In the latest update for EA Sports College Football 25 player ratings, Ohio State saw improvements for six players with no declines among the roster.
- Jordan Hancock (CB): Received the biggest boost, climbing from an 84 to 87 overall after an impressive season playing nickel. He tallied 32 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one interception, and six pass breakups across the Buckeyes’ first 12 games.
- Jack Sawyer (DE): Increased from 93 to 94 overall, making him the Buckeyes’ second-highest-rated defender and third-highest-rated player, behind safety Caleb Downs and running back Quinshon Judkins (both at 95 overall).
- Lathan Ransom (S): Jumped from 86 to 88 overall, recording 57 tackles, six TFLs, one interception, three forced fumbles, and a recovery over 11 games.
- Jayden Fielding (K): Improved by two points (72 to 74) despite challenges against Michigan, where he missed two field goals.
- Will Howard (QB): Rose from 86 to 87 overall, while Cody Simon (LB) advanced from 85 to 86.
Despite Ohio State’s 13–10 loss to Michigan in their final regular-season game, no players saw a decrease in their ratings.
Updated Player Ratings (Dec. 5):
- DE Jack Sawyer: 93 → 94
- SS Lathan Ransom: 86 → 88
- CB Jordan Hancock: 84 → 87
- QB Will Howard: 86 → 87
- LB Cody Simon: 85 → 86
- K Jayden Fielding: 72 → 74
Three potential transfer portal players Ohio State might pursue for the 2025 season.
With the NCAA transfer portal opening on December 9, college football teams, including Ohio State, will look to strengthen their rosters for 2025. Although the Buckeyes have a strong foundation, addressing specific needs could help them remain national contenders. Here are three players they might target in the portal:
1. Jesus Gomez (Kicker, Eastern Michigan)
Ohio State’s kicking game has been inconsistent, with Jayden Fielding struggling in high-pressure situations, including missed field goals against Michigan. Jesus Gomez, a proven long-range kicker, offers reliability and power, having successfully made six career field goals of 50+ yards, including a 57-yarder against Washington this season. Adding Gomez could stabilize a key weakness and bolster Ohio State’s special teams.
2. Micah Hudson (Wide Receiver, Texas Tech)
Despite a talented receiving corps led by Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, and Brandon Inniss, Ohio State could use more depth after losing Kojo Antwi and Jayden Ballard to the portal. Former five-star recruit Micah Hudson has demonstrated elite playmaking ability at Texas Tech and could provide versatility and explosive potential to Ohio State’s passing attack. His addition would ensure depth and rotational flexibility in case of injuries.
3. Julian Humphrey (Cornerback, Georgia)
With Denzel Burke heading to the NFL, Ohio State’s secondary needs reinforcement. Julian Humphrey, a standout cornerback from Georgia, brings physicality, athleticism, and experience against top competition. He could step into a starting role opposite Jermaine Mathews Jr. and help address penalty issues that plagued the Buckeyes’ defense. Humphrey’s disciplined playstyle would bring stability to a secondary in transition.
Final Takeaway
To maintain their status as national title contenders, Ohio State must address critical weaknesses. Adding Gomez would enhance their special teams, Hudson would strengthen the receiving corps, and Humphrey could solidify the secondary. With these additions, the Buckeyes can position themselves for success in 2025 and beyond.
