Eight players from Ohio State have been recognized as Associated Press All-Americans for the 2025 season, showcasing the strength and talent of the team’s roster. Among those celebrated are wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, linebacker Arvell Reese, and safety Caleb Downs, all of whom received first-team All-American honors.
These four players also garnered first-team selections from the Walter Camp Football Foundation, placing them just one recognition away from being named consensus All-Americans, which requires an additional first-team selection from the American Football Coaches Association, Sporting News, or the Football Writers Association of America. Their achievements highlight Ohio State as the school with the most first-team AP All-American selections this year.
Smith’s stellar performance this season is underscored by his impressive statistics; he recorded 80 receptions for 1,086 yards and 11 touchdowns across the regular season and the Big Ten Championship Game. His achievements make him only the third Ohio State receiver to reach multiple 1,000-yard seasons in his college career.
On the defensive side, Downs is leading Ohio State’s top-ranked defense with 60 total tackles, alongside five tackles for loss, two interceptions, two pass breakups, and one sack. He is on track to potentially become the sixth player in the school’s history to earn unanimous All-American honors twice.
McDonald has been a formidable presence on the defensive line, making 57 tackles, including eight tackles for loss and three sacks. He has also forced two fumbles, showcasing his disruptiveness in opposing offenses. Reese, playing as Ohio State’s Mike linebacker, has made significant contributions with 62 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks, demonstrating his versatility and impact on the field.
In addition to the four first-team selections, wide receiver Carnell Tate and linebacker Sonny Styles earned second-team All-American honors, while quarterback Julian Sayin and defensive end Caden Curry received third-team recognition.
The anticipation continues as the All-America team selections proceed, with the AFCA announcing its picks on Tuesday, followed by the Sporting News on Wednesday, and the Football Writers Association completing the consensus selections on Thursday. This recognition not only highlights individual achievements but also reflects the strength and talent present within the Ohio State program, as they continue to compete at a high level nationally.