As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for the 2025 season, several veterans will be looking to prove themselves in spring practice to earn bigger roles on the team. Here are 10 Buckeyes who will be under the microscope this spring:
1. *WR Kamryn Babb*: After struggling with injuries throughout his career, Babb will be looking to prove himself as a reliable receiver in the Buckeyes’ offense.
2. *LB Cody Simon*: Simon has shown flashes of brilliance on defense, but he’ll need to demonstrate consistency and improve his tackling to earn a starting spot.
3. *DT Jerron Cage*: Cage has been a solid contributor on the defensive line, but he’ll need to show more explosiveness and disruptiveness to become a dominant force.
4. *CB Cam Brown*: Brown has been a reliable backup in the secondary, but he’ll need to prove himself as a shutdown corner to earn a starting spot.
5. *RB Master Teague*: Teague has shown flashes of brilliance as a running back, but he’ll need to demonstrate improved vision and decision-making to become a featured back.
6. *DE Tyler Friday*: Friday has been a solid contributor on the defensive line, but he’ll need to show more speed and agility to become a dominant pass rusher.
7. *S Ronnie Hickman*: Hickman has been a reliable safety, but he’ll need to prove himself as a playmaker and improve his coverage skills to earn a starting spot.
8. *WR Jaylen Ballard*: Ballard has shown flashes of brilliance as a receiver, but he’ll need to demonstrate improved route-running and hands to become a reliable target.
9. *LB Tommy Eichenberg*: Eichenberg has been a solid contributor on defense, but he’ll need to prove himself as a leader and improve his tackling to earn a starting spot.
10. *DT Taron Vincent*: Vincent has been a solid contributor on the defensive line, but he’ll need to show more explosiveness and disruptiveness to become a dominant force.
These 10 veterans will be under the microscope this spring as they compete for bigger roles on the team. With a talented crop of newcomers arriving in Columbus, the competition for playing time will be fierce. Those who prove themselves in spring practice will be well-positioned to make a significant impact in the 2025 season.
“Spring practice is a critical time for our team,” said Ohio State head coach Ryan Day. “It’s an opportunity for our veterans to prove themselves and for our newcomers to make a strong impression. We’re excited to see who will step up and make a difference.”
The Buckeyes will begin spring practice on March 22nd, and the competition for playing time will be intense. Those who prove themselves will be rewarded with bigger roles, while those who struggle may find themselves on the outside looking in. The battle for playing time is about to begin, and the stakes are high.