EDIT: Fixed a few sentences and mistakes. Big thanks to Raiderred for pointing some of these out!

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I did one of these during the bye week this season since I had extra time on my hands. Now, after the first portal window, the roster has shuffled quite a bit and I continue to have time on my hands while I'm on break from grad school. So here's an updated roster outlook!

As I did last time, I will format the sections as follows:

1. I will explain who I believe will start and why.
2. Next, I will explain competitors to start, back-ups, and other notable contributors.
3. Finally, I will discuss a possible future gain and a possible future loss for each position group.

The third rule especially requires clarification, because many of these groups are unlikely to see additions or losses. I will note whether I believe the room will actually see a gain or loss, but still try to come up with a name if I can. These will most likely be the flimsiest arguments on the list, so take these suggestions with a hefty grain of salt.

Once again, I am not discussing the specialists. To give an example of how unwise I am in those judgments, I thought in the preseason that Joe McGuire was the one guy who wouldn't start at punter, and here I am now putting my foot in my mouth (pun intended).

Finally, ALL of this is predictive and relatively amateur. The depth charts, my reasoning, everything. I may be with or against the majority on several of my sections, but regardless, all of this is speculation from a fan perspective who has watched every game and kept up with recruiting, but I'm no coach or extreme analyst. Feel free to disagree with me at any point.

Alrighty. Let's start it off!

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Quarterback

All we need here is the process of elimination. Will Howard is going to the NFL Draft. Air Noland transferred to South Carolina. Lincoln Kienholz was already jumped by Julian Sayin at the beginning of the season, so that leaves Sayin as the clear frontrunner. I do see a path for Devin Brown should he withdraw from the portal: if he plays in relief of an injured Howard and wins a playoff game or national championship, then he could stay and compete. But otherwise, it seems to be Sayin or bust.

It appears that the only circumstances where another guy would start are either injury or one of the back-ups beating Sayin in a head-to-head competition. Aside from the aforementioned Brown scenario, the other two hopeful-starters are Lincoln Kienholz and incoming freshman Tavien St. Clair (5*), an Ohio native who is our highest-rated quarterback recruit since C. J. Stroud. Considering Day has allowed true freshmen like Sayin and Kyle McCord to compete to start in the past, we cannot rule out St. Clair as an option, especially if he enrolls early.

Potential Addition: Although I do not expect a significant addition other than depth in this room, Dequan Finn played for five seasons at Toledo before starting at Baylor as a grad transfer. After getting injured in week 2 and being replaced by the back-up, he is in the portal again. The odds would be stacked against him to win the starting job, but if he wants to compete as a potential QB2 behind Sayin or go the Tristan Gebbia route, I think it would be a solid addition.

Potential Loss: With St. Clair signed, Lincoln Kienholz is really only the player we could perceivably lose that isn't seemingly gone already. Perhaps he goes somewhere else knowing he already was jumped by Sayin, but I think that being the primary back-up to a team with elite weapons and coaching should be enough to keep him at least for one more season.

Projected Depth Chart:

1. RS-Fr. Julian Sayin
2. RS-So. Lincoln Kienholz
3. Fr. Tavien St. Clair

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Running Back

We are currently slated to have six scholarship backs next season wtih CJ Donaldson, one sophomore, one redshirt-freshman, and three true freshmen. The safest option is to pencil in Donaldson as our starting running back, and even that is not completely safe as running back frequently sees younger players taking snaps from older ones. Ohio State has started true freshmen over veterans recently, specifically J. K. Dobbins in 2017 and TreVeyon Henderson in 2021.

Sophomore to-be James Peoples is easily in the most favorable position of the young guys with a year of experience as the third back behind Henderson and Quinshon Judkins. His classmate Sam Williams-Dixon is in a less favorable spot and has not carved out a significant role, only seeing seven carries all season. Of the three incoming freshmen, Ohio's Bo Jackson (4*) is the most highly rated, Alabama's Turbo Rogers (4*) boasts the most versatility, and Pennsylvania's Isaiah West (3*) may have the most ready-to-play frame at 5-foot-11 and 208 pounds.

Despite Bo Jackson's elite name, I like Rogers the most of the newcomers due to his versatility and the fact that the team consistently and diligently pursued him to flip him from Alabama. However, I acknowledge that this pick is not largely based on seeing his play.

Potential Addition: While I would be surprised if Locklyn added more to his room with the abundance of young players present, T. J. Harden is a versatile back who has been at UCLA for the past three seasons. He was recruited under Chip Kelly's regime and caught 40 passes this season for 368 yards and one touchdown, on top of rushing for 506 yards and two touchdowns.

Potential Loss: While it is not confirmed as of today, Quinshon Judkins is currently slated by many oulets as a top 5 back in this upcoming draft. I admit that a large NIL deal could sway him to stay, but his transfer has always felt like a career move. He already proved himself at Ole Miss and came to Ohio State and saw a significant dropoff in snaps. I believe he came for a shot at a natty and to stay healthy prior to going pro.

Projected Depth Chart:

1. Sr. C. J. Donaldson
2. So. James Peoples
3. Fr. Turbo Rogers

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Wide Receiver

Jeremiah Smith has the potential to be the best ever at Ohio State, while Carnell Tate has lived up to his five-star expectations as the Buckeyes' third receiver and by all indications should thrive opposite of Smith next season. The most open job is slot receiver, which will most likely be filled by Brandon Inniss, who excels in the slot and has made plays in big games, primarily with his touchdown catch against Penn State.

The Buckeyes have seen some departures from veterans such as Kojo Antwi and Jayden Ballard, but have made up for it with the addition of four four-star recruits: Quincy Porter, Bodpegn Miller, De'zie Jones, and Phillip Bell. The four will have a lot of work ahead of them to find a spot in the two-deep, which returns their fifth receiver this season in Bryson Rodgers as well as true freshman Mylan Graham, who worked his way into the two-deep throughout the season.

While I do not expect him to see much immediate playing time, Miller's recruiting story is remarakbly interesting. Originally a quarterback, he earned an offer after impressing Brian Hartline in camp as a wide receiver and has since declared that he will change positions. Since then, he's skyrocketed from outside the top 1000 players to almost being inside the top 200. As an Ohio local, his story makes him a potential favorite that fans such as myself will be rooting to see play.

Potential Addition: It is unlikely the Buckeyes will be in need of receivers for as long as Brian Hartline is here. That being said, Zachariah Branch has great potential as a returner and receiver to the point that he is worth pursuing regardless. As unlikely as it is, as Georgia seems to be in hot pursuit of the Branch brothers, should the Buckeyes get him, he'd likely compete with Brandon Inniss to start as the third receiver.

Potential Loss: With the abundance of talent comes the abundance of competition, and Bryson Rodgers has already entered the transfer portal once before. He has earned enough of the coaches' trust to find himself in occasional rotation as the fifth receiver this season, usurping players like Ballard and Antwi. But with four new bodies entering the room, it is possible that young talent passes him up in spring ball.

Projected Depth Chart:

X: 

1. So. Jeremiah Smith
2. Fr. Quincy Porter

Y: 

1. Jr. Carnell Tate
2. RS-So. Bryson Rodgers

Slot:

1. RS-So. Brandon Inniss
2. RS-Fr. Mylan Graham

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Tight End

Keenan Bailey's group easily sees the most rotation on offense, with Gee Scott Jr., Will Kacmerak, Bennett Christian, and Jelani Thurman all seeing snaps in big games at different points this season. Walk-on Patrick Gurd also has seen snaps, including some at fullback in goal-line packages. With Scott running out of eligibility, the remaining three will battle for playing time alongside Purdue transfer Max Klare. While he may not have as much expertise as the others blocking, his talent as a receiver will be a great complement with a first-time starting quarterback.

The past three seasons have seen solid tight end recruiting, nabbing Thurman in 2023 and two classes in a row with two tight end recruits in 2024 and 2025. With Damarion Witten starting his career at wide receiver, Max LeBlanc was the only true freshman tight end to receive snaps this year. Alongside incoming freshmen Nate Roberts (4*) and Brody Lennon (3*), they will work to find themselves in the lineup.

Potential Addition: I'm going to bend the rules a bit and not list a player here. Getting Max Klare was not an addition of need with the amount of bodies we had in the room and was moreso a luxury gain. It is therefore extremely unlikely that we will add another player, depthwise or otherwise, outside of the event of a surprise transfer out from someone we already have.

Potential Loss: With the addition of Max Klare, Jelani Thurman is no longer our best receiving tight end. While we have seen flashes of his potential as a blocker and as a receiver, his consistency has held him back from usurping the starting role. As the former #3 tight end in his high school class, he would draw significant interest in the portal should he decide to seek greener pastures.

Projected Depth Chart:

1. Jr. Max Klare
2. RS-Sr. Will Kacmerak
3. RS-So. Jelani Thurman

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Inner Offensive Line

The injury of Seth McLaughlin prompted Carson Hinzman to move from guard to center. Though he has not been the most consistent, he remains our clearest option there. Tegra Tshabola, despite some inconsistency, should remain a starter at guard after staying in his spot all season thus far. I originally thought he could be an option at tackle, but the coaches' pursuit of transfer tackles lead me to believe they'll keep him at guard. Luke Montgomery and Austin Siereveld have both seen rotation at guard and should compete for the remaining guard spot next season.

The only other players to see time this season on inner offensive line are Toby Wilson (guard) and Joshua Padilla (center), both of whom have seen their time on special teams and with the second-team offensive line. Other options have either not seen the field or are incoming true freshmen. For this reason, it is very likely that the coaches will continue to pursue back-up options in the portal.

Potential Addition: Unfortunately, Josh Thompson committed to LSU despite taking a visit to Ohio State, and the portal is fairly thin on uncommitted inner offensive linemen (pun intended). Illinois' Zy Crisler has starting experience if the Buckeyes wanted more competition at guard, but I would be surprised if they went after him since he only has one more season of eligibility and would likely be a depth addition.

Potential Loss: Montgomery, Siereveld, and Tshabola are all Ohio natives that are in contention to start next year, while Hinzman's versatility gives him the clearest path to a starting job, so I don't see any of them leaving. Toby Wilson is approaching the end of his eligibility and has barely seen any playing time. However, since he is a hometown guy, it is possible that he stays regardless or transfers to a close-by team such as Toledo, Ohio, or Youngstown State.

Projected Depth Chart:

LG:

1. Jr. Luke Montgomery
2. RS-So. Austin Siereveld

C:

1. RS-Jr. Carson Hinzman
2. RS-So. Joshua Padilla

RG:

1. RS-Jr. Tegra Tshabola
2. RS-Fr. Devontae Armstrong

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Offensive Tackle

With the departure of Josh Simmons already confirmed and Josh Fryar on his last year of eligibility, the tackle spots were addressed heavily in the portal's first opening. A pair of transfers appear the most likely to start, with Cincinnati native Phillip Daniels coming from Minnesota and Ethan Onianwa arriving up north from Rice. While Onianwa will be seeing a stark increase in competition, his status as a graduate transfer and size leave enough promise for me to be comfortable with projecting him as a starter.

With Zen Michalski in the portal, our oldest depth option is redshirt-sophomore George Fitzpatrick, but we have no shortage of youth: Ian Moore has already earned snaps with the second-team as a true freshman. Other young options include fellow freshman Deonte Armstrong and incoming freshman Carter Lowe (high 4*). The transfers bring some starting options, but Frye will be pressed to develop his younger players into serviceable back-up options should things get dicey like they did this year.

Potential Addition: The only other offensive linemen we have hosted on a visit aside from the aforementioned transfers and Josh Thompson hails from the FCS Central Connecticut State. Rahtrel Perry has garnered interest from schools such as Syracuse, Maryland, and Florida State. While he would be more of a developmental option than a candidate to start, the Buckeyes are the school with the highest potential of his list of offers.

Potential Loss: With Zen Michalski in the portal already and George Fitzpatrick not getting many looks even during this injury-riddled season, it is possible that he could depart should he be jumped in spring ball by some younger players. He is not even the next man up in the playoffs as it stands, since Zen is still with the team.

Projected Depth Chart:

LT:

1. RS-Sr. Ethan Onianwa
2. RS-Fr. Ian Moore

RT:

1. RS-So. Phillip Daniels
2. RS-Jr. George Fitzpatrick

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Defensive End

The entire defensive line is almost certainly gone, with Mitchell Melton graduating and Jack Sawyer and J. T. Tuimoloau both receiving potential first-round hype after a dominating performance against Tennessee. The heir apparents are Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Caden Curry, who were also their back-ups last year. Incoming transfer Logan George will also work his way into the rotation, though his transition from FCS Idaho State to the Big Ten will likely be an obstacle for him to hurdle.

The only other players to receive snaps this year are redshirt-freshman Joshua Mickens and true freshman Dominic Kirks, with two new recruits arriving as well. At least one of Alabama's Zion Grady and California's Epi Sitanilei (both 4*) may work into the rotation due to the high number deprating from this room, though we should also keep an eye out for potential transfers targets.

Potential Addition: I may be raising some false hopes, but 4* edge Zahir Mathis remains uncommitted nearly four weeks after national signing day and it looks like his recruitment will extend into next year. The bridge does not appear to be burned at all, so if the coaches decide it is worth it to pursue Mathis harder than they have been previously, he could have a similar situation as to Dominic Kirks last year as a late addition to the 2025 high school class, albeit as a re-addition.

Potential Loss: This is the part of my list where I will not include a potential loss. I thought in the preseason that Curry or Jackson could end up getting drafted if they showcase enough potential, but neither have shined enough in the deep five-man rotation to receive high priority in the draft. As for the younger guys, there is more than enough room for competition, so I would be surprised if any of them left either.

Projected Depth Chart:

LE:

1. Sr. Caden Curry
2. Fr. Zion Grady

RE:

1. RS-Jr. Kenyatta Jackson Jr.
2. Jr. Logan George

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Defensive Tackle

While he was originally slated to be an edge rusher, Eddrick Houston has entered the fray as a candidate to start at three-tech, starting in place of an injured Tyleik Williams against Purdue. However, he will have to compete against Hero Kanu for that job. For most of the season, Kayden McDonald has been the most reliable of our back-up defensive tackles, so he likely will face the least resistance for a starting job at nose tackle.

In terms of other options, Tywone Malone Jr. has seen the most snaps outside of the aforementioned three, with redshirt-freshmen Jason Moore and Will Smith Jr. also receiving snaps in the second halves of games. Moore in particular received praise this offseason for his potential, but this has not translated to extended playing time or on-field statistics. Another potential option is Eric Mensah, who was a true freshman this year taken as a developmental player.

Larry Johnson has also won the commitments of three recruits, including Pennsylvania's Maxwell Roy (4*), Florida's Jarquez Carter (3*), and North Carolina's Trajen Odom (3*). My favorite of the three is Carter. While he is on the smaller side, I have an inkling that he may be a gem. He has great athleticism, is a younger athlete (who will turn 18 only just before arriving in Columbus), and has an offer list that seems to extend beyond that of most three-star recruits, including the likes of Georgia, Texas, Miami, Penn State, Michigan, and Notre Dame.

Potential Addition: I think that with the shifting of Houston to three-tech that Johnson should have enough bodies to play on the inside barring some transfer-outs, but if they are in the market for a capable starter, the Buckeyes offered North Carolina starter Travis Shaw as a five-star recruit before he went to his hometown team. If they are in need of a run stuffer, he is one of the better ones still available.

Potential Loss: Despite Larry Johnson trying to rotate defensive linemen more this season, Tywone Malone Jr. has not been able to take advantage of these opportunities as well as others have. Younger players such as Houston and McDonald have stepped up instead, which leaves the former Ole Miss Rebel in an awkward spot entering his final season of eligibility.

Projected Depth Chart:

3-Technique:

1. So. Eddrick Houston
2. RS-Jr. Hero Kanu

NT:

1. Jr. Kayden McDonald
2. RS-Sr. Tywone Malone Jr.

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Linebackers

We are losing perhaps one of my favorite defensive players in recent memory to the NFL Draft in Cody Simon. Fortunately, Sonny Styles' transition to linebacker has gone fairly well. I even think he could be drafted if he wanted to due to his freak athleticism, but his newness to the position and youth lead me to believe he'll stay. As for the other starting job, Arvell Reese has exceed expectations by climbing the depth chart, making him the frontrunner to start next year at MIKE linebacker.

The question mark is C. J. Hicks, who has so far failed to live up to his expectation as a five-star linebacker out of high school. He has excelled as a pass-rusher to the point that many think he should simply put on weight and become a specialist, but we will see what the coaches do next season. Fortunately, James Laurinaitus has put on a masterclass recruiting, bringing in Riley Pettijohn (high 4*) from Texas, Tarvos Alford (4*) from Florida, AND Ohio native Eli Lee (3*). Alongside Payton Pierce and Garrett Stover, who mostly played on special teams this season, the coaches should be at no shortage of depth.

Potential Addition: The Buckeyes have expressed little to no interest in adding a linebacker through the transfer portal. But if they are, former Oklahoma State Cowboy Kendal Daniels, who was recruited while Jim Knowles was still there, remains uncommitted. Similar to Styles, he transitioned from safety to linebacker last year and finished strong. Should the Buckeyes be hard-pressed for a starter, Daniels would be a name worth pursuing.

Potential Loss: I'm probably not surprising many of you by naming C. J. Hicks here. With the questions surrounding his fit at linebacker, being usurped by Arvell Reese, and the tons of incoming young talent, his path to playing time is suddenly far less clear. This isn't to say he has no shot or that it's a sure thing he's gone. But he will need to defend himself from several newcomers and risers to maintain the few snaps he currently has.

Projected Depth Chart:

SAM:

1. Sr. Sonny Styles
2. RS-Jr. C. J. Hicks

MIKE:

1. Jr. Arvell Reese
2. So. Payton Pierce

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Cornerbacks

This may be my boldest take yet (excluding my "Potential Additions" where I'm literally throwing out crazy names just for the sake of filling them up): Ohio State has been known to start young talent when it's good enough, most notably sending Sevyn Banks packing for a true freshman Denzel Burke in 2021. I think that the #1 overall cornerback Devin Sanchez will earn a starting job next year. Alongside him, standout Jermaine Mathews Jr. will compete to start, as well as Davison Igbinosun assuming he does not declare for the draft.

As for nickel, there are a few names that could go here. Lorenzo Styles Jr. has slowly been earning more playing time, most notably defending a potential touchdown pass in his one snap against Tennessee. However, Mathews Jr. has been playing some nickel as well, and my wild prediction is that with Sanchez taking the outside corner job, they move Mathews Jr. to nickel to have the best 3 cornerbacks on the field.

This room is so clogged with talent that losing Na'eem Offord to Oregon hurts more due to the team he chose than the loss of the five-star talent. Aaron Scott Jr. has impressed greatly as a true freshman. Calvin Simpson-Hunt was a highly-rated recruit that has barely seen the field the past two seasons due to how competitive this unit is. Other potential options include Bryce West, the versatile Miles Lockhart, and Jordyn Woods, a three-star we flipped late from Cincinnati.

Potential Addition: While it has been a while since his name and Ohio State have been mentioned together, Arizona Wildcat Tacario Davis drew the interest of Buckeye fans early in the portal window. It is an unlikely addition, though I think the interest from our end will increase if Igbinosun decides to declare for the NFL Draft early.

Potential Loss: With the embarrassment of riches Tim Walton has blessed with, we have seen many transfer out, including the likes of Jyaire Brown, JK Johnson, and Ryan Turner. Calvin Simpson-Hunt may become another casualty of this competitive room, as he has barely seen snaps outside of special teams in his two seasons here. After being jumped by Mathews Jr. and with the arrival of Sanchez, a poor spring showing could be the breaking point for his time at Ohio State.

Projected Depth Chart:

Outside #1:

1. Fr. Devin Sanchez
2. RS-So. Calvin Simpson-Hunt

Outside #2:

1. Sr. Davison Igbinosun
2. So. Aaron Scott Jr.

Nickel:

1. Jr. Jermaine Mathews Jr.
2. RS-Sr. Lorenzo Styles Jr.

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Safeties

The safety position, much as I addressed last time, seems to be a two-horse battle for who starts alongside reigning Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year Caleb Downs. Ohio native Malik Hartford was originally slated to start at free safety before Downs' arrival. The other option is breakout freshman Jaylen McClain, who came in from New Jersey as a three-star and immediately asserted himself in the two-deep as a strong safety. Since Downs was a strong safety at Alabama and a free safety here, he could perceivably be shifted to wherever the coaches need him in order to start whoever they prefer opposite of him. The one who does not start would be an obvious pick in three-safety defenses.

While South Carolina transfer Keenan Nelson Jr. and true freshman Leroy Roker III are also options, neither have played well enough to see snaps outside of special teams. The only safeties who have played non-special team snaps are Downs, Hartford, McClain, and the departing Lathan Ransom, so be on the lookout for recruits Faheem Delane (high 4*), DeShawn Stewart (3*), and Cody Haddad (3*) to compete for back-up roles.

Potential Addition: While the Buckeyes were connected with Purdue's Dillon Thieneman early in the portal window, he chose to go to the Ducks. This pursuit had more to do with Thieneman's talent than positional need, but if the Buckeyes are truly on the hunt for more depth, UNLV's Jalen Catalon could be a potential option. He was productive as a starter this season, with nearly 100 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 2 sacks.

Potential Loss: Keenan Nelson Jr. was not expected to be an immediate starter, but he has been unable to become a consistent depth piece and there are multiple young players ahead of him. Hartford and McClain likely have at least two years left here, so if he desires to be in the two-deep somewhere, he will either have to transfer out or fend off multiple incoming recruits.

Projected Depth Chart:

FS:

1. Jr. Caleb Downs
2. Jr. Malik Hartford

SS:

1. So. Jaylen McClain
2. Fr. Faheem Delane