Ohio State Offensive Lineman Uncovers Crucial Detail That Could Define the Buckeyes’ Explosive Potential Throughout the 2025 College Football Season
As Ohio State gears up for the 2025 college football season, the Buckeyes find themselves at a crossroads. After another season that fell short of a national title and a third straight loss to Michigan, the pressure is building in Columbus. Expectations are never low in the Horseshoe, but with a loaded roster, elite recruiting classes, and a new offensive brain trust led by Chip Kelly, the opportunity is there for the Buckeyes to reclaim their place at the top of the Big Ten and beyond. Still, many believe that the path to offensive dominance lies not just with the skill players or the coaching staff—but in the trenches.
Offensive lineman Donovan Jackson, a senior leader and likely early NFL Draft pick, recently spoke about what could be the key to Ohio State’s offensive success in 2025. According to Jackson, the offensive line is not only the most important unit on the team this year—it may also be the most improved. And with all the focus on the Buckeyes’ quarterback battle and high-profile playmakers, it’s the chemistry and growth up front that could quietly make all the difference.
“We’ve been putting in work all offseason,” Jackson said during summer workouts. “The way we’re communicating, the way we’re finishing plays, the way we’re adjusting protections—it’s night and day from last year. If we do our jobs, everything else will fall into place.”
Those words may sound simple, but they speak volumes about what Ohio State hopes to accomplish in 2025. The 2024 season saw inconsistency along the offensive line that often put pressure on the quarterback and limited the run game’s explosiveness. At times, the offense looked disconnected—big plays would come in flashes, but the rhythm and physical dominance that defined past Buckeyes teams were missing. That appears to be changing now.
The return of veterans like Jackson, Josh Fryar, and Carson Hinzman, paired with young breakout candidates like Luke Montgomery and Tegra Tshabola, has created a deep and versatile unit. And with Chip Kelly’s up-tempo, precision-based offensive scheme now in place, cohesion among the linemen is not optional—it’s mandatory.
Kelly, known for his innovative offensive mind, is emphasizing tempo, execution, and balance. While some expect a heavy passing attack, Kelly has made it clear that the run game will play a major role. That’s where Jackson believes the offensive line can thrive.
“We’re going to be physical,” he said. “We’re going to dictate the pace, wear people down, and be the reason we win games.”
That mindset is exactly what Ohio State needs. In their toughest games last season—against Michigan and Missouri, for example—the Buckeyes lost the battle up front. Their inability to convert short-yardage situations or protect the quarterback in critical moments cost them dearly. The coaching staff took note, and this offseason has featured a renewed emphasis on technique, toughness, and finishing blocks.
Strength coach Mickey Marotti has also pushed the unit hard this summer, emphasizing explosiveness, durability, and stamina. The result? A line that is not only bigger and stronger but more confident.
“We’ve always had talent,” Jackson said. “Now we have trust. Everyone knows what they’re doing. Everyone is locked in.”
The quarterback competition may not be settled yet, but that may not be as crucial as some think. Whether it’s Devin Brown, Lincoln Kienholz, or freshman phenom Air Noland under center, the quarterback will benefit tremendously from improved protection and a reliable run game. And that begins with the offensive line.
Returning star running back TreVeyon Henderson, who battled through injuries in 2024 but still flashed elite ability, could be the biggest beneficiary. If the line opens up consistent lanes, Henderson is the type of back who can take over games. Same with backup Dallan Hayden and true freshman Jordan Lyle, both of whom bring different dimensions to the backfield.
“If we can create movement off the snap and get to the second level,” Jackson added, “our backs are going to eat.”
Of course, protecting the quarterback remains priority number one. The Big Ten now features some of the most dangerous defensive fronts in the country, thanks to the addition of teams like Oregon and USC. Combine that with Michigan’s always-formidable defensive line and Penn State’s hyper-athletic edge rushers, and it’s clear the Buckeyes must be elite in pass protection to survive the gauntlet.
Jackson believes they’re up for the task. “Our technique is sharper. Our eyes are better. We’re communicating at a high level. We’re not getting beat on stunts or confused by blitzes. That was a problem last year. Not anymore.”
He also credited Chip Kelly with simplifying protections and giving the line more autonomy at the line of scrimmage. “Coach Kelly trusts us to make calls. That gives us confidence. We see something, we adjust. No hesitation.”
That kind of flexibility is crucial in today’s college football landscape, where defenses disguise looks and bring pressure from everywhere. With an experienced line and a system built around quick decision-making, Ohio State’s offense could become one of the most efficient in the nation.
The wide receiver room, as always, is loaded. Emeka Egbuka returns as a top-10 NFL prospect. Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss, and Jeremiah Smith represent the future—and the future might be now. The key to unlocking their potential? Time to throw. Routes to develop. Space to operate.
Again, it comes back to the offensive line.
“We want to give our guys time to get open,” Jackson said. “We know how talented they are. We just have to let them do their thing.”
The schedule doesn’t offer much breathing room. Road trips to Eugene, Madison, and Ann Arbor will test this line’s toughness and resolve. But that’s exactly how Jackson wants it.
“If we want to be great, we have to go through the fire. We’re not ducking anyone. We’re built for this.”
Ryan Day echoed those sentiments in recent comments. “The offensive line is the heartbeat of our team right now. They’ve taken ownership. They’re leading. And if they keep improving, we’re going to be very hard to stop.”
With Michigan losing a large part of its defensive front, Penn State facing offensive questions, and the new Big Ten teams still adjusting, Ohio State has a legitimate opportunity to take control early in the season. But that won’t happen without dominance in the trenches.
Donovan Jackson and his teammates know what’s at stake. For all the highlight-reel catches and quarterback buzz, it’s the work in the shadows—the double teams, the blitz pickups, the pancake blocks—that will determine whether Ohio State gets back to where it wants to be.
“I came back to win a national championship,” Jackson said. “Not to talk about it. To do it.”
That mentality is spreading across the entire offensive line. For the Buckeyes, that could be the secret ingredient—the potential key that unlocks everything in 2025.
