Ohio State Football Strengthens Case for Having the Nation’s Two Best Players as 2025 Season Expectations Soar to New Heights

Ohio State Football Strengthens Case for Having the Nation’s Two Best Players as 2025 Season Expectations Soar to New Heights

Ohio State football enters the 2025 season with more than just hype—it arrives with a mission, a pedigree, and potentially the top two players in all of college football. The Buckeyes have become accustomed to elite-level play, but this fall, that standard is being redefined by the presence of quarterback Will Howard and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, two generational talents poised to leave a massive mark on the game. The combination of leadership, skill, and dominance that both players bring to the table is setting the tone for a season that could very well end in a national championship. With both players firmly in the Heisman conversation, the Buckeyes aren’t just chasing greatness—they’re leading it.

There was a time when having a single Heisman-caliber player was enough to swing a season. Ohio State, however, might have two. And they’re not just good—they might be the best in the country.

Jeremiah Smith, a true freshman wide receiver, entered Columbus with more buzz than perhaps any high school recruit since Trevor Lawrence. The former No. 1 overall recruit has wasted no time turning heads this offseason. Smith’s combination of size, hands, route-running, and freak athleticism is already drawing comparisons to NFL greats. Coaches and teammates alike have been amazed at how quickly he has adjusted to college speed and physicality. He’s not just surviving on the practice field—he’s dominating.

Smith’s presence gives the Buckeyes another alpha in a lineage that includes legends like Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Marvin Harrison Jr. But even among those names, there’s something different about Smith. He doesn’t play like a freshman. He plays like a professional already.

Then there’s Will Howard, the Kansas State transfer who has taken over as the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback. Howard brings leadership, experience, and, more importantly, poise under pressure. His decision to transfer to Ohio State raised eyebrows across the country, but for Buckeye fans, it was a blessing. Howard not only has a cannon for an arm and a fearless mindset, but he’s also meshed beautifully with head coach Ryan Day’s offensive system. In spring practices, Howard has looked in complete command, threading passes with precision and developing chemistry with an extremely talented receiving corps led by Smith.

Howard may not have come from a blue-blood program, but his production and football IQ are second to none. Now, surrounded by the most talent he’s ever had, the fifth-year senior is expected to take a significant leap in his final season of college football. He isn’t just a stopgap—he could be the key to unlocking a title run.

Together, Howard and Smith offer a dangerous combination. They’re both dynamic on their own, but their connection is what could make Ohio State’s offense completely unstoppable. The Buckeyes have long been known for explosive plays and NFL-caliber talent, but this particular duo might be the best pairing in the nation. Some analysts are already calling them the most dangerous QB-WR duo since Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase lit up college football in 2019. That’s lofty praise—but it’s not far-fetched.

What makes this even more compelling is how the Buckeyes have embraced the pressure. They’ve built a roster stacked with future pros on both sides of the ball. The defense, led by names like JT Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, and Sonny Styles, is one of the nation’s best. But it’s the offense that is drawing the spotlight, and for good reason.

Ryan Day’s offense is designed to showcase playmakers in space. It emphasizes timing, precision, and explosive potential. With Howard’s experience and Smith’s pure talent, the scheme could produce historic numbers. Every practice rep, every 7-on-7 drill, and every team meeting is sharpening a group that already believes they are national championship-worthy.

But beyond the stats and the highlights is something else—leadership. Howard has quickly established himself as a voice in the locker room. He didn’t come in with a sense of entitlement. He came in with urgency. He knows this is his shot. For Smith, it’s about making a statement. From day one, he’s carried himself with a maturity that belies his age. He’s laser-focused on winning, improving, and maximizing every opportunity.

The synergy between the two is evident. They push each other, challenge each other, and raise the expectations for the entire unit. That’s not just about talent—it’s about culture. And Ohio State has one of the strongest cultures in the country.

Of course, with expectations comes scrutiny. The Buckeyes face a tough schedule, including pivotal matchups against Michigan, Penn State, and Oregon. Every game will test their resilience. Every week, Howard and Smith will be under the microscope. But if early reports and practice footage are any indication, they’re ready for the spotlight.

The national media has taken notice. Both players have found their names near the top of Heisman watch lists. NFL scouts are reportedly already circling Columbus games as must-attend events. Howard’s arm strength, footwork, and decision-making are drawing pro comparisons. Smith, meanwhile, is being described as a potential top-five NFL Draft pick—even if he isn’t eligible yet. The buzz is real. The stakes are high. And Ohio State is leaning in.

The Buckeyes’ aspirations go beyond awards. This is a team that remembers the heartbreak of recent seasons. The close losses. The playoff misses. The “almosts.” With Howard and Smith leading the way, they’re determined to turn those near-misses into confetti-filled celebrations.

And make no mistake—this isn’t hype for hype’s sake. The evidence is on the field. Ohio State’s spring game provided a glimpse into what’s to come, with Howard showing composure and command, and Smith flashing brilliance with a pair of jaw-dropping catches. It wasn’t just about athleticism—it was about execution, rhythm, and dominance.

There’s also a deeper sense of belief within the program. Veteran players are staying locked in. Coaches are speaking with renewed conviction. The fanbase is energized. And at the center of it all are two players who could define not just Ohio State’s season, but college football’s 2025 narrative.

There’s something special happening in Columbus. It’s in the way the offense practices with urgency. It’s in the film sessions where Howard and Smith are constantly breaking down coverages. It’s in the confidence that spreads throughout the locker room. This team knows what it has—and they’re not hiding from it.

In a sport where depth and development often take center stage, sometimes it’s still the stars who shine brightest. Will Howard and Jeremiah Smith are the stars of this Ohio State team. And they just might be the brightest in the nation.

As the season nears, every program in the country is looking for its edge. Some will lean on experience. Others will point to coaching or defensive dominance. Ohio State’s edge? It could very well be having not just one, but the two best players in all of college football.

And that’s not just talk—that’s Buckeye reality.