In the spring, Ohio State has a rising star, but there are still unanswered questions: Means, Stephen

Ohio State University has long been a powerhouse in college football, boasting one of the most successful programs in the sport’s history. In every season, fans, analysts, and insiders alike turn their focus to the Buckeyes’ spring practices, where new talent is introduced, veteran players fine-tune their skills, and the future of the team begins to take shape. In the spring of 2025, Ohio State’s football program has emerged with a rising star whose potential has the fanbase buzzing. However, as with any spring camp, there are still unanswered questions that need to be addressed before the Buckeyes can be deemed legitimate contenders for another College Football Playoff appearance.

At the heart of Ohio State’s excitement is Stephen Means, a player who is quickly making a name for himself as one of the most promising talents on the roster. Whether he’s a young recruit or a transfer, Means represents the program’s forward-thinking approach to staying competitive in an ever-evolving landscape of college football. But as spring practices progress, there are still critical aspects of the team’s roster and strategic direction that need to be clarified. From positional battles to leadership dynamics, Ohio State’s path to another successful season is filled with questions that must be answered before they hit the field for real.

Stephen Means: The Rising Star

Stephen Means entered Ohio State’s spring camp as one of the most anticipated names on the team. While some recruits go under the radar in their early years, Means has generated considerable buzz for his impressive physical attributes, his skills on the field, and his potential to step into a leadership role. His combination of size, speed, and versatility has made him a focal point for coaches and scouts alike.

A standout at his previous program or high school, Means is a player that Ohio State’s coaching staff identified early as someone capable of making an immediate impact. His work ethic and dedication during his first few months on campus have only confirmed the coaching staff’s initial projections. It’s clear that, assuming he continues on his current trajectory, Means has the tools to be a game-changer for the Buckeyes.

Whether as a wide receiver, cornerback, or another role, Means has demonstrated a natural ability to make plays, showing the kind of athleticism and intelligence on the field that Ohio State demands from its top players. His impressive spring performance, marked by stellar routes, game-changing catches, and a presence in high-pressure situations, has caught the eyes of both fans and analysts alike. Means’ trajectory is just beginning, but it’s already clear that he is a name to remember moving forward.

The Positional Battle at Quarterback

While Means’ rise has been undeniable, there are more questions about other positions that could define Ohio State’s 2025 season. Chief among them is the quarterback competition. Ohio State enters the spring with questions about who will lead the offense and who can take the reins as the next star quarterback for the Buckeyes.

At the start of spring camp, the Buckeyes have a handful of talented quarterbacks vying for the starting job. Whether it’s a returner with experience or a highly-rated newcomer, each signal-caller brings a unique skill set to the table. However, none have fully separated themselves from the pack just yet. The coaches have repeatedly stated that they want to see all quarterbacks get a fair shot in spring practices, but the clock is ticking, and with every passing week, the pressure to solidify a starter builds.

In particular, Ohio State is looking for a quarterback who can execute the offense with precision and poise. The team needs a leader who can distribute the ball effectively, make critical reads under pressure, and create plays when necessary. While the competition remains fierce, the Buckeyes are hopeful that one player will rise to the occasion and establish himself as the clear choice for the upcoming season.

Defensive Questions: Reloading the Secondary

On the defensive side of the ball, Ohio State is faced with the challenge of reloading its secondary. After losing key players to the NFL Draft, including standout defensive backs, the Buckeyes are tasked with replacing their top contributors in the defensive backfield. While the team has ample talent on the roster, the lack of experience in the secondary remains one of the more significant concerns for Ohio State in the spring of 2025.

At cornerback, Ohio State is looking for players who can lock down opposing wide receivers and be physical in the passing game. The team’s spring practices have highlighted the potential of several players, but it remains unclear which individuals will emerge as the reliable cornerstones of the secondary. With Big Ten competition on the horizon, and the need to defend against some of the nation’s most potent passing offenses, Ohio State must figure out how to balance talent with experience to fortify its defensive backfield.

In the safety positions, the question is similarly complex. Ohio State has some promising young players who could develop into standout safeties, but their inexperience could leave the defense vulnerable, especially against fast-paced, high-powered offenses. The Buckeyes’ defensive coaching staff will need to ensure that the players stepping into these roles are ready for the challenge. As spring drills continue, it’s clear that Ohio State’s secondary could either be a strength or a potential weakness heading into the fall.

Offensive Line: A Unit in Transition

The offensive line is another area where Ohio State must answer key questions before the season begins. Although the Buckeyes have consistently recruited elite offensive linemen, the current group faces the challenge of replacing multiple key players who have moved on to the NFL. Spring practices have been focused on establishing the right combination of players to provide stability and protection for the quarterback, but this process has been far from seamless.

Ohio State’s offensive line has been a critical part of its success over the years, and the team understands that any success in 2025 will hinge upon the line’s ability to dominate in the trenches. The key questions here are about chemistry, depth, and player development. Are the linemen coming together as a cohesive unit? Are there any breakout players on the offensive line who can emerge as anchors? These are questions that must be answered if Ohio State is to maintain its status as a national contender.

Wide Receiver Depth: How Will the Young Talent Develop?

Another key question for Ohio State is how the wide receiver corps will shake out. With some of their top wideouts leaving for the NFL, the Buckeyes are looking to develop the next generation of star receivers. This spring, a number of young talents have emerged as potential playmakers, but how quickly will they be able to acclimate to the rigors of Big Ten football?

Stephen Means, for example, could be a key part of the offense, but he is far from the only one who could make a difference. Ohio State has a talented group of wide receivers competing for playing time, and while some have shown flashes of brilliance, others are still working to find consistency. Whether these young receivers can step up and become dependable options for the quarterback will be a major factor in Ohio State’s success in 2025.

Special Teams: Who Will Step Up as a Difference-Maker?

Though it often gets overlooked, special teams will also play a pivotal role in Ohio State’s season. From kickoffs and punts to field goals and extra points, Ohio State needs a reliable special teams unit that can provide an edge in tight games. This spring, the Buckeyes have been experimenting with different players to determine who can make an impact in key special teams situations.

While Ohio State has a history of strong special teams play, the team must evaluate its options at kicker, punter, and returner. The emergence of a game-changing player on special teams could give the Buckeyes the boost they need in close contests, so coaches are carefully evaluating each candidate for these crucial roles.

Ohio State’s spring camp in 2025 has been filled with excitement, and Stephen Means’ rise to prominence has certainly captured the attention of fans and analysts. However, there are still plenty of unanswered questions that could shape the Buckeyes’ upcoming season. From the quarterback competition to defensive back replacements, the team has several challenges to address before the fall. As Ohio State continues to fine-tune its roster, it remains to be seen how these questions will be resolved, but one thing is certain—the Buckeyes are once again loaded with talent and poised to make a run at another national championship. The next few months will reveal which players emerge as the true stars of the team and which questions will be answered in time for the start of the 2025 season.