Football: Using the stats to analyze Ohio State’s 2025 spring game

The Ohio State Buckeyes have long been known for their powerhouse performances in the Big Ten, producing some of the most talented football players in the nation. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes were on their spring game, a critical period for coaches, players, and fans to gauge the team’s depth, performance, and progress. But beyond the spectacle and the excitement of the day, the real story lies in the numbers.

Statistics from the spring game give invaluable insight into team dynamics, position battles, and potential future contributors. With a rich mix of returning talent and new faces, the 2025 spring game provided a unique opportunity to understand how Ohio State’s program is shaping up for the fall season. In this article, we’ll analyze key stats from the game, diving into player performances, emerging trends, and overall team efficiency.

Offensive Statistics: Quarterback Battle in Focus

One of the most anticipated aspects of Ohio State’s 2025 spring game was the quarterback competition. With the departure of the talented C.J. Stroud, it was clear that the Buckeyes had some key decisions to make regarding who would lead the offense. Two quarterbacks stood out during the spring game: Kyle McCord and Devin Brown.

Kyle McCord:

McCord, the seasoned signal-caller who saw sporadic action last season, had a solid performance in the spring game. Over the course of the game, McCord completed 14 of 22 passes for 180 yards and 2 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to operate in a high-pressure environment. While he demonstrated good accuracy and decision-making, his most impressive trait was his deep ball. McCord hit several long throws, including a 52-yard touchdown strike to a streaking wide receiver down the sideline, demonstrating that his arm strength is up to par with the best in college football.

Looking at the completion percentage, McCord’s 63.6% is respectable for a spring game, especially considering the unfamiliar offensive schemes and some late-game pressure from Ohio State’s defense. He also showed an ability to read the field and make adjustments, though there were a few missed opportunities that could have resulted in bigger gains had he been more precise with his timing.

Devin Brown:

On the other hand, Devin Brown entered the game with the reputation of a dual-threat quarterback. While he didn’t have as much experience as McCord, Brown proved that he could bring something unique to the offense. Brown completed 13 of 20 passes for 160 yards, but it was his ability to extend plays with his legs that stood out. Brown finished the game with 55 rushing yards on 6 carries, including a 15-yard touchdown scamper in the red zone, showcasing his ability to make plays outside the pocket.

In terms of passer efficiency, Brown had a slightly lower completion percentage of 65%, but his mobility was crucial in keeping drives alive. He wasn’t afraid to take risks, throwing a few deep balls into tight coverage, one of which resulted in an interception. However, that risk-taking mentality could benefit him in the long run as he adjusts to Ohio State’s offense.

Quarterback Comparison:

While McCord had a higher passing yardage total and a slightly better completion percentage, it was Brown’s dynamic running ability that provided a new dimension to the offense. Both quarterbacks had their highs and lows, but it’s clear that Ohio State’s quarterback competition will be one to watch closely as the fall season approaches. From a statistical standpoint, both McCord and Brown showcased their strengths, but neither one made a clear case to definitively claim the starting role.

Wide Receiver Performances: Rising Stars and Reliable Targets

Ohio State’s wide receiving corps is another position group with significant attention heading into 2025. With the departure of some key players, including Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, the spring game provided an opportunity for new receivers to step up.

Julian Fleming:

Julian Fleming, a former top recruit, was among the most productive players on offense, finishing with 6 catches for 88 yards and a touchdown. His ability to create separation and work the middle of the field was on full display, and he seemed to have developed a solid rapport with both McCord and Brown. His stats suggest that he could emerge as one of Ohio State’s top targets in 2025, especially if he continues to build on his spring performance.

Carmen Anderson:

Freshman wide receiver Carmen Anderson also turned heads with his performance, catching 5 passes for 65 yards. Anderson, known for his speed and quickness, showed that he can be a reliable option in the passing game, especially on short-to-intermediate routes. His stats suggest that he could be an impactful player in the fall, particularly if he continues to develop his chemistry with the quarterbacks.

Statistical Trends:

As a team, Ohio State’s passing offense totaled 355 yards, averaging 7.4 yards per attempt. They also had 3 touchdowns through the air, which demonstrates the effectiveness of their wide receiving corps and the ability of both quarterbacks to spread the ball around. However, the spring game stats also indicate that the Buckeyes will need to work on consistency. There were several dropped passes and missed opportunities, which could be an area of improvement heading into fall camp.

Running Back Analysis: Depth and Potential

While Ohio State has traditionally been known for its potent passing attack, the running game will play an important role in the 2025 season. With a deep pool of running backs, the spring game gave us a glimpse of who might emerge as the go-to option.

Travion Henderson:

Travion Henderson, one of the top running backs in college football, showed why he’s such a threat. Henderson finished the game with 15 carries for 105 yards, averaging an impressive 7.0 yards per carry. He displayed good vision and burst, breaking through several tackles to gain additional yardage. Henderson’s performance suggests that he’s in prime form heading into the 2025 season, and he could be a focal point in the offense.

Miyan Williams:

Miyan Williams also had a solid day, rushing for 75 yards on 12 carries, averaging 6.3 yards per carry. Williams is a more physical back compared to Henderson, and his ability to gain tough yardage in short-yardage situations could make him a key part of the rotation this season.

Running Back Depth:

Ohio State’s running back room is undoubtedly deep, as even backup players like Chip Trayanum and Dallan Hayden saw significant action. The team totaled 200 rushing yards in the game, averaging 5.5 yards per carry, which bodes well for the Buckeyes’ run game in 2025. The combination of Henderson’s explosiveness and Williams’ power, along with the depth behind them, gives Ohio State the ability to maintain a balanced offense.

Defensive Analysis: Pressure and Playmaking

On the defensive side of the ball, Ohio State’s spring game revealed several key takeaways regarding their defensive depth and playmaking ability.

Defensive Line Performance:

The Buckeyes’ defensive line showed strong pressure throughout the game, accumulating 5 sacks and 7 quarterback hurries. Players like J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer were disruptive, and the team’s ability to get to the quarterback was evident from their stats. Ohio State’s pass rush is expected to be one of their strengths in 2025, with the defensive line looking like a potential game-changer for the Buckeyes.

Linebackers and Secondary:

Ohio State’s linebackers, led by Steel Chambers and Tommy Eichenberg, were active in both run defense and pass coverage. The defense allowed just 90 rushing yards on 30 attempts, holding the offense to 3.0 yards per carry. This shows that the linebackers are playing with discipline, filling gaps, and limiting big runs.

In the secondary, the Buckeyes recorded 2 interceptions and several pass breakups. Jahmyr Johnson and Jordan Hancock had standout performances, demonstrating their ability to lock down receivers and create turnovers.

Statistical Takeaways and Forward Outlook

The Ohio State Buckeyes’ 2025 spring game provided a clear snapshot of the team’s potential heading into the fall season. From the quarterback battle to the playmaking ability of the wide receivers and the power of the running backs, the numbers indicate a team that is ready to compete at the highest level. While there are still areas to improve, particularly in consistency and discipline, Ohio State’s stats from the spring game point to a team with a lot of depth, talent, and potential.

As the Buckeyes continue to prepare for the 2025 season, their statistical performance in this spring game will serve as a valuable reference point. The balance between a dynamic passing game, a potent running attack, and a dominant defense shows that Ohio State has the pieces in place to make another championship run. However, it will be crucial for the team to fine-tune their execution and continue to develop their younger players as they enter the rigorous Big Ten schedule.

As the summer approaches, Ohio State’s spring game statistics offer a compelling glimpse into what could be an exciting and successful season ahead.