In a surprising turn of events, only one Ohio State football player has earned a spot on a prestigious preseason All-America or watch list heading into the 2025 college football season—a development that has raised eyebrows across the college football landscape. For a program with the rich tradition and elite recruiting pedigree of Ohio State, this is not just uncommon—it’s nearly unprecedented.
The Buckeyes, long considered one of the sport’s most dominant forces, are typically well-represented in any preseason rankings, award watch lists, or All-America teams. In recent years, stars like C.J. Stroud, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Chase Young graced multiple watch lists and often became early favorites for major awards. But heading into 2025, only offensive lineman Luke Montgomery has made the cut—recognized for his leadership and projected dominance in the trenches. While Montgomery’s inclusion is well-deserved, the lack of fellow Buckeyes on similar lists speaks volumes.
What’s Behind the Drop-Off?
There are a few potential factors contributing to this unusually low representation:
- Youth Movement: Ohio State enters the 2025 season with a roster filled with underclassmen and newly emerging starters. After a wave of NFL departures and transfer portal reshuffling, the Buckeyes are rebuilding—not in terms of talent, but in terms of experience. Many of the team’s potential breakout stars have yet to establish a national profile.
- Coaching Transitions and Scheme Shifts: Ryan Day remains at the helm, but with new coordinators and tweaks to both the offensive and defensive schemes, voters and analysts may be adopting a “wait-and-see” approach. Without a proven quarterback returning or a marquee wide receiver like Harrison Jr. leading the headlines, Ohio State’s top-end talent remains more of a projection than a proven commodity—for now.
- Media Perception and Competition: With Michigan’s recent dominance in The Game and several SEC schools continuing to pull in headline talent, some of the national spotlight has shifted. Programs like Georgia, Alabama, and Texas have drawn the majority of preseason hype, with their stars grabbing headlines and award attention.
Why It Matters
While preseason accolades don’t win games, they do shape narratives—and narratives influence Heisman races, NFL draft stock, and national playoff discussions. For Ohio State, being underrepresented could be both a wake-up call and a motivator.
Recruiting is another key piece of this puzzle. Prospective athletes often look to programs that produce award winners and high-profile NFL talent. If Ohio State appears to be slipping in national visibility—even if only temporarily—it could impact future classes if not addressed quickly.
A Silver Lining?
There’s a chance that this situation benefits the Buckeyes in the long run. Being overlooked can be a powerful motivator. With Montgomery leading the charge and young talents like Jeremiah Smith, Julian Sayin, and Caleb Downs poised to break out, Ohio State may be in perfect position to surprise the college football world once the season begins.
The Buckeyes have always thrived under pressure. In 2025, they may have to thrive under something new: being underestimated. And that could make them even more dangerous.
