Ohio State heads into a 2025 reboot with championship pedigree and a roster packed with four- and five-star talent, but a substantial amount of turnover. Jeremiah Smith anchors the offense as the country’s top playmaker, while Caleb Downs patrols the back end as a shutdown defender. Beau Atkinson adds a polished edge presence from UNC, helping a retooled defense. Day enters Year 7 with a national title in hand but a new quarterback and revamped backfield, forcing Young Guns to prove they can replicate peak play under pressure. The blueprint remains elite talent plus shock-absorbing depth, but the path to back-to-back titles will demand continued innovation and clutch playoff-level performance from a roster built for both results and fantasy upside.

Smith's emergence as a focal point comes with the risk of QB uncertainty, yet the combination of Smith drawing pressure and the opportunity for Klare and Tate to shine could fuel big statistical seasons. OSU’s 35.7 points per game and 6.95 yards per play sit behind a defense that allowed 12.9 PPG and 4.19 yards per play, numbers that underscore a team built to win in every phase. Day’s demeanor and track record—70–10 overall, 88% win rate—offer confidence that OSU can navigate the transition and still threaten CFP contention, especially if Smith maintains high-volume targets and the defense forces key stops in critical moments.

In the broader landscape, the Buckeyes contend with Oregon, Michigan, Tennessee, Notre Dame, and Texas, each offering distinct test cases for OSU’s revamped unit. The rivalry with Michigan remains central, with the “M” flag symbolizing a benchmark for OSU’s reset season. The blend of star talent, proven coaching, and a high ceiling offense running behind a pair of top offensive initiators sets OSU up for another run at national relevance—and another wave of fantasy opportunities for players who can hit big-play spikes or steady-volume floors.

Non-quarterbacks top the radar for college fantasy managers this season, with Jeremiah Smith leading a wave of multi-year breakout candidates across major programs. Smith’s 76-1,315-15 freshman campaign at Ohio State set a historic bar, and his size-plus-speed profile makes him a coveted dynasty asset even as he awaits two more collegiate seasons. Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame pairs blazing speed with heavy workload potential if the QB situation shifts, while Kadyn Proctor anchors Alabama’s line as a mammoth presence in the run game. The list spans offense and defense—each player brings a distinct path to fantasy relevance, from two-way Krista-like versatility at Minnesota to game-breaking return skills at BYU and Oregon. Transfers, depth-chart shuffles, and the evolving roles of players like Harold Perkins and Caleb Downs could redefine weekly upside. The season’s depth chart promises a wide spectrum of breakout opportunities, from immediate impact players to long-term dynasty bets, making this collection a blueprint for savvy fantasy and betting rosters.

Across the board, bursts of speed, improved usage, and crossover roles — like two-way contributors and hybrid defenders — create margins for weekly upside even when teams lean on established stars. The college football slate this year features a mix of proven performers refining their lanes and fresh faces ready to seize opportunities in varied systems. Expect some players to emerge as top midseason adds, some to hold steady as high-floor options, and a few to surge into must-stash status as injury or scheme shifts tilt the pecking order. For fantasy managers, the key will be mapping role clarity to early-season volume and game-script expectations, then exploiting Week 1 setups with a long view on breakout trajectories.

Ohio State is adding Josh Boyer to its defensive staff for 2025, reuniting him with Matt Patricia as the Buckeyes look to sustain elite recruitment-era defense after Jim Knowles’ departure. The pairing blends Boyer’s NFL pedigree with Patricia’s braintrust, creating a coaching axis aimed at preserving the unit’s top-tier discipline and versatility on a loaded Big Ten slate.

Boyer’s background includes a stints as defensive play-caller in Miami and success in New England’s system, where he and Patricia shared a long run of collaborative work. Ohio State returns a nucleus of talent, including Caleb Downs, and will attempt to transplant an aggressive, NFL-inspired approach into a college environment. The goal is to replace production without sacrificing the defense’s suffocating tempo as they chase another national title.

The defense ranked first in the nation in 2024 (12.9 PPG, 4.19 yards per play), and Ohio State must navigate losses to the NFL Draft while integrating Boyer into a system transition. The dynamics of the staff shake-up—Knowles’ exit and the influx of NFL sensibilities—will test how the Buckeyes adapt to a schedule that won’t relent. The strategic partnership between Boyer and Patricia will be a focal point for fantasy analysts watching how versatility and depth could elevate role-player values across the defensive unit.

The buzz surrounding the 2026 NFL Draft is already building, with several standout college prospects expected to make a significant impact. Leading the charge is quarterback Arch Manning from Texas, whose lineage includes NFL legends Archie, Peyton, and Eli Manning. Other notable names include Caleb Downs, a safety who transferred to Ohio State after a standout freshman year at Alabama, and offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor from Alabama, who is known for his versatility and athleticism in high school sports.

Defensive talents are also gaining attention, such as EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. from Miami, who was named ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year, and T.J. Parker from Clemson, who set records for forced fumbles. This early watch list is just a glimpse of what’s to come, as these players look to prove themselves in the upcoming college season and solidify their draft stock.

The 2026 NFL Draft is already shaping up with several teams finalizing their initial plans ahead of the mandatory OTAs. The latest mock draft has five quarterbacks in the first round, showcasing the depth of talent at the position. The New Orleans Saints select Cade Klubnik from Clemson as the first overall pick, aiming to bolster their quarterback position. The New York Giants focus on protection for their offense, selecting offensive tackle Kayden Proctor from Alabama. Other notable picks include the Cleveland Browns opting for safety Caleb Downs from Ohio State and the Tennessee Titans selecting edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. from Miami.

The Carolina Panthers prioritize defense by adding cornerback DJ McKinney from Colorado, while the New York Jets look to strengthen their pass rush with Dani Dennis-Sutton from Penn State. This draft class is anticipated to have a significant impact as teams seek to enhance their rosters for the upcoming season.