The 2025 NFL season is right around the corner. Roles are being defined, and rosters are taking shape as week 3 of the preseason has come to a close. Many former Buckeyes are already making strides in their development and doing what they can to have success at the next level. But a few former Ohio State Buckeyes in particular stood out this week.
CJ Stroud
Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud made his 2025 preseason debut and had a strong showing. The 2024 Pro Bowler played just two series and looked like his normal self. Stroud completed 6 passes on 8 attempts for 44 yards and a touchdown to Nico Collins. Stroud will look to build off of his success last season with another playoff in 2025.
Jordan Hancock
Jordan Hancock continues to stand out in the preseason as one of the best players on the field. The 5th-rounder had 5 tackles and 3 assists before leaving the game in the second half with a shoulder injury. Hancock primarily played cornerback at Ohio State but has made the transition into a full-time safety in Buffalo. With roles still being defined, it is possible that Hancock could find his way into a starting role in the Bills’ defense.
Mike Vrabel
Former Ohio State defensive end and assistant coach Mike Vrabel is off to a very nice start since returning to the New England Patriots. Vrabel is back into coaching after getting fired by the Tennessee Titans after six seasons. Vrabel spent last season with the Cleveland Browns as a personnel consultant before getting the call from the Patriots. The Buckeyes’ all-time sacks leader has his team at 2-0 in preseason and will look to steer the 6-time Super Bowl champions in the right direction this season and beyond.
When you look at the most recent run of defensive ends that have been excellent imports in the NFL from Penn State, they have a claim for being “EDGE U.” Newly acquired defensive end by the Green Bay Packers, Micah Parsons, is considered a franchise cornerstone in the NFL. The New York Giants made Abdul […]
Stephen Leonard
Ohio State Writer
Head coach Ryan Day’s legacy at Ohio State now has a firm foundation, but it was carefully developed brick by brick. He wasn’t “born on third” as some may want you to believe; he’s earned the quick ascent, defined by both mountain tops and valleys of extreme emotions. His 70-10 record, national championship, and academic […]
Adam Hicks
Author
A Tale of Two Big Ten Legends When Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz notched his 205th career win, he didn’t just add another number to the win column — he tied the legendary Woody Hayes for the most victories by a head coach in Big Ten history. It was a quietly monumental moment that bridged two vastly […]
