Ohio State football capped a stellar 2025 season by leading the nation with eight players earning Associated Press All-American honors, including a program-high four first-team selections, the AP announced Monday.
The Buckeyes, who finished 12-1 and earned the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff, showcased balance on both sides of the ball with the recognitions. Ohio State’s four first-team nods topped all schools, highlighting the talent assembled by coach Ryan Day.
First-Team All-Americans
- Jeremiah Smith, wide receiver: The sophomore sensation caught 80 passes for 1,086 yards and 11 touchdowns, marking his second straight 1,000-yard season and joining an elite group in Buckeye history.
- Kayden McDonald, defensive tackle: Anchoring the nation’s top-ranked defense, the junior recorded 57 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles.
- Arvell Reese, linebacker: The senior tallied 62 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and two pass breakups in a breakout campaign at the Mike position.
- Caleb Downs, safety: Transferring from Alabama, the junior led the secondary with 60 tackles, five tackles for loss, two interceptions, two pass breakups and a sack.
Second-Team All-Americans
- Carnell Tate, wide receiver: Complementing Smith, Tate provided another dynamic threat in the passing game for quarterback Will Howard.
- Sonny Styles, linebacker: The versatile defender contributed across multiple roles on a unit that allowed just 10.8 points per game.
Third-Team All-Americans
- Julian Sayin, quarterback: The redshirt freshman and Heisman finalist was the most accurate QB in the history of college football.
- Caden Curry, defensive end: Adding edge pressure, Curry bolstered a defensive line that ranked among the best in college football.
These honors underscore Ohio State’s recruiting prowess and development, with multiple underclassmen poised to return in 2026. The Buckeyes open their playoff run against No. 15 Memphis on Dec. 20, aiming for their first national title since 2014.
