The Ohio State Buckeyes are fresh off their first National Championship in over a decade — and last season’s explosive offense had plenty to do with it. Even with some key departures, the Buckeyes are still turning heads.
Sure, there are questions in Columbus after losing stars like Will Howard, Quinshon Judkins, and TreVeyon Henderson. But not everyone’s doubting the Buckeyes’ firepower just yet.
At least one national analyst believes Ohio State still has more than enough weapons to light up the scoreboard in 2025.
CBS Sports analyst Brad Crawford ranked the Buckeyes No. 5 on his list of the most explosive offenses guaranteed to deliver fireworks this season — and says teams will have their hands full trying to slow them down.
“As incredible as Jeremiah Smith is on the outside, teams can’t sell out in stopping him,” Crawford wrote. “Doing so is going to lead to a big day from fellow receivers Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss. Redshirt freshman Julian Sayin takes over for Will Howard at quarterback. The biggest question? How will the Buckeyes replicate the numbers posted by departing running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson?”
The good news? The Buckeyes have no shortage of answers.
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Sayin steps in as one of the most highly touted young quarterbacks in the country, while West Virginia transfer CJ Donaldson brings versatility to the backfield. The offensive line also gets a boost with Minnesota transfer Phillip Daniels, and five-star freshman Quincy Porter adds yet another weapon to an already loaded receiver group.
Sayin, a former five-star recruit and the No. 1 quarterback transfer according to 247Sports, threw for 2,347 yards and 24 touchdowns with just one interception in his final season at Carlsbad High School — completing 74.5% of his passes along the way.
Is he Will Howard or CJ Stroud?
Not yet — but at just 19 years old, his upside is tough to ignore. Crawford clearly believes Sayin’s presence, along with Smith and Tate, can keep the Buckeyes’ offense among the best in the country this season.
With Smith already cementing himself as arguably the most dynamic weapon in college football, and Tate, Inniss, and Porter rounding out the receiver room, Sayin won’t have to do it all on his own.
If Donaldson provides stability in the run game and the offensive line holds up, this group has the firepower to be every bit as explosive as last year — and keep Ohio State firmly in the national title race once again.
Because if Crawford’s right, defenses may be in for another long season trying to keep up with the Buckeyes.