Keenan Bailey Praises “Night and Day” Growth in Jelani Thurman’s Leadership and Maturity as Crucial for Buckeyes’ 2025 Season

Ohio State tight ends coach Keenan Bailey didn’t mince words when asked about Jelani Thurman’s development heading into the 2025 college football season. In Bailey’s eyes, the young tight end has shown a transformation so dramatic, it can only be described as “night and day.”

For the Buckeyes, this is welcome news as they look to reload and refocus for another championship push. A year ago, Thurman’s raw talent was undeniable, but his readiness for the mental, emotional, and leadership demands of Ohio State football lagged behind. Fast forward to summer 2025, and Bailey sees a player blossoming into the complete package.

“Jelani’s growth in the last year has been unbelievable,” Bailey told reporters following Ohio State’s latest practice. “From a maturity standpoint, from a leadership standpoint, it’s night and day compared to where he was when he first got here.”

Thurman, a 6-foot-6, 255-pound sophomore from Fairburn, Georgia, arrived in Columbus as part of the Buckeyes’ highly touted 2024 recruiting class. Coming out of Langston Hughes High School, he was ranked among the nation’s top tight ends, known for his rare blend of size, athleticism, and versatility.

But as is often the case with even the most promising recruits, the transition to major college football came with growing pains.

“Physically, he’s always had the tools,” Bailey explained. “But playing at Ohio State, especially at tight end in this system, takes more than just size and athletic ability. You’ve got to be sharp mentally. You’ve got to be dependable. You’ve got to be a leader in your own right. That’s where I’m seeing Jelani make the biggest strides.”

Those strides come at a critical time for the Buckeyes, who enter the 2025 season with high expectations but plenty of questions at key offensive positions. With star tight end Cade Stover now in the NFL and a revamped quarterback room following Devin Brown’s departure, the opportunity is wide open for Thurman to cement himself as a go-to weapon in Ohio State’s offense.

Thurman himself has embraced the challenge, crediting both Bailey and his more experienced teammates for helping him navigate the learning curve.

“I came in thinking I could just ball, like it was high school all over again,” Thurman admitted. “But Coach Bailey and the older guys really showed me it’s more than that here. You’ve got to be a professional, on and off the field.”

The shift in Thurman’s approach has been evident in his practice habits, film study, and daily interactions within the locker room.

“He’s asking better questions, staying after to work on the little things, being vocal when the moment calls for it,” Bailey noted. “The guys respect him now. He’s earned that.”

Leadership, particularly among the younger core of Buckeyes, will be a pivotal theme this fall. With veteran playmakers like Stover, Marvin Harrison Jr., and TreVeyon Henderson gone, head coach Ryan Day has emphasized the need for emerging stars to step up—both through their play and their presence.

Bailey believes Thurman is ready to answer that call.

“You talk about being one of those difference-makers, that’s what we think Jelani can be,” Bailey said. “But it starts with being consistent, being reliable, and leading by example. He’s taken that to heart.”

On the field, Thurman’s upside remains as tantalizing as ever. At 6-foot-6 with the wingspan of an NBA forward and the fluidity of a wide receiver, he presents matchup nightmares for opposing defenses. His ability to stretch the seam, win contested catches, and contribute as an in-line blocker gives Ohio State’s offense a multidimensional threat at tight end—something Bailey has been developing since Thurman arrived on campus.

“He’s always been a mismatch, but now he’s understanding leverage, timing, technique—the finer points that separate good from great,” Bailey emphasized.

Ohio State fans caught glimpses of Thurman’s potential last season, though his role was primarily limited to special teams and select offensive packages. In total, he appeared in 11 games, recording three receptions for 41 yards. Modest numbers on paper, but for Bailey and the coaching staff, those snaps were invaluable for Thurman’s growth.

“Last year, it wasn’t about stats,” Bailey explained. “It was about building the foundation—learning the offense, adjusting to the speed of the game, earning trust. Now, he’s ready to take the next step.”

The next step could mean a featured role in an offense expected to lean on tight ends more heavily in 2025. With a new starting quarterback—likely Will Howard, the Kansas State transfer—and a receiving corps searching for new leaders, Thurman has the chance to become a primary target, especially in the red zone.

But Bailey is quick to remind that with increased opportunity comes increased responsibility.

“We’re counting on him, no question,” Bailey said. “But the great thing is, Jelani’s not running from that. He’s running toward it.”

That mindset reflects the maturity shift Bailey alluded to—a transformation that didn’t happen overnight, but rather through months of work, self-reflection, and mentorship.

Veteran leaders from last year’s squad, including Stover and Harrison Jr., played significant roles in guiding Thurman. The young tight end also leaned on strength coach Mickey Marotti and the program’s support staff to develop his mental and physical edge.

“It’s easy to look at the highlights and think it’s all glamorous,” Thurman said. “But it’s the early mornings, the tough practices, the film room sessions—that’s where you grow. I had to learn that.”

For Bailey, Thurman’s evolution embodies what Ohio State football is all about—maximizing potential through discipline, toughness, and leadership.

“That’s the culture here,” Bailey said. “We bring in elite talent, but it’s the development, the accountability, that turns prospects into Buckeyes. Jelani’s buying into that completely.”

The timing couldn’t be better for Ohio State. Entering a season where the margin for error in the Big Ten is razor-thin—with Michigan, Penn State, and Oregon all legitimate title threats—the Buckeyes need every player, especially rising stars like Thurman, operating at full capacity.

“Championships are won with guys who do the little things right every day,” Bailey concluded. “Jelani’s starting to live that. And when your most talented guys are also your hardest workers and best leaders, that’s when special things happen.”

Ohio State faithful will be watching closely as Thurman continues his ascent. If his “night and day” growth under Bailey’s guidance is any indication, the Buckeyes may have found their next great tight end—and a new locker room leader to boot.