For OSU's Class of 2022, its time has finally arrived
Only seven players remain on the roster from that recruiting class, and most are key players for the No. 1 Buckeyes
Call them the surviving seven.
They are the only remaining players from Ohio State’s 2022 recruiting class. The class started with 21 players and was ranked No. 4 nationally by 247Sports.com.
Big things were expected from it. For three years, not much did. The only player who became a star before this season wasn’t even supposed to be a part of the ’22 class. Pickerington’s Sonny Styles committed to join the 2023 class before deciding to reclassify by graduating early.
Styles started as a sophomore at safety before moving to linebacker last year. He earned the honor of wearing the Block O jersey this year and is considered an All-American candidate.
The path to stardom, or even a starting job, was much tougher for the rest of the Buckeyes who are now seniors.
But it is finally happening. Defensive ends Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson, who were important rotational players last year, have emerged as stars so far in 2025 as the Buckeyes prepare to face No. 17 Illinois on Saturday. Curry had a particularly dominating game against Washington, including five tackles for loss, three of which were sacks.

Carson Hinzman is flourishing at center after being overmatched at that spot two years ago as a redshirt freshman. Tegra Tshabola is starting for the second year at right guard. Bennett Christian has carved out a role in a deep tight end room.