The Ohio State Buckeyes wrapped up their regular season with a perfect 12-0 record, only to suffer their first loss at the hands of Indiana in the Big Ten Championship. Now, with a few weeks to regroup before their next game on December 31, there’s a lot happening around the program - from coaching changes to recruiting wins and individual accolades. Here’s a breakdown of five key storylines Buckeye fans should have on their radar as the team prepares for its postseason push.
1. Brian Hartline Takes the Next Step
Brian Hartline’s journey from standout Buckeye wide receiver to one of the most respected assistant coaches in college football has been nothing short of remarkable. After a six-year NFL career, Hartline returned to Columbus and quickly climbed the coaching ladder.
As Ohio State’s wide receivers coach, he built a pipeline of elite talent - think Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr. That’s not just impressive; it’s historic.
Last season, he took on the offensive coordinator role and this year became the sole play-caller. His ability to recruit and develop top-tier offensive talent made it clear he wouldn’t be in Columbus forever.
That moment came last week, when Hartline was named the new head coach at the University of South Florida. The good news for Ohio State?
Hartline plans to stay on through the playoffs, giving the Buckeyes one more run with one of the brightest offensive minds in the college game.
2. Recruiting Class Locks In: A Strong Finish on Early Signing Day
Early National Signing Day brought more good news for the Buckeyes. According to both On3 and 247Sports, Ohio State secured the sixth-ranked recruiting class in the nation - and third in the Big Ten, behind newcomers Oregon and USC.
Headlining the class is five-star wideout Chris Henry Jr., a towering 6-foot-6 target who fits right into the Buckeyes’ tradition of elite receiver talent. Another name to watch is linebacker Cincere Johnson, a top-10 national prospect out of Glenville High School - a program that’s produced its fair share of Buckeye greats. With a class this deep and balanced, Ohio State continues to stack talent on both sides of the ball.
3. Award Season: Wins, Snubs, and Heisman Headlines
Award season brought both celebration and a few near-misses for Ohio State. Safety Caleb Downs took home the Thorpe Award, which honors the nation’s top defensive back - a well-earned recognition for one of the anchors of the Buckeye defense.
On the offensive side, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith finished second for the Biletnikoff Award, which went to USC’s Makai Lemon. Smith wasn’t the only Buckeye in the spotlight, either.
Quarterback Julian Sayin, in his first year as a starter, earned a trip to New York as a Heisman finalist and finished fourth in voting. Smith came in sixth.
The Heisman ultimately went to Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who led the Hoosiers to that Big Ten title win over Ohio State.
4. All-Big Ten Honors: Buckeyes All Over the Board
The All-Big Ten teams were released following the conclusion of the regular season, and as expected, Ohio State was well-represented.
On offense, both Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate earned First Team honors, showcasing the Buckeyes’ continued dominance at the wide receiver position. Defensively, the First Team featured Kayden McDonald, Ariel Reese, Sonny Styles, and Caleb Downs - a group that reflects the strength and depth of Ohio State’s defensive unit this season.
Second Team honors went to offensive linemen Bo Jackson, Luke Montgomery, and Austin Sierveld, while defenders Caden Curry and Davison Igbinosun also made the cut. Jermaine Matthews rounded out the list with a Third Team selection, further underscoring just how much talent this roster boasts across the board.
5. What’s Next: Cotton Bowl on the Horizon
With the Big Ten title out of reach, the Buckeyes now turn their focus to the Cotton Bowl on December 31. They’ll face the winner of the Miami vs.
Texas A&M matchup, which takes place December 20 in College Station. Right now, the Aggies are slight favorites at -3.5, but either team will present a tough test.
The Cotton Bowl kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on New Year’s Eve, and it’s more than just a consolation prize - it’s a chance for Ohio State to end the season on a high note and potentially punch a ticket to the Fiesta Bowl on January 8. With a talented roster, a motivated coaching staff, and something to prove, the Buckeyes are still very much in the national spotlight.
Bottom Line: Ohio State may have stumbled in the Big Ten title game, but the season is far from over. Between a strong recruiting class, a loaded All-Big Ten roster, and a major bowl game on the horizon, there’s still plenty of football - and plenty of storylines - left in 2025 for the Buckeyes.