Ohio State fans, buckle up—because the Buckeyes aren’t just celebrating their long-awaited national title; they’re riding a wave of momentum that could set the stage for even greater dominance. After a decade of waiting, the championship trophy is back in Columbus, and with it comes a surge of exciting developments. They say good things come in threes, and Ohio State has just hit the jackpot with three game-changing moments that will have the Buckeye faithful buzzing.
Jeremiah Smith: The Future of Ohio State Football
First on the list? The return of none other than Jeremiah Smith, the freshman phenom who shattered expectations in his debut season. Calling him a generational talent might not even do him justice—he’s redefining what’s possible for a young wide receiver. At just 19, Smith has already positioned himself as one of the best in college football, and Ohio State’s offense will be built around his immense skill set in 2025.
Brian Hartline, the Buckeyes’ offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, knows exactly what he has in Smith—a playmaker who can elevate any quarterback and make game-changing plays when it matters most. Just look at how he ended the national championship game: a jaw-dropping catch that cemented his place in Buckeye history. And now? He’s back on the field, looking sharper than ever.
A clip shared by Eleven Warriors’ Chase Brown shows Smith in spring practice, cutting on a dime and catching passes with ease. He’s not just shaking off rust; he’s perfecting his craft. With a massive season opener against Texas looming, Ohio State needs him at peak form, and all signs point to him picking up right where he left off.
The Quarterback Conundrum: Who Will Lead the Buckeyes in 2025?
The second big storyline? Ohio State’s highly anticipated quarterback battle. With Will Howard’s departure, the race for QB1 is officially on, and Ryan Day has made it crystal clear what he expects from his next signal-caller.
Day isn’t just looking for talent—he wants a leader, a workhorse, the guy who sets the tone for the entire team. In his recent press conference, he didn’t mince words:
“The No. 1 job for the quarterback is being the hardest-working guy in the building. If someone says, ‘Who’s our hardest-working guy?’ It should be the quarterback. If it’s somebody else, that’s a problem.”
Translation? If you want to lead Ohio State’s offense, you better be the first one in and the last one out. Strength and conditioning coach Mick Marotti is hammering that message home every day in the weight room, and with Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz, and Tavien St. Clair all vying for the job, the competition is fierce.
These 15 spring practices will be crucial in determining who rises to the challenge. Ohio State isn’t just defending a title—they’re setting the tone for a new era, and the next man under center will play a defining role in their championship pursuit.
Ohio State is back. Jeremiah Smith is back. pic.twitter.com/3hwE6JGKq2
— Chase Brown (@chaseabrown__) March 17, 2025
Ryan Day Brings a Champion Back to Columbus
And finally, rounding out Ohio State’s trifecta of great news: a major coaching addition. Ryan Day isn’t just building a championship team; he’s assembling a staff filled with winners. And who better to bring into the fold than an Ohio State alum with three Super Bowl rings?
Enter Nate Ebner, a former Buckeye walk-on who carved out a legendary NFL career with the New England Patriots. Now, he’s back in Columbus as a special teams quality control coach, bringing with him a wealth of experience in both college and professional football.
Ebner isn’t just a coach—he’s a symbol of perseverance and championship mentality. He walked on at Ohio State, fought for playing time, and eventually became one of the most respected special teams players in the NFL. If there’s anyone who understands the grind and what it takes to win at the highest level, it’s him. And now, he’ll be instilling that mindset into the next generation of Buckeyes.
The Pressure is On—But So Are the Expectations
With all these developments, one thing is clear: Ohio State isn’t satisfied with just one national championship. They’re aiming for sustained dominance, and Ryan Day is at the center of it all. Winning the title may have silenced some of his critics, but now comes the real challenge—staying on top.
With Jeremiah Smith ready to light up defenses, a quarterback battle that will define the future of the program, and a championship-winning alum joining the coaching staff, the Buckeyes are primed for another electrifying season.
The road to back-to-back titles starts now. Buckeye Nation, are you ready?
