Surprise true freshman is already turning heads with the Ohio State Buckeyes and he may have to see the field some in 2025
He appears to already be sticking out with the Buckeyes and they may have to play him.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are reloading at several key positions heading into the 2025 college football season. After winning a national championship, the Buckeyes saw 14 players selected in the NFL Draft back in April.
Returning two of the best players in the sport—wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs—is massive, and they will undoubtedly be the most important contributors on both sides of the ball.
Among the players expected to step up, several true freshmen are already proving they’re ready to be thrown into the fire.
A pair of surprise defenders may play a role for Ohio State in 2025
Faheem Delane, a 6-foot-1, 210-pound safety, enters Columbus as a true freshman and was ranked the No. 5 safety in the 2025 class. The Maryland native is already drawing buzz.
“Ohio State is definitely buying stock in true freshman Faheem Delane, and he will make an impact of sorts this year. Those I speak to also like the progression that Leroy Roker has made.” — Alex Gleitman, Lettermen Row
With Downs solidifying one safety spot—while also getting reps at nickel—Jaylen McClain and Malik Hartford are battling to start opposite him, and both are expected to see significant playing time in 2025. Behind them, key depth could come from Delane, who is quickly earning trust from the staff.
Delane was a major priority for Ohio State in the last recruiting cycle and comes from a talented football family. His brother, Mansoor Delane, is a 2026 NFL Draft prospect and currently plays cornerback for LSU. When Mansoor entered the transfer portal last winter, Ohio State expressed strong interest in bringing him to Columbus.
While much of the freshman hype has centered around cornerback Devin Sanchez—who may be the freshman who plays the most—Delane shouldn’t be overlooked. He could very well share the field with Sanchez at times this season. The early reviews are strong, and Delane is poised to grow into a key piece of the Buckeye defense in the years ahead.
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