The Ohio State offense is one of the most talented in the nation. Despite that, it was never able to “turn up the gas” and scored 10 and 14 in the final two games of the 2025 season. This year, the Buckeyes have four returning offensive linemen to go with their quarterback, generational wide receiver, and leading running back. Expectations for Arthur Smith’s offense are sky high, naturally.
There are only a few opportunities for new faces to break out on the Ohio State offense, but if one can, it would take the offense to another level. Two offensive linemen, two freshmen, and a stud at a position historically utilized by the new offensive coordinator.
Breakout Candidates on the Ohio State Offense
A Legend in the Making
Legend Bey already has a sizable fanbase within Buckeye Nation due to the debacle that was his recruitment. After flipping from Tennessee, he evidently signed with the Volunteers during the early signing period. Then, there were reports that it was not his will, but was actually that of his family. However, they allowed him to get out of his Letter of Intent – kudos to Tennessee, honestly – and he enrolled at Ohio State in January. He wanted to be a Buckeye.
This spring, both of the top running backs were out due to injury, so the first-year back got an opportunity to shine. And shine he did. If you know anything about Ohio State numbers, they don’t give number two out to anyone. J.K. Dobbins, Cris Carter, Caleb Downs, Mike Doss, Malcolm Jenkins, Terrelle Pryor, and Chase Young have rocked the number two. This year, it’s Kenyatta Jackson Jr., a fifth-year EDGE and potential first-round pick, and Bey.
Getting on the field as, at best, the third-best running back would be difficult. So the Buckeyes are working to get him touches everywhere. Before he was shut down himself, Bey was taking snaps with the receivers and was fielding punts.
Not everyone is Jeremiah Smith, and expecting anyone to have that kind of impact right away isn’t fair. However, Bey is one to watch. There are no more redshirts, so the coaching staff can get him on the field as much as they want. Look for him to get a solid number of touches this year.
Moore Big Bodies
The offensive line is going to be under the microscope yet again this year. The Buckeyes prefer to play the “five best,” so despite returning four starters from a year ago, there are a handful of players looking to break through. The favorite to make the jump is third-year offensive lineman Ian Moore.
Last year, in total, Moore was on the field for 150 offensive snaps. He was the first man off the bench and earned his first start against Purdue (at right tackle). Then, in the Cotton Bowl against Miami (FL), he came in for Austin Siereveld at left tackle at halftime due to injury. This offseason, Buckeye fans have been anxious, considering how poorly the offensive line played against Indiana and Miami (FL). As a result, everyone is trying to piece together the ideal offensive line. Moore’s name is almost always listed.
Moore was one of the only offensive linemen who played well in that Cotton Bowl. He had one penalty, but despite how good that defensive line was, he only allowed one pressure and one sack.
He has votes of confidence from Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, and offensive line coach Tyler Bowen. He’s had a mentality shift where he reminds himself that he belongs.
Whether it’s a left tackle, right tackle, or even right guard, Moore is the favorite to be the newest member of the offensive line. If he can take the offensive line to the next level, he’s going to be a household name.
The Favorite at Guard
We couldn’t come up with a clever pun for Joshua Padilla, but that’s who we are talking about next. If Moore takes over either of the tackle positions, Ohio State still needs a right guard. The right side of the line was the weakness of the Ohio State offense last year, enough so that it derailed the game plan on a weekly basis. Padilla has had to battle injuries, but if he’s fully healthy this fall, he is a fan favorite to take over.
When Tegra Tshabola struggled, Ohio State made a change a few times. That change was Gabe VanSickle. While he looked good against lesser defenses, he was actively a liability in his 18 snaps against Miami (FL). Padilla stepped in and played the final 42 snaps.
The fourth-year guard is as technically sound as any, which has been the foundation of why the Buckeyes have continuously believed in him. He didn’t participate in a full capacity this spring due to injury, so we will have to see how that affects his standing on the depth chart. However, if he’s fully healthy, he’s expected to step right in.
Nothing Junior About This Guy
As we mentioned above, expecting anyone to have the same impact as Smith from 2024 just isn’t fair. However, if you’re the top receiver in your recruiting class with NFL bloodlines, those expectations are going to be high. While the wide receiver room may be the deepest in the Ryan Day era, Chris Henry Jr., a first-year player, is expected to step right in and contribute.
As a recruit, Henry was a five-star receiver and was the consensus second-best player at his position. He’s a six-foot-five, 200-pound athletic freak who will give Ohio State even more size opposite the six-foot-four Smith. Can he really be the go-to X receiver this year?
Absolutely. He dominated in spring practices against what is expected to be a solid secondary. Then, when all eyes were on him in the Spring Game, Henry turned four receptions into 96 yards and the only receiving touchdown of the game. His first catch of the day was on a beauty of a throw from Tavien St. Clair on a Cover 2 beater. His second was a go route where he blew by both his corner and the safety shading his way.
If Ohio State is planning on opening it up and letting its star receivers make plays, Henry should benefit. He looks as advertised.
Arthur Smith Loves His Tight Ends
Finally, if there is one thing the new Ohio State offensive coordinator loves, it’s his tight ends. Arthur Smith was infamous in NFL circles for how much he loves tight ends. Over his last five seasons as a playcaller, a tight end finished top three in receptions three times, including Kyle Pitts in 2021, who led the way in targets. While he will be running Day’s offense with his flavor, it can be assumed that a player like Nate Roberts is poised for a breakout on the Ohio State offense.
Tight ends at Ohio State are seldom used to their potential, but Roberts earned playing time as a first-year player last year. In total, he was in the formation for 160 plays, usually as a fullback.
He’s an athletic tight end who can do anything and everything a coach asks. Everyone is focusing on Northwestern transfer Hunter Welcing at tight end; keep an eye on Roberts.
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