With the dust barely settled from their recent national championship win, the Ohio State Buckeyes are already preparing for their next challenge. Head coach Ryan Day is focused on reloading his roster, bringing in a mix of talented freshmen and experienced transfers to fill key gaps left by departing seniors.
Building for the Future
The Buckeyes welcome 21 early-enrolled true freshmen, alongside six transfer players, as they look ahead to spring practice and the annual Spring Game, set for April 13. With over 40 seniors and graduate players moving on—many expected to hear their names called in the upcoming NFL Draft—Ohio State is banking on fresh talent to maintain its dominance.
Spring practice will start slightly later than usual to give returning players time to recover from the grueling 16-game season. However, roster turnover remains a reality, with 14 players entering the transfer portal after the winter window, including two quarterbacks.
Key Transfer Additions
Ohio State remained selective in the transfer market, prioritizing quality over quantity. Two of the biggest impact additions come on the offensive line:
• Philip Daniels (Minnesota)– The Cincinnati native played all 12 games for the Golden Gophers last season, allowing just one sack on 159 pass-blocking snaps. With three years of eligibility remaining, he’s expected to bolster Ohio State’s offensive front.
• Ethan Onianwa (Rice)– A veteran presence, Onianwa started at tackle for Rice last year, allowing just one sack in 350 pass-blocking snaps. He’ll play out his final season in Columbus.
To add firepower to the offense, the Buckeyes also secured two skill-position transfers:
• CJ Donaldson (West Virginia, RB)– A proven performer, Donaldson ran for 2,058 yards and 30 touchdowns at West Virginia. His experience will be invaluable in a young running back room.
• Max Klare (Purdue, TE)– Last season, Klare led Purdue in receiving with 685 yards and four touchdowns, adding a versatile pass-catching threat to the Buckeyes’ offense.
On defense, Ohio State tapped into the FCS ranks for reinforcements:
• Logan George (Idaho State, DE)– A disruptive force last season with 19.5 tackles for loss and six sacks, George will compete for a spot in the defensive line rotation.
• Ty Howard (Duquesne, LB)– The older brother of incoming freshman Bo Jackson, Howard racked up 52 tackles, four sacks, and three interceptions last year. He’ll bring experience and versatility to Ohio State’s defense.
Freshman Class Features Top-Tier Talent
Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class is loaded with high-caliber prospects, many of whom are already on campus. Headlining the offensive newcomers:
• Tavien St. Clair (QB)– A five-star quarterback and one of the top recruits in the country, St. Clair joins a competitive QB room looking for its next leader.
• Quincy Porter (WR), Bodpegn Miller (WR), De’Zie Jones (WR), and Phillip Bell (WR)– This quartet of highly rated receivers will compete for early playing time in an already stacked wideout corps.
• Bo Jackson (RB)– A four-star running back, Jackson will look to make his mark in a crowded backfield.
On defense, Ohio State’s top freshman additions include:
• Devin Sanchez (CB)– Ranked as the fifth-best overall recruit in the class, Sanchez is expected to challenge for immediate playing time in the secondary.
• Riley Pettijohn (LB), Zion Grady (DL), and TJ Alford (LB)– With multiple defensive starters heading to the NFL, these freshmen could see the field sooner rather than later.
Looking Ahead
With a strong blend of young talent and experienced transfers, Ohio State is positioning itself to make another championship run. The next few months will be crucial as the team builds chemistry and competition heats up in spring practice. Buckeye fans won’t have to wait long to see the next generation of stars take the field in April.
