Ohio State Football Prepares 2025 Position Battles, Multiple Starters Return

Ohio football is shaping up for an exciting 2025 season with key players and position battles drawing attention. Matt Ponatoski, Ohio's 2024 Mr. Football and Gatorade Player of the Year in both football and baseball, is back for his senior season at Archbishop Moeller and has committed to Kentucky amid their coach Mark Stoops facing pressure to improve. At the collegiate level, Ohio State's football team is gearing up for training camp, with a close competition expected at quarterback between Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz, alongside several other position battles. Ohio State returns top talents like wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs, who are ranked among the top players nationally, as the Buckeyes aim to repeat as national champions despite a challenging schedule starting with Texas. Defensively, Ohio State is under new leadership aiming for a versatile scheme with emerging players ready to step up after key departures, including promising defensive ends and linebackers poised for breakout seasons. Overall, Ohio's high school and college football scenes are highlighted by returning stars, competitive depth charts, and high expectations for the upcoming season.