The defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes endured the departure of many key players. Still, they return two extremely talented players who find themselves in the top 10 of CSN’s Top 100 Returning Players list.
Two Ohio State Buckeyes Highlight Only Pair of Teammates in Top 10 Returning Players
It should come as no surprise that Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith are listed in the top 10 in terms of returning players in 2025 — but the fact that they’re each in the top three truly shows the sheer excellence of each player.
Caleb Downs, S
The former Alabama Crimson Tide transfer comes in at No. 3 on our list. A five-star recruit out of high school, Downs committed to play for head coach Nick Sabin and the Crimson Tide in 2023 before transferring to join the Buckeyes prior to the 2024 season.
As a true sophomore, Downs continued to establish himself as not only the best safety in the country but one of the best players, period.
He amassed 81 total tackles (48 solo), six passes deflected, and two interceptions. Downs possesses showcased his tremendous ball skills and eagerness to punish ball carriers at the point of attack.
At 6’0″, 205 pounds, he has solid, if unspectacular, size. But he packs a punch at the safety position, resembling a heat-seeking missile when the ball is in sight. Over the course of the season, teams noticeably avoided whichever side of the field Downs occupied.
Downs is a straight-up playmaker — so much so that he’s listed as the third best player in all of college football.
Jeremiah Smith, WR
Rated the top returning player in the sport in 2025, Smith still has two years of college football remaining before he can leap to the next level. As a true freshman in 2024, he looked like a man amongst boys — while playing a majority of the season at only 18 years old.
His 6’3″, 215-pound frame resembled a prime Julio Jones-esque body, with a similar playing style. Smith is the full package as a receiver.
He was clocked in at 21.0+ mph twice over the course of the season (the only returning player to do so). He produced multiple highlight-reel one-handed grabs. His physical nature was on display in the Rose Bowl against the No. 1 Oregon Ducks when he totaled five catches for 161 yards and two touchdowns — in the first half.
And, of course, the clutch play-making ability. The Miami Gardens, FL, native consistently stepped up to the plate when his name was called and delivered, the most notable being his 56-yard reception to seal the national championship for Ohio State.
On the season, he totaled 76 catches for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns. At only 19 years old, his establishment as the best player in the nation is truly an eye-popping sentiment — but it’s the only correct answer.
Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
With Downs and Smith leading the secondary and receiving corps for the Buckeyes in 2025, Ohio State will have a very real chance of repeating as national champions despite all of the key departures.
Who plays quarterback is still a question — but regardless of who’s throwing him the ball, Smith will continue to be a force of nature. 50/50 balls aren’t 50/50, with Smith on the receiving end.
What’s Next for OSU? Ohio State’s 2025 Season Picks and Predictions
Downs’ third season in college football should bring more highlights and big plays — that’s if he doesn’t shut down the entire side of the field that the safety is lined up on, which serves just as big of an impact.
At the end of the day, both will find themselves as high draft picks in the NFL when their time comes; but for now, they’re focused on bringing a second consecutive title back to Columbus.
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