Buckeye Brilliance: Four Ohio State Stars Earn Preseason All-American Honors from Athlon
As the 2025 college football season draws near, the Ohio State Buckeyes are once again commanding national attention. This time, it’s for individual excellence, as four standout Buckeye players have been named to Athlon Sports’ prestigious Preseason All-American Teams, cementing Ohio State’s status as a powerhouse program loaded with elite talent on both sides of the ball.
Athlon’s Preseason All-American selections are widely regarded as a key early indicator of the nation’s top performers, and this year, Ohio State’s presence is both deep and impressive. These recognitions not only highlight the Buckeyes’ roster strength heading into the season but also signal high expectations in Columbus — not just for individual glory, but for team dominance and a potential national championship run.
Leading the list is wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, who was named to the First Team. Egbuka, a senior, returns as one of the most polished and explosive receivers in college football. After a productive 2024 campaign in which he racked up over 1,100 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, he’s poised to be a primary target in the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense. His route-running precision, reliable hands, and ability to make plays after the catch make him a nightmare for defenders and a favorite for early-round NFL Draft projections.
Joining him is JT Tuimoloau, the dominant defensive end who also secured a First Team nod. Known for his relentless motor and disruptive presence off the edge, Tuimoloau is expected to anchor a fearsome Buckeye front seven. With his blend of size, speed, and technique, he’s capable of altering games single-handedly. He finished the 2024 season with 10.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss, and expectations are sky-high as he returns for his senior year.
Also making the cut is Donovan Jackson, a key piece of Ohio State’s offensive line who was named to the Second Team. Jackson’s versatility and strength in both pass protection and run blocking have made him a stalwart up front. His ability to create space for the run game while holding his own against elite pass rushers gives the Buckeyes a crucial edge in the trenches — a vital component for any team with national title aspirations.
Rounding out the quartet is Denzel Burke, the talented cornerback who earned Third Team recognition. Burke has developed into a lockdown presence in the secondary, known for his physicality, awareness, and ball skills. In 2024, he led the team with 14 pass breakups and 3 interceptions, consistently matching up against opponents’ top receivers.
Together, these four players represent the core of a Buckeyes team brimming with experience, talent, and ambition. Their All-American honors not only validate individual hard work and development but also reflect the program’s culture of excellence and high expectations under head coach Ryan Day.
As the season approaches, Ohio State fans have every reason to be excited. With proven stars like Egbuka, Tuimoloau, Jackson, and Burke leading the way, the Buckeyes aren’t just aiming for Big Ten supremacy — they have their sights set firmly on the College Football Playoff and national championship glory.
