Ohio State’s first-ever 16-game season saw 24 players log at least 400 snaps on offense or defense, with right tackle Josh Fryar leading the way at 928 total snaps. Quarterback Will Howard was close behind at 912, while safety Caleb Downs anchored the defense with 910 snaps.
Several other Buckeyes also logged significant playing time throughout the season. Linebacker Sonny Styles led his unit with 894 snaps, while safety Lathan Ransom (819), offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (816), and cornerback Davison Igbinosun (807) surpassed the 800-snap mark.
Six more Buckeyes saw over 700 snaps, including linebacker Cody Simon (797), right guard Tegra Tshabola (774), wide receivers Jeremiah Smith (774) and Emeka Egbuka (756), and cornerbacks Jordan Hancock (730) and Denzel Burke (717). Jack Sawyer (697) and Carnell Tate (691) just missed the 700-snap club, while Ty Hamilton (668) and JT Tuimoloau (664) rounded out the top defensive contributors.
Despite missing three games due to injury, defensive tackle Tyleik Williams still managed 583 snaps. Carson Hinzman (597) also logged significant playing time, even though he didn’t become a starter until the eighth game. Seth McLaughlin (565) had his season cut short after missing the last six games with an Achilles injury.
Championship Game Contributions
In Ohio State’s 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the national championship, 51 Buckeyes saw action. 18 players contributed on offense, 21 on defense, and 12 on special teams. The only Buckeyes who played in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Texas but did not participate in the title game were Bryson Rodgers, Bryce West, and Keenan Nelson Jr. However, walk-on safety Brenten Inky Jones returned for one snap on special teams.
Position Breakdown from the National Championship Game
Quarterback
Will Howard 64 snaps
Howard played every snap for the third consecutive game, completing 17 of 21 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 57 yards.
Running Backs
TreVeyon Henderson 41 snaps
Quinshon Judkins 22 snaps
Henderson saw nearly twice as many snaps as Judkins, though Judkins had a standout performance, rushing for 100 yards and two touchdowns on just 11 carries, plus two catches for 21 yards and another score.
Wide Receivers
Jeremiah Smith 62 snaps
Emeka Egbuka 54 snaps
Carnell Tate 43 snaps
Brandon Inniss 6 snaps
David Adolph Special teams only
Smith made a big impact, catching five passes for 88 yards, including the game’s opening touchdown and a 56-yard deep ball that sealed the win. Egbuka had six receptions for 64 yards, breaking Ohio Statee’s career receptions record while surpassing 1,000 yards for the season.
Tight Ends
Will Kacmarek 38 snaps
Gee Scott Jr. 31 snaps
Bennett Christian 13 snaps
Jelani Thurman 7 snaps
Patrick Gurd 3 snaps
Kacmarek played a season-high 38 snaps, while Scott and Kacmarek both started and played significant roles throughout the College Football Playoff. Christian played key blocking snaps, helping on both of Judkins touchdown runs.
Offensive Line
Donovan Jackson 64 snaps
Carson Hinzman 64 snaps
Josh Fryar 64 snaps
Luke Montgomery 64 snaps
Tegra Tshabola 37 snaps
Austin Siereveld 27 snaps
George Fitzpatrick & Joshua Padilla Special teams only
Montgomery played every snap at left guard, solidifying his role in the final two games. Tshabola and Siereveld rotated at right guard, while Jackson, Hinzman, and Fryar played every snap in their positions. Fryar finished the season as Ohio State’s snap leader with 928 total plays.
Ohio State’s national championship victory was built on depth, durability, and standout performances across the roster. With many key players logging heavy snaps throughout the season, the Buckeyes proved their resilience on the way to a historic title.
