Ohio State might be in the middle of a long layoff before the College Football Playoff, but the Buckeyes haven’t exactly been idle. While the team awaits its Cotton Bowl quarterfinal matchup on December 31, individual accolades have been rolling in - and in a big way.
Nine Buckeyes were named to the 2025 AFCA All-America teams, with five landing on the prestigious first team. That’s not just a strong showing - it’s a statement. The kind of recognition that reflects just how dominant Ohio State has been across the board this season.
Let’s start at the top. Sophomore wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, senior center Carson Hinzman, junior defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, junior linebacker Arvell Reese, and junior safety Caleb Downs all earned first-team honors. That core group represents the backbone of Ohio State’s success on both sides of the ball - explosive offense, stingy defense, and leadership in the trenches.
And the talent didn’t stop there. Four more Buckeyes - redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Sayin, junior wideout Carnell Tate, junior offensive lineman Luke Montgomery, and senior defensive end Caden Curry - were named to the second team, rounding out one of the most decorated All-America classes in the country.
Four Buckeyes Eyeing Unanimous All-American Status
Smith, McDonald, Reese, and Downs have now earned consensus All-American status after also being named to the Walter Camp and Associated Press first teams. If they land similar honors from Sporting News and the Football Writers Association of America later this week, they’ll join the elite ranks of unanimous All-Americans - a rare and coveted distinction in college football.
Jeremiah Smith: The Sophomore Sensation
There’s no sophomore slump in sight for Jeremiah Smith. After a record-setting freshman year, he followed it up with another electric campaign: 80 catches, 1,086 yards, and 11 touchdowns in just 12 games.
Smith’s blend of size, speed, and route-running precision made him a matchup nightmare all season long. He wasn’t just the top target in the Buckeyes’ passing game - he was the engine that kept it humming.
Carson Hinzman: The Anchor in the Trenches
At center, Carson Hinzman was the steady hand guiding one of the most efficient offenses in the country. The senior started all 13 games, leading a unit that gave up just 11 sacks all season - that’s less than one per game. His ability to read defenses, make line calls, and hold the pocket was a huge reason why Ohio State’s offense averaged nearly 35 points per game and led the nation in completion percentage (78%).
Caleb Downs: The Defensive Quarterback
On defense, Caleb Downs was the heartbeat of the secondary. His stat line tells part of the story - 60 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions - but it’s his instincts and range that made him so impactful.
Downs consistently made plays that don’t show up on the stat sheet, whether it was taking away a read, closing down a seam route, or cleaning up a broken play. He’s the kind of player who makes everyone around him better.
Kayden McDonald: Disruption from the Middle
Kayden McDonald made his presence felt in the middle of the defensive line. The junior racked up 57 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks, and forced two fumbles.
His ability to collapse the pocket and draw double teams opened up opportunities for Ohio State’s edge rushers and linebackers to feast. McDonald’s breakout year was a big reason why the Buckeyes' defense was so dominant in 2025.
Arvell Reese: The Versatile Playmaker
Arvell Reese stepped into a starting role this season and didn’t miss a beat. Replacing veteran Cody Simon, Reese brought a mix of speed, athleticism, and versatility that allowed him to line up all over the front seven. He finished with 62 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and two passes defended - a stat line that speaks to how often he was around the football.
Julian Sayin: Poised Beyond His Years
Julian Sayin might be a redshirt freshman, but he played like a seasoned vet. After winning the starting quarterback job in camp, he delivered a stellar debut season: 3,323 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, while completing a national-best 78.4% of his passes. Sayin’s command of the offense, quick decision-making, and accuracy gave Ohio State a steady hand at the most important position on the field.
Carnell Tate: The Perfect Complement
While Smith drew plenty of attention, Carnell Tate made defenses pay for focusing too much on his teammate. The junior wideout posted 48 receptions for 838 yards and nine touchdowns in 10 games, providing a reliable target who could stretch the field or move the chains in key moments. He was a perfect complement in an offense that thrived on balance and depth.
Luke Montgomery: Mauling in the Middle
Luke Montgomery earned second-team honors for his work on the offensive line, bringing a physical edge to the guard spot. Whether it was opening lanes in the run game or holding up in pass protection, Montgomery helped pave the way for an offense that averaged nearly 430 yards per game.
Caden Curry: Relentless off the Edge
On the edge, Caden Curry was a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. The senior led the team with 16.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks, while also contributing 60 total tackles, two passes defended, and a pair of turnovers. Curry’s motor never stopped, and his ability to win one-on-one matchups gave Ohio State a consistent pass-rushing threat all season.
With a 12-1 record in the books and a College Football Playoff berth secured, the Buckeyes are now eyeing the biggest prize of all: a national championship. But before they take the field again, it’s clear that the individual talent on this roster is being recognized at the highest level - and deservedly so.
Ohio State will face the winner of the Texas A&M vs. Miami first-round matchup in the Cotton Bowl on December 31. And if this All-America haul is any indication, the Buckeyes are bringing a loaded roster into the postseason.