Skull Session: ESPN's Top 100 Players, Ohio State's Dominance, and the State of QB Development in College Football
The Best of the Best: Ohio State's Dominance in ESPN's Top 100 Players
Ohio State dominated ESPN's top 100 players list for the 2025 college football season, with eight Buckeyes making the cut. Caleb Downs, Jeremiah Smith, Kayden McDonald, Arvell Reese, Julian Sayin, Caden Curry, Carnell Tate, and Sonny Styles were all recognized for their outstanding performances. But what makes this even more impressive is the fact that these players were not just any ordinary freshmen or sophomores; they were all first-year starters or had already established themselves as top performers.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
According to Bill Connelly, David Hale, Adam Rittenberg, and Max Olson, Ohio State players finished the year with the following rankings:
- No. 5 - Caleb Downs
- No. 8 - Jeremiah Smith
- No. 14 - Kayden McDonald
- No. 17 - Arvell Reese
- No. 23 - Julian Sayin
- No. 38 - Caden Curry
- No. 50 - Carnell Tate
- No. 66 - Sonny Styles
These rankings highlight the depth and talent of Ohio State's roster, with multiple players in the top 25 and several more in the top 100.
The Buckeye's Dominance Continues
But it's not just about individual player rankings. Ohio State's dominance was also evident in their net success rate, with the team ranked No. 1 in the country by Parker Fleming of CFBGraphs. This means that Ohio State's opponents were consistently outperformed in terms of success rate, and when the Buckeyes lost, it was usually by a small margin.
The State of QB Development in College Football
While Ohio State's success is impressive, it also raises questions about the state of quarterback development in college football. According to Antonio Morales of The Athletic, quarterback development has become an afterthought at most high-level programs. Coaches are now more willing to risk their careers on transfer quarterbacks who have already played, rather than developing young players over time.
This shift has led to a culture of constant winning, where patience is no longer a virtue. As Morales notes, this has created a 'Curt Cignetti Problem', where fans and administrators expect their schools to win immediately, regardless of the cost.
The Future of Ohio State's QBs
Despite this, Ohio State has proven that it can develop quarterbacks both through the transfer portal and through its own program. Julian Sayin, a transfer from Alabama, has shown promise, and Tavien St. Clair, his projected backup, is committed to the long game. This balance between developing young talent and utilizing experienced transfers is a testament to Ohio State's ability to adapt to the changing landscape of college football.
The Birth of Ohio Stadium
In the meantime, if you're still hunkered down amid Winter Storm Fern, WOSU Public Media has a 2001 documentary titled 'The Birth of Ohio Stadium' that explores the history and evolution of one of college football's most iconic venues.
