There are many promising breakthrough stars in Ohio State’s recruiting class that you should get to know.

Ohio State’s football program is one of the premier programs in the country, regularly bringing in top-tier recruiting classes. The 2025 recruiting class for the Buckeyes has already garnered attention for its depth of talent, and there are several promising players in this class who could make an immediate impact in the coming years. This article will take a deep dive into some of the top recruits in Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class, showcasing their skill sets, potential, and what they bring to the Buckeyes’ future.

1. Dante Moore – Quarterback (Five-Star)

When it comes to quarterbacks, Ohio State’s recruiting efforts have often focused on landing elite signal-callers, and in 2025, they’ve done just that with Dante Moore. Moore, a five-star quarterback out of Detroit, Michigan, is one of the top quarterbacks in the country and is regarded as a future star at the collegiate level.

Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 210 pounds, Moore has the physical tools that coaches dream of. His strong arm, combined with his ability to make throws on the run, makes him a dangerous dual-threat quarterback. Moore’s football IQ and ability to read defenses and make quick decisions are remarkable for his age. As Ohio State looks to maintain its offensive dominance, Moore’s addition could ensure that the team continues to be competitive at the quarterback position for years to come.

What makes Moore particularly dangerous is his accuracy. He’s able to make all the throws, whether it’s a deep ball, a touch pass over the middle, or a screen pass in the flat. If Moore can develop further under Ohio State’s high-powered offensive system, he could be the next big-time quarterback to play for the Buckeyes, following in the footsteps of former stars like Justin Fields and Dwayne Haskins.

2. Carnell Tate – Wide Receiver (Five-Star)

Carnell Tate is a wide receiver prospect who has been generating buzz in Ohio State’s 2025 class. The 6’2″, 190-pound Tate hails from Chicago, Illinois, and has been touted as one of the top wide receivers in the country. Tate is the type of player who has the ability to stretch the field with his speed and athleticism, while also showcasing impressive hands and route-running ability.

Tate’s combination of size and speed makes him a major weapon for Ohio State’s offense. He excels at creating separation from defenders and can make acrobatic catches in traffic. His high school tape shows a player who’s comfortable running a variety of routes, from deep posts to quick slants. Tate has the ability to make defenders miss in the open field, and once he gets the ball in his hands, he can turn a small gain into a big play.

As Ohio State has become known for producing elite wide receivers like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Tate is positioned to continue that legacy. His early commitment to the Buckeyes solidifies that he’s ready to contribute immediately and could become a favorite target for whichever quarterback wins the starting job in 2025.

3. James Smith – Defensive Line (Five-Star)

Ohio State’s defense has always been a staple of the program, and the 2025 class brings in one of the top defensive line prospects in the country in James Smith. The 6’4″, 290-pound Smith is an absolute force on the defensive line, capable of playing both defensive tackle and defensive end. His size, strength, and quickness off the ball make him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines.

Smith’s ability to get to the quarterback is one of his most impressive attributes. He’s relentless in his pursuit of the ball carrier and shows excellent hand placement to shed blockers. Whether it’s through power or finesse, Smith has the ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt plays in the backfield. His versatility allows him to line up in multiple spots along the defensive front, which will be a significant asset to Ohio State’s defensive scheme.

What sets Smith apart from many other defensive line prospects is his high motor. He consistently plays with intensity and rarely takes plays off, which will endear him to Ohio State’s coaching staff. His development over the next few years could be key to Ohio State’s continued success on the defensive side of the ball.

4. Trevon Hughes – Linebacker (Four-Star)

Trevon Hughes, a four-star linebacker from Georgia, is another big-time recruit in Ohio State’s 2025 class. Hughes stands at 6’2″ and weighs 220 pounds, making him a powerful presence in the middle of the field. His combination of size and speed allows him to cover a lot of ground quickly, and he has the instincts to find the football no matter where it is.

Hughes’ ability to read plays and react quickly is impressive for a player his age. He’s also a versatile linebacker, capable of playing both inside and outside. His ability to rush the passer and cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game will be a huge asset to Ohio State’s defense. In the fast-paced Big Ten, having a linebacker who can stay on the field for all three downs is incredibly valuable, and Hughes certainly has the potential to do that.

Hughes has shown an ability to be a leader on defense, and his physicality will be an asset in Ohio State’s linebacker corps. His ability to come in and contribute as a freshman is highly probable, and by his second year, he could be a key player on a defense that expects to contend for national championships.

5. Peyton Bowen – Safety (Four-Star)

Peyton Bowen is a safety prospect who has drawn comparisons to some of the best players to ever step onto the field for Ohio State. Bowen, a four-star recruit out of Texas, has the ability to play both safety spots and is a smart, physical player with a great understanding of the game.

At 6’0″ and 190 pounds, Bowen has the size to match up against both tight ends and wide receivers, but he also has the speed to cover ground quickly and make plays in the open field. One of Bowen’s most impressive attributes is his ball-hawking ability. He consistently finds himself in the right place at the right time and has an excellent understanding of how to track the ball. His instincts and decision-making are elite for his age.

Ohio State has produced standout safeties over the years, and Bowen has the potential to be the next star in that lineage. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways – whether it’s making a big hit, creating turnovers, or defending the pass – will make him a valuable asset to the Buckeyes’ secondary.

6. Xavier Worthy – Running Back (Four-Star)

Xavier Worthy, a dynamic running back from Florida, is another exciting addition to Ohio State’s 2025 class. Worthy stands at 5’11” and weighs 200 pounds, and he possesses the kind of speed and vision that makes him a nightmare for defenses. He has the ability to hit the hole with explosiveness, and once he’s in the open field, he’s a dangerous player capable of scoring from anywhere.

Worthy has shown excellent balance and elusiveness, which allow him to make defenders miss in space. His patience and vision as a runner are standout traits, as he’s able to wait for the play to develop and find the best hole to attack. He’s also an effective receiver out of the backfield, which adds an extra dimension to his game.

The running back position has been a bit of a revolving door in recent years for Ohio State, but Worthy’s skill set could allow him to step in and make an immediate impact. His combination of speed, vision, and hands make him a multifaceted weapon that could be used in a variety of ways within Ohio State’s offensive system.

7. Jacob Cole – Offensive Tackle (Four-Star)

Jacob Cole, a four-star offensive tackle from Pennsylvania, is another name to keep an eye on in Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class. At 6’6″ and 320 pounds, Cole has the size and strength to develop into one of the premier offensive linemen in the country. His ability to protect the quarterback’s blind side and open running lanes will be critical to Ohio State’s offensive success.

Cole is known for his physicality and ability to dominate defenders at the point of attack. His quick feet and balance allow him to handle speed rushers and bull rushers alike. He’s a polished player who has already developed good fundamentals, and with further coaching from Ohio State’s offensive line staff, he could become one of the best tackles in the nation by the time he graduates.

The importance of strong offensive line play cannot be overstated, and with Cole in the fold, Ohio State looks poised to continue its success in the trenches for years to come.

 

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