As the Ohio State Buckeyes gear up for the 2025 season, they're ushering in a new era of players in key positions, notably within their backfield and quarterback lineup. According to ABC6, newcomers James Peoples and CJ Donaldson are set to take over running back duties following the departure of Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, with Peoples aiming to build on his 197-yard performance and Donaldson bringing his record of 734 yards and 12 touchdowns from last season with the Mountaineers.
The Big Ten is bracing for a highly competitive season as ACTION NEWS points out Ohio State and Penn State are leading contenders for the conference title with must-watch games on the horizon, including a promising showdown between Penn State and Oregon, and the time-tested rivalry of Ohio State versus Michigan, with this year's contest looking to be pivotal in the playoff chase given how the Buckeyes' and Nittany Lions' seasons are stacking up with the potential for a 7-0 combined record for the Ducks and Nittany Lions by the time they meet.
At quarterback, Ohio State is facing the dilemma of choosing between the promising Julian Sayin, a five-star redshirt freshman, and the more seasoned Lincoln Kienholz; neither has been named the outright starter yet. "What concerns me is that there is a lot that we don’t know right now. Tons of turnover and a new quarterback," Greg McElroy voiced on ESPN's College Football show, as reported by Essentially Sports, underscoring the challenge for head coach Ryan Day in following up a national championship with a team in transition, emphasizing new coordinators, a new quarterback and the pressure of ensuring that the new faces not just fit the mold, but excel in their designated roles.
While on defense, the Buckeyes are also revamping under new coordinator Matt Patricia, with players like Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Beau Atkinson, and a roster of young hopefuls vying for time on the field. The Buckeyes are planning a rotation strategy this season, focusing on keeping players fresh to optimize the pass rush, which, paired with an offensive line that's seen turnover yet maintains strong camaraderie, is essential for supporting whoever gets the nod under center, according to McElroy's sentiments on how the team's overall dynamic could affect their performance in the upcoming season.
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