The Ohio State Buckeyes just added another historic milestone to their storied program - and this one ties a mark that’s stood for over half a century. With seven players named to The Sporting News All-America Team, the Buckeyes matched their 1974 record for the most selections in a single season.
It’s a nod not only to the individual dominance on this roster, but to the collective strength of a team that’s been loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. And while some of these names have been in the spotlight all year, a few have taken the long road to national recognition - and earned every bit of it.
First-Team Selections: The Stars at the Top
Let’s start with the headliners. Jeremiah Smith, the sensational freshman wide receiver, capped off a breakout campaign by landing on the first team.
Smith didn’t even need a full season to show the country what he’s made of - just 10.5 games of elite route-running, explosive playmaking, and a knack for rising to the moment. He’s already looking like the next great Ohio State wideout in a long line of them.
On the defensive side, Caleb Downs continues to build his case as the best defender in college football. The safety has been a game-changer all season, combining elite instincts with physicality and range that few at his position can match. Whether it’s tracking the deep ball or stepping up in run support, Downs has been everywhere - and this first-team nod reflects that.
Another defensive standout, Kayden McDonald, earned his spot after stepping into massive shoes on the Buckeyes’ defensive line. With two high NFL draft picks departing, McDonald didn’t just hold the line - he raised the standard. Week after week, he anchored the front with power and consistency, proving he’s one of the best defenders in the country, not just in Columbus.
Rounding out the first-team quartet is Sonny Styles, the versatile linebacker whose role expanded and impact deepened as the season went on. While he didn’t make the AP’s first team, The Sporting News gave him the bump - and rightfully so.
Styles finished with 80 tackles, five for loss, half a sack, and an interception. But the numbers don’t tell the full story.
His football IQ, leadership, and sideline-to-sideline presence made him the heartbeat of Ohio State’s defense. He’s the kind of player who makes everyone around him better.
Second-Team Standouts: Rising Stars and Breakout Performers
Behind those four, three more Buckeyes earned second-team honors - and their stories are just as compelling.
Carnell Tate, another wide receiver with sky-high potential, was on track for a first-team spot before a late-season injury sidelined him for the final three games. Even with that setback, he still posted 48 catches for 838 yards and nine touchdowns - all career highs. His blend of speed, hands, and route precision made him a nightmare for opposing secondaries, and had he stayed healthy, we might be talking about two Buckeye receivers on the first team.
Then there’s Arvell Reese, the linebacker who came into the year flying under the radar and finished it as one of the most talked-about defenders in the country. Reese did it all - rushing the passer, stuffing the run, dropping into coverage - and did it at a high level. His versatility and production have vaulted him into early-round NFL draft conversations, and his second-team selection feels more like a launching pad than a final accolade.
Finally, Caden Curry rounds out the list. The defensive end was a third-team pick on the AP list, but The Sporting News gave him the bump to second team - and it’s hard to argue.
Curry delivered career-best numbers across the board: 60 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, plus two pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. That’s production, plain and simple.
And it came in big moments when the Buckeyes needed it most.
A Historic Season, with More to Come
Seven All-Americans. That’s not just a stat - it’s a statement.
It speaks to the depth, development, and dominance of this Ohio State squad. And while postseason honors are nice, this team isn’t done yet.
With the Buckeyes off until New Year’s Eve, the focus shifts to preparation - but the recognition they’ve already earned is a testament to the work they’ve put in all year.
Tying a 51-year-old program record is no small feat. But with this group? It feels like just the beginning.