Ohio State coach calls out potential breakout star in 2025 and it isn’t a bad thing at all for the Buckeyes
Ohio State has a National Championship to show for a loaded roster that they had for the 2024 season. Heading into the season, expectations were high for the Buckeyes with all of the talent that they were able to bring back from the previous season. Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau were among the players that […]
Ohio State has a National Championship to show for a loaded roster that they had for the 2024 season. Heading into the season, expectations were high for the Buckeyes with all of the talent that they were able to bring back from the previous season.
Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau were among the players that defended to come back and it paid off for them. Both players upped their draft stock and helped the Buckeyes win it all.
Losing two pass rushers that have been around for four seasons is a tough adjustment, but the Buckeyes will have the next group ready to step up.
Ohio State DE Kenyatta Jackson set for a big role with the Buckeyes
The Buckeyes are set to rely heavily on the senior, Jackson, who has provided depth for the Buckeyes the last couple of seasons. Jackson was a four-star recruit in the class of 2022 and could be a breakout star for the Buckeyes in 2025.
“He’s got to be our leader, first of all,” Ohio State defensive line coach Larry Johnson said recently. “That’s our role for him. He has not been in (a position) to be the leader and move the unit. And so far, he's done a great job of doing that.
“Now he's going to be the guy who's going to have to demonstrate the production for us and move the yardstick for us at defensive end. And I think he has a chance to do that. Now he’s gonna play 40 (or) 50 plays (per game), we will see him more. And I think we'll see his talent come to the front.”
Jackson only had 1.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons, but he played a solid amount for the Buckeyes in 2024 with 16 tackles in 15 games. Jackson is joined by senior Caden Curry as players expected to start for Ohio State off the EDGE.
Ohio State brought in FCS transfer Logan George a couple of months ago and he will be a player that produces depth at the position for the Buckeyes. Additionally, Ohio State has moved C.J. Hicks to be a full-time pass rusher, which likely best suits him.
Johnson has long developed pass rushers at Ohio State and Jackson could be next in line. It may take until his senior year to have the breakout season he’s been waiting on, but now is finally the time for the Florida native.