Ohio State Football Builds Strong 2025 Roster with Key Freshmen, Transfers

The Ohio State Buckeyes are poised for a strong 2025 season with promising talent across key positions. Freshman cornerback Devin Sanchez, a former five-star recruit from Houston, is expected to make an immediate impact in the secondary, bringing a rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism that could help lead what might be the best secondary in college football. Junior linebacker Arvell Reese is stepping into a leadership role as the starting middle linebacker, aiming to maintain Ohio State's top-ranked defense by calling plays and guiding the team on the field. The quarterback competition between redshirt freshman Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz is intensifying, with Sayin gaining momentum due to his arm strength and potential, though Kienholz remains a strong contender with his dual-threat capabilities and leadership qualities. On offense, transfer running back CJ Donaldson has slimmed down to enhance his explosiveness and is expected to help replace the production lost from departing stars. Together, these developments highlight a team balancing experienced leadership and emerging talent as they prepare to open the season against Texas.