Jeremiah Smith isn't the only Buckeye receiving preseason accolades entering 2025.
On Tuesday, the Football Writers Association of America released watch lists for both the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Outland Trophy. Ohio State stars Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles headline the watch list for the best defensive player in college football, while Tegra Tshabola and Eddrick Houston appear on the watch list for the best interior offensive lineman in the sport.
Downs and Styles, who represented Ohio State at Big Ten Media Days in Las Vegas last week, were integral parts of the Buckeyes' national championship defense last season.
A unanimous All-American, Downs collected 82 tackles, eight tackles for loss, six pass breakups and two interceptions in 2024. He also recorded Ohio State's first punt return touchdown in a decade, running a punt back 79 yards for a score against Indiana. Styles, who transitioned to linebacker after two seasons at safety, collected 100 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, six sacks, five pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
While Carson Hinzman, Austin Siereveld and Luke Montgomery all started at different points last season, Tshabola is Ohio State's lone returning offensive lineman who was in the starting lineup all year. In 2025, he'll look to lead the unit – now coached by Tyler Bowen – alongside Hinzman, Siereveld and Montgomery as the quartet welcomes Rice transfer Ethan Onianwa and Minnesota transfer Phillip Daniels into the fold.
With Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton off to the NFL, Eddrick Houston will elevate to the starting lineup next to Kayden McDonald at defensive tackle this season. In 2024, Houston appeared in 12 games and recorded seven tackles and two pass deflections.
