Preseason Honors Signal High Hopes
Ohio State entered the new campaign atop the AP poll, yet the conference’s preseason All‑American teams yielded just two Buckeyes. The limited selections reflect both the depth of competition and the program’s reliance on a few standout performers.
The early accolades set a narrative that the Buckeyes will lean heavily on their top recruits to maintain the momentum from a national championship‑contending season.
Jeremiah Smith’s Rapid Rise
Junior wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, a native of South Florida, earned a first‑team AP preseason All‑American nod after a breakout sophomore season that featured 1,200 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. His combination of speed and route precision has made him a focal point of the Buckeyes’ offense.
Coaches have praised his ability to stretch defenses vertically, and analysts predict he could become the most dangerous pass‑catching threat in the Big Ten this year.
Luke Montgomery’s Anchor Role
Senior offensive lineman Luke Montgomery, who started every game in the previous year, was placed on the second‑team AP list after helping the line dominate the trenches during the 2024 College Football Playoff run. Coaches expect his experience to keep the unit cohesive as the team prepares for its opener.
Montgomery’s leadership on the line is viewed as essential for protecting the quarterback and opening running lanes for the backfield.
A Test Against Ball State
The Buckeyes will open the season against Ball State, a program that finished last season with a 7‑6 record. While the matchup offers a chance for Ohio State to fine‑tune its schemes, the real measure will be how Smith and Montgomery translate preseason accolades into on‑field production.
Early results could set the tone for the Buckeyes’ title aspirations and influence their climb back to the top of the AP rankings.