Ryan Day reveals the change the Ohio State Buckeyes are making as rosters shrink across college football
College football has changed more lately than it ever has and even more change could be on the way. Last season, we watched the first 12-team expanded College Football Playoff format take place. The Ohio State Buckeyes went on quite the run, beating Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame. One of the big changes for […]
College football has changed more lately than it ever has and even more change could be on the way.
Last season, we watched the first 12-team expanded College Football Playoff format take place. The Ohio State Buckeyes went on quite the run, beating Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame.
One of the big changes for the 2025 season is the size of the rosters. Before, rosters were capped at 121 players. Now, that number is set to be 105. With that being said, programs will have to change how they operate slightly.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day revealed on Monday that the Buckeyes are doing things a bit differently going forward.
"Now that we're going to a roster of 105, we have to have versatility. Guys have to be able to play multiple positions,” Day said. “We want to be able to teach guys in dual roles this year, and not just on the offensive line [either]. You think about the run we made late in the season and that guys had to play multiple positions. If you’ve only got 105 guys to work with and half those guys are freshmen, you have to have players that can play multiple positions."
On the first day of spring practice, Day mentioned OT Austin Siereveld as someone who would work at guard too. Also, G Luke Montgomery will see time at center and G Tegra Tshabola could see time at tackle. Having versatility among the offensive line is crucial, especially when you have fewer players to work with.
Soon-to-be first-round draft pick OT Josh Simmons went down with an injury early last season and the Buckeyes ended up sliding Donovan Jackson over from guard. Jackson bumped his draft stock up with how he played and proved to be a key piece for the Buckeyes and their National Championship run at left tackle.
This could also mean along the defensive line where some bulkier EDGE rushers could kick inside to provide some versatility there. Expect defensive backs to be able to play multiple roles in Matt Patricia’s defense too.
You have to have your head on a swivel as a college football head coach and be ready for change, or else you’re going to be left behind. The Buckeyes are bought in on that.
Key Ohio State players make fascinating decision that shows how hungry they are to repeat their National Championship run
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