Recruiting insiders share that a pair of Ohio State freshmen are turning heads in Columbus already
The Ohio State Buckeyes are just a few weeks away from starting spring practice with the National Championship fully in the rearview mirror. Ohio State is now working toward defending that National Championship, and it won’t be easy. The Buckeyes had an unreal run in January, and that could be what it takes each year […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes are just a few weeks away from starting spring practice with the National Championship fully in the rearview mirror.
Ohio State is now working toward defending that National Championship, and it won’t be easy. The Buckeyes had an unreal run in January, and that could be what it takes each year going forward.
In Columbus, Ohio State already has the majority of its 2025 recruiting class on campus and with the team. There is no Jeremiah Smith for the offense this season, at least not right from the jump. However, some new Buckeyes are already leaving their imprint with Ohio State.
According to On3’s Steve Wiltfong and Pete Nakos, two players on the defensive side of the hall specifically are making their presence felt.
“[Linebacker] Riley Pettijohn and [cornerback] Devin Sanchez are doing very, very well. The freaks of the crew. [Strength] Coach Mick [Mariotti] has called them dudes’ dudes.”
“Devin has the length, athleticism, and mindset, too. He’s all about it.”
Sanchez is the highest-rated defensive recruit that the Buckeyes brought in. The No. 1 recruit in the country is going to play in Year 1 for the Buckeyes and may have the biggest impact of any freshman in 2025. The 6-foot-2 safety is great in coverage and has future lockdown cornerback written all over him.
With Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock off to the NFL, the Buckeyes will need a couple of bodies to step up. Jermaine Matthews Jr. will join Davison Igbinosun as the starting cornerbacks likely, with Bryce West, Aaron Scott, and Sanchez competing for snaps in the nickel and as depth on the boundary.
Ohio State was able to get Sonny Styles back at linebacker, who may be the defensive leader next year and could wear the “Block O”. Cody Simon is off to the NFL and C.J. Hicks could be more of a pass rusher in 2025. Arvell Reese and Payton Pierce will have plenty of playing time too. Pettijohn could be a freshman who sees time as depth in his first year and it appears he’s well on his way to making that a reality.
Pettijohn was the No. 2 linebacker in the country last class and a big get for the Buckeyes out of Texas. Expect him to be a key piece for James Laurinaitis’ unit for years to come.
Ohio State once again brought a special group of players in for 2025. With the long season the Buckeyes are coming off of, expect the newcomers to play a bigger role in the spring.
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