFL draft, including four first-round picks, the team finished the regular season undefeated, a feat that speaks volumes about the depth and talent within the program. This achievement is all the more remarkable considering the challenges of replacing such a significant portion of the roster.
One of the most improbable things about this season was the emergence of Julian Sayin as a record-breaking quarterback. Sayin's accuracy and passing efficiency were not only the best in Buckeye history but also among the top in college football dating back to 1956. His performance against Grambling State, where he completed his first 16 passes, set a school record and gave fans a glimpse of what was to come. Sayin's success continued throughout the season, and he finished as a Heisman Trophy finalist, the fourth in Ohio State history.
Another unlikely star was Bo Jackson, a freshman running back who made a name for himself with back-to-back 100-yard performances. Jackson's breakout season was a surprise, given that he didn't play a single snap in the season opener against Texas. However, he quickly became a key player, earning more carries and finishing the season with 179 carries for 1,090 yards and six touchdowns. His impressive stutter step and ability to break tackles made him a highlight of the season.
The backfield also saw the emergence of Isaiah West, a fellow freshman who slowly became the team's RB2. West's role expanded as the season progressed, and he finished with 47 carries for 261 yards and a touchdown in the final seven games. His development was a testament to the program's ability to develop talent and find hidden gems.
On the defensive side, Arvell Reese emerged as a consensus All-American and the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year. Reese's 69 tackles, 10 TFLs, and 6.5 sacks were a key part of the team's success. His selection in the top 10 of the NFL draft alongside teammate Sonny Styles was a significant achievement for the program.
The defense as a whole was among the best in the country, allowing just 9.3 points per game. This was a remarkable improvement from the previous season, where the Buckeyes had the best defense in college football. Matt Patricia's first season at Ohio State resulted in a defense that allowed fewer points and yards per game than any FBS defense in 14 years.
In the NFL draft, Ohio State tied an NFL record with 25 picks across two years, including 11 in the 2026 draft. This was a testament to the program's ability to develop and evaluate talent, with players like Carnell Tate, Austin Siereveld, Kayden McDonald, and Caden Curry being selected in the first round. The Buckeyes' "NFL Factory" approach has proven to be a successful strategy for developing future NFL stars.
In conclusion, the 2025 Ohio State football season was a remarkable achievement, filled with unexpected stars and impressive performances. The team's ability to reload and develop talent, despite the challenges of replacing key players, is a testament to the program's strength and depth. As the Buckeyes continue to build on this success, they will undoubtedly remain a force to be reckoned with in college football.
