Three Ohio State Buckeyes Facing Make-or-Break Offseasons

Key players must step up to maintain program's momentum after disappointing 2025 season

Feb. 9, 2026 at 3:07pm

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Following a disappointing end to the 2025 season, the Ohio State Buckeyes are facing questions about the program's future. With multiple key players graduating or entering the NFL Draft, the coaching staff will need to rely on new faces and strong offseason development to maintain the Buckeyes' momentum. Three players - sophomore running back Isaiah West, senior transfer safety Earl Little Jr., and sophomore transfer kicker Connor Hawkins - are facing make-or-break offseasons to solidify their roles and help the team bounce back in 2026.

Why it matters

Ohio State is one of the premier college football programs, and the Buckeyes' success is crucial for the school and the state of Ohio. After falling short of their championship aspirations in 2025, the development of these three players will be critical in determining whether Ohio State can return to the top of the Big Ten and College Football Playoff contention.

The details

Isaiah West played a significant role as a freshman, rushing for 310 yards and 2 touchdowns behind star running back Bo Jackson. With the Buckeyes needing more consistency from the backfield, West has a chance to cement himself as the clear No. 2 option this offseason. Transfer safety Earl Little Jr. will be tasked with replacing star Caleb Downs in the secondary, and he'll be competing with another transfer, Terry Moore, for playing time. Kicker Connor Hawkins, a transfer from Baylor, will look to solidify the Buckeyes' special teams unit after inconsistent kicking plagued the team in 2025.

  • The Buckeyes' annual Scarlet and Gray spring scrimmage is scheduled for Saturday, April 18 in Columbus.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place following the 2025 college football season, with multiple Ohio State players expected to declare.

The players

Isaiah West

A sophomore running back who played a significant role as a freshman, rushing for 310 yards and 2 touchdowns. He'll have a chance to cement himself as the clear No. 2 option behind star Bo Jackson this offseason.

Earl Little Jr.

A senior transfer safety who has played for Alabama and Florida State. He'll be tasked with replacing star Caleb Downs in the secondary and competing with fellow transfer Terry Moore for playing time.

Connor Hawkins

A sophomore transfer kicker from Baylor who made 82% of his field goals and 100% of his extra points in 2025. He'll look to solidify the Buckeyes' special teams unit after inconsistent kicking plagued the team in 2025.

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What’s next

The first chance to see the Buckeyes in game action will be on Saturday, April 18, at The Shoe in Columbus. This will serve as the annual Scarlet and Gray spring scrimmage.

The takeaway

These three players - West, Little Jr., and Hawkins - will be crucial in determining whether Ohio State can bounce back from their disappointing 2025 season and maintain the program's status as one of the top teams in the Big Ten and College Football Playoff contenders.