Projecting Who's Staying and Who's Leaving from Ohio State After CFP Title Game
Had the Buckeyes endured an early exit from the College Football Playoff, the heat on head coach Ryan Day may have intensified.
Instead, Ohio State went on an incredible run to win a national championship with wins over Tennessee, Oregon, Texas and Notre Dame.
The program might have gone into the offseason with plenty of question marks and instability at head coach, but now have more momentum than anyone in college football.
It's also safe to expect Day will return in 2025.
Of course, many key players will not.
The coming months will be loaded with transition as a senior-heavy roster handles the churn of outgoing players, along with incoming freshmen and transfers in both directions.
Who's Staying
All-American Receiver
Though the Bucks returned a star veteran in Emeka Egbuka, a freshman ended up leading the receiving corps. Jeremiah Smith tallied 57 catches for team-high marks of 934 yards and 10 touchdowns during the regular season. He garnered second-team AP All-America honors.
All-American Safety
On the other side of the ball, Ohio State brings back a two-time All-American at safety. Caleb Downs landed that recognition at Alabama in his freshman year, transferred to Ohio State and earned it again. Downs tallied 62 tackles with 6.5 for loss, adding one interception and returning a punt for a touchdown during his debut year in Columbus.
Ryan Day
Money is not necessarily in short supply and the buyout north of $30 million might have been appealing a month ago. However, Ryan Day should have plenty of leeway going forward after leading the squad to a national title.
At least until the next Michigan game.
Who's Leaving
Lots of Skill on Offense
The offense will be much different because quarterback Will Howard, running back TreVeyon Henderson, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and tight end Gee Scott Jr. have all used up their eligibility. Plus, it's reasonable to expect running back Quinshon Judkins will enter the 2025 NFL draft.
Most of the Linemen, on Both Sides
No sense in sugarcoating: This is huge rebuild up front. Left tackle Josh Simmons is headed to the NFL, while left guard/tackle Donovan Jackson, center Seth McLaughlin and right tackle Josh Fryar have each exhausted their eligibility. The defensive line loses the whole starting group of edge-rushers Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau, along with D-tackles Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton.
Outgoing Transfers
In addition to a few more veteran departures, the Buckeyes will inevitably be dealing with transfers. To date, the notable names in the portal are quarterbacks Devin Brown and Air Noland. Wide receiver Jayden Ballard and linebacker Gabe Powers are in the portal, too.
Who's on the Way
Phillip Daniels and More Transfers
Early in the December window, the Buckeyes picked up offensive lineman Phillip Daniels. He played right tackle for Minnesota and will compete for a starting job in 2025. Daniels surely won't be Ohio State's lone addition in the portal, and that news should pick up soon.
The Latest 5-Star QB
Signing a quarterback in every recruiting class is essential. The amount of movement in the portal requires it, really. Ohio State has always followed that model, and 5-star Tavien St. Clair has signed with the Buckeyes. The in-state QB is rated as the nation's No. 3 overall prospect.
Another Top 5 Recruiting Class
Ho-hum, business as usual for Ohio State. The other 5-star in the country's fifth-ranked class is cornerback Devin Sanchez, and the Bucks added 20 more 4-star talents. Both linebacker Riley Pettijohn (41st) and safety Faheem Delane (49th) are top-50 prospects, as well.