NCAA College Football: 2025 Preview – Ohio State Buckeyes

What’s New & Key Changes

High-Profile Offensive Shift
Following a middling offensive year, Ohio State brings in Chip Kelly as their new offensive coordinator. Expect a faster, run-heavy scheme emphasizing tempo and creative play-action. This marks a major shift from the pro-style approach of recent seasons.

Quarterback Carousel Reset
New starter Will Howard, a transfer from Kansas State, brings experience and mobility to the position. His blend of poise and running ability fits Kelly’s scheme, though consistency will be key in early-season matchups.

Roster Rebuild on the Go
Departures include several offensive stars and defensive playmakers. But the returning core features linebacker JT Tuimoloau, defensive lineman Jack Sawyer, and cornerback Denzel Burke, offering continuity on the defensive front.

Experienced Linebackers and Defensive Backs
Ohio State’s secondary remains elite, with veteran starters and recent portal additions rounding out a group built to limit big plays. The linebacker room returns starters that thrive in a physical and disciplined front-seven system.

Key Returners & Unit Strengths

• Running Attack Oversight: With time of possession now a priority, running back TreVeyon Henderson anchors the ground game. His vision and tackle-breaking ability mesh well with rapid tempo schemes.
• Offensive Line Cohesion: Despite turnover, the front five return a majority of starters. Their ability to snap into Kelly’s speed-based run schemes and control the line will dictate both offensive rhythm and scoring depth.
• Pass Rush Depth: Defensive ends and tackles like Sawyer and others create pressure without relying on blitz-heavy schemes. They set the tone for the front seven.
• Secondary Versatility: With players like Denzel Burke and emerging talent at safety, Ohio State boasts the right experience in coverage to support pressure and limit explosive plays.

2025 Season Preview

Ohio State opens with a few manageable non-conference games before entering the gauntlet of Big Ten competition. The most pivotal portion comes in midseason, with road games at Michigan and Penn State, plus challenging matchups against Wisconsin and Iowa.

If Kelly’s tempo sparks explosive drives and opens up Henderson and Howard, Ohio State could punch back as a contender. If not, they risk becoming a one-dimensional team that struggles to stay ahead in close games.

Their true test will be identity, will they stay balanced like past champions or lean fully into the new speed-first philosophy?

Betting Angle – Bet105 Insights

Ohio State’s shift in playstyle makes them one of the most interesting betting cases early in the 2025 season.

Win Total Futures (Projected near 10.5–11)
If win totals open too high, the under may have strong value. Change at quarterback and a new system introduce uncertainty despite returning talent.

Spread Plays
OSU has struggled ATS when favored by more than 10 points in recent seasons. Avoid laying big spreads early while the offense learns its pace and timing.

Live / Second-Half Plays
Chip Kelly teams have historically excelled when conditioning matters late. Back Ohio State if they hang around early, quick tempo can overwhelm opponents late in games.

Home Underdog or Short-Favorite Value
Whether in Columbus or on neutral fields early, Ohio State often offers value when lines don’t yet reflect defensive strength and tempo shift.

Ohio State may not return to 2010-era dominance overnight, but with a system designed to maximize pace and playmakers like Henderson and Howard, they’re rebuilding quickly. For bettors tracking systemic evolution and coaching fit, Buckeye tickets in 2025 could hold subtle yet profitable value on bet105.

Experience the thrill of college football. Bet smarter and ride the momentum with bet105.