COLUMBUS, OH — As the days grow longer and spring settles over central Ohio, all eyes turn to the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, where the next generation of Buckeye football talent is beginning to take root. With the 2025 college football season looming and expectations as high as ever in Columbus, Ohio State is set to begin spring practice next week with a fresh injection of youthful energy: 21 true freshmen, all early enrollees, ready to make their mark.

These are players who skipped the typical final semester of high school to join one of the most storied programs in the nation. They’re stepping into the fire — and the spotlight — with the goal of competing, learning, and carving out early roles in a program that doesn’t just reload, it reloads with five-star talent.

While all 21 bring promise, five stand out as potential difference-makers right away. Here’s a closer look at the freshmen you need to know as spring practice kicks off in Columbus.

1. Jeremiah “J.J.” Davis – Quarterback – 6’3”, 205 lbs – Atlanta, GA

There’s always buzz around a new quarterback in Columbus, but J.J. Davis isn’t just another name in the quarterback room — he’s a headline waiting to happen. Rated as the No. 3 dual-threat QB in the nation and a consensus top-50 overall recruit, Davis arrives with comparisons to C.J. Stroud and Justin Fields already swirling. He’s dynamic, composed, and possesses a rare blend of arm strength and athleticism that’s tailor-made for the modern Ohio State offense.

Davis committed early and remained solid throughout, even with overtures from SEC powers like Georgia and Alabama. What makes him compelling heading into spring is his mental makeup. He’s a film junkie, a vocal leader, and has already earned the respect of veterans for how quickly he’s picking up the playbook.

While he’s not expected to win the starting job this fall — barring injury or a surprise shake-up — the coaching staff sees this spring as a critical development window. With Devin Brown, Lincoln Kienholz, and Julian Sayin competing atop the depth chart, Davis will have a chance to absorb, grow, and — who knows — maybe force the conversation.

“He’s not just talented,” QB coach Corey Dennis said. “He’s got the it factor. And that’s rare for a kid this young.”

2. Zion Alexander – Cornerback – 6’1”, 180 lbs – Tampa, FL

Ohio State’s legacy at cornerback is nearly unmatched, and Zion Alexander has all the tools to carry that tradition forward. A top-10 corner nationally and the No. 2 recruit from Florida, Alexander is known for his sticky coverage, elite footwork, and rare instincts for a player his age.

More importantly? The Buckeyes need young corners to emerge — fast. With Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock moving on, and the cornerback room still finding its identity, Alexander has a real shot at cracking the two-deep this fall. Spring will be his proving ground.

What sets Alexander apart is his competitive fire. Coaches have raved about how he attacked winter conditioning like a veteran, not a high school senior. During player-led workouts, he’s already found himself matched up against some of OSU’s veteran wideouts — and holding his own.

“He’s got that dog in him,” defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said. “He’s not afraid of the moment.”

His transition from Florida high school football to Big Ten battles will be one to watch, but if early signs are any indication, Alexander isn’t just coming to compete — he’s coming to take snaps.

3. Tyshawn Mitchell – Defensive Tackle – 6’4”, 315 lbs – Bellflower, CA

Few freshmen in the country arrive as physically ready as Tyshawn Mitchell. The massive interior lineman from powerhouse St. John Bosco looks more like a third-year NFL lineman than a college freshman — and he plays like one too.

Mitchell, ranked as the No. 2 defensive tackle in the nation, dominated California high school ball with his quickness off the snap and overwhelming strength. He was a prized get for Ohio State in the 2025 cycle, particularly after a late push from USC and Texas A&M. His commitment represented a national recruiting win — and now, he’s ready to turn heads in the trenches.

Ohio State returns several key defensive linemen, but the depth chart isn’t too crowded for Mitchell to find a role, especially in rotational or goal-line packages. He’ll need to refine his technique and pad level, but there’s no question the raw tools are there.

“He’s got the potential to be a game-wrecker,” said defensive line coach Larry Johnson. “We’re going to bring him along the right way, but man, he’s special.”

Expect Mitchell to flash in spring scrimmages and work his way into fall discussions quickly.

4. Treyton Wallace – Wide Receiver – 6’2”, 185 lbs – Bradenton, FL (IMG Academy)

At Ohio State, the bar for wide receivers is set ridiculously high — and that’s exactly what drew Treyton Wallace to Columbus. The IMG Academy product and five-star wideout could’ve gone anywhere. But he wanted to be part of Brian Hartline’s room, where NFL dreams become reality.

Wallace is as polished a freshman receiver as OSU has brought in over the past five years. He runs crisp routes, has exceptional body control, and possesses reliable hands in traffic. Think of him as a cross between Garrett Wilson’s footwork and Chris Olave’s smooth stride. That’s the kind of upside OSU believes he has.

This spring, Wallace will enter a competitive — and stacked — room that includes Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss, and Jeremiah Smith. But don’t count him out. He’s already turning heads in winter workouts and has shown maturity beyond his years.

“He’s wired like a pro,” Hartline said. “Every detail, every drill — he’s locked in.”

Even if he doesn’t crack the starting three, Wallace will push for reps in four- and five-wide sets and contribute on special teams. His spring development could dictate whether he’s part of OSU’s next big wave at WR.

5. Malik Stinson – Linebacker – 6’2”, 225 lbs – Dayton, OH

Every class seems to have one underrated signee who outplays their ranking — and Malik Stinson is a strong candidate to be that guy in 2025. A hard-hitting linebacker from nearby Dayton, Stinson flew under the radar early in his recruiting cycle but exploded as a senior, earning All-State honors and finishing with 118 tackles, 5 sacks, and 3 interceptions.

Now on campus, Stinson is quickly proving that his rise was no fluke. He’s one of the most physically developed freshmen in the class and has impressed coaches with his instincts and leadership qualities.

With Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers gone, the Buckeyes are reshaping their linebacker corps. Cody Simon and C.J. Hicks will anchor the group, but depth and rotational roles are wide open — and that’s where Stinson comes in.

“He’s always in the right place,” said linebackers coach James Laurinaitis. “He studies like a vet. He might be young, but he’s built like he’s ready now.”

Spring will give Stinson a chance to prove he can run with the ones. Even if he starts out on special teams, don’t be surprised if he earns meaningful defensive snaps by midseason.

Honorable Mentions: Names You’ll Hear Soon

While the five above headline the class for spring, several other early enrollees could make noise quickly:

• Caleb Hightower, OT – A 6’6”, 305-pound mauler from Texas, Hightower brings serious upside to a room that’s reloading.
• Jalen Thomas, RB – Shifty and explosive, Thomas could carve out a third-down or special teams role early.
• Devon Carter, SAF – Rangy and instinctive, Carter fits the mold of recent OSU safeties and could climb the depth chart fast.

Spring Storylines to Watch

As spring practice begins, keep an eye on how these freshmen integrate into one of the most competitive college football environments in the nation. With a loaded roster, the bar is high, but so is the opportunity. Injuries, breakout performances, and positional needs could all open doors — and the players who seize them now will be the ones fans are cheering for come fall.

From quarterback drama to linebacker transitions, every snap in March and April matters — especially for these 21 newcomers who came early, hungry to contribute.

The Buckeyes’ Future Looks Bright

If there’s one thing spring always brings, it’s hope — and this class gives Ohio State fans every reason to feel excited. With blue-chip talent across every position group and several freshmen who look ready to contribute now, the future of Buckeye football is not just secure — it’s explosive.

They’re young, they’re fearless, and they’re already wearing scarlet and gray with pride.