Done Deal: Ohio State Strengthen Their Squad with 10 New Signings for the 2025 AFL Season,,,

In a groundbreaking and unexpected twist, the Ohio State University athletics department has ventured into uncharted territory by announcing their entry into the Australian Football League (AFL) for the 2025 season. The famous American football powerhouse, known for producing elite athletes who have dominated on the gridiron, has decided to apply its expertise to the world of Australian Rules Football.

For years, Ohio State has been a beacon of success in collegiate football in the United States, producing some of the most highly regarded athletes in American football history. Now, the university has expanded its horizons and is looking to challenge itself in the high-paced, brutal, and exhilarating world of AFL. With that, Ohio State has announced the signing of 10 players for the upcoming 2025 season — a mix of college football stars, international talent, and emerging athletes ready to make their mark in the Australian football world.

As the excitement builds and speculation runs wild, let’s take a look at how Ohio State’s AFL squad is shaping up for 2025 and explore the 10 new signings that are set to light up the field.

Why Ohio State is Making the Jump

The idea of Ohio State entering the AFL may seem unusual, but it’s part of a strategic push by the university’s sports leadership to push boundaries, grow their global footprint, and explore new competitive opportunities for their athletes. Gene Smith, the athletics director at Ohio State, shared the university’s vision: “Ohio State has always been at the forefront of sports innovation. We believe our athletes can excel in any environment, and we’re excited to explore how their skills can translate to AFL.”

AFL, with its dynamic mix of speed, strength, strategy, and endurance, mirrors many of the qualities that Ohio State’s football program emphasizes. While AFL is an entirely different sport, there are key transferable skills such as agility, athleticism, high-level hand-eye coordination, and strategic thinking — all of which are part of Ohio State’s training regimens for football players. With a deep pool of talent to tap into and the training infrastructure already in place, Ohio State’s management is confident that they can create a competitive squad capable of challenging the best in the AFL.

The 10 New Signings: Ohio State’s AFL Squad for 2025

Let’s meet the 10 players that Ohio State has signed for the 2025 AFL season. These recruits span a range of backgrounds, from college football standouts looking to expand their horizons, to international prospects, all joining Ohio State to carve out a legacy in AFL.

1. Justin Fields (Midfield)

Recruited from Ohio State Football (NCAA)

As one of the most dynamic and mobile quarterbacks in college football, Justin Fields is an exciting addition to Ohio State’s AFL squad. Fields’ ability to read defenses, his incredible agility, and his quick decision-making on the football field will serve him well as he transitions into the AFL midfield. Known for his speed and poise under pressure, Fields will be a key player in managing possessions and setting up attacking plays.

Fields’ speed and evasiveness will make him dangerous in open space, and his arm strength, although untested in the AFL, will likely translate into powerful kicks that will help push the ball forward into scoring areas.

2. Chris Olave (Forward)

Recruited from Ohio State Football (NCAA)

Chris Olave, a standout wide receiver and one of the most precise route runners in college football, is making the jump to AFL as a forward. Olave’s exceptional speed, agility, and ability to create separation will make him a deadly weapon in the forward 50. His elite hand-eye coordination and ability to track the ball will help him win contested marks in the air, while his speed will give him a competitive edge over defenders.

Olave’s work ethic and focus on high-level execution in football will allow him to quickly adapt to the intricacies of AFL, and his explosive pace will make him a prime target for scoring opportunities.

3. Garrett Wilson (Wing)

Recruited from Ohio State Football (NCAA)

Garrett Wilson, another explosive wide receiver for Ohio State, has the versatility to play multiple roles in the AFL. Known for his ability to make sharp, sudden cuts and find open space, Wilson will be a perfect fit for a wing position. His incredible footwork, speed, and agility will allow him to cover long distances quickly while providing critical assistance in both attack and defense.

Wilson’s experience in the fast-paced world of football makes him well-suited to AFL, where players need to think quickly and be versatile in every aspect of the game.

4. C.J. Stroud (Ruckman)

Recruited from Ohio State Football (NCAA)

C.J. Stroud, Ohio State’s star quarterback, is bringing his leadership and decision-making skills to the ruck position in AFL. While quarterbacks typically don’t play a similar role in AFL, Stroud’s towering height, strong aerial presence, and calm under pressure make him an intriguing ruckman prospect. His ability to read the game and direct play from the middle of the field will provide Ohio State with a strategic advantage at the center contests.

Stroud’s leadership and ability to control the tempo of the game will make him a critical part of Ohio State’s AFL lineup.

5. J.K. Dobbins (Midfield)

Recruited from Ohio State Football (NCAA)

A former running back for Ohio State’s football team, J.K. Dobbins’ speed, strength, and vision make him an ideal candidate for the AFL midfield. Dobbins’ ability to break tackles, change direction on a dime, and power through opposition will give him an edge in contested situations. His running style, which focuses on quick acceleration and agility, will allow him to break through AFL midfield congestion and push the ball forward with purpose.

Dobbins’ work ethic and fitness will be essential in ensuring that he’s a key player for Ohio State throughout the long AFL season.

6. Paris Johnson Jr. (Defender)

Recruited from Ohio State Football (NCAA)

Paris Johnson Jr., an offensive lineman from Ohio State, is transitioning to a defensive role in AFL. While known for his size and power in football, Johnson’s agility and athleticism will allow him to adjust to the AFL’s fast-paced game. His strength, endurance, and tactical awareness will be essential for blocking opposition forwards and preventing high-scoring chances.

Johnson’s size and presence will provide much-needed strength in Ohio State’s backline, where his ability to read the opposition’s attack will be crucial in limiting scoring opportunities.

7. Haskell Garrett (Defender)

Recruited from Ohio State Football (NCAA)

Another former Ohio State football star, Haskell Garrett, is joining the AFL squad as a key defensive player. Known for his tenacity, strength, and ability to dominate in one-on-one situations, Garrett will play a crucial role in the defensive 50. His ability to stay low to the ground, read the ball, and maintain balance will make him a tough opponent for any AFL forward.

Garrett’s power and commitment to defensive excellence will be vital for Ohio State’s AFL campaign as they look to compete at the highest level.

8. Zach Harrison (Key Forward)

Recruited from Ohio State Football (NCAA)

A force in the defensive line for Ohio State’s football team, Zach Harrison is making the switch to AFL as a key forward. Harrison’s height, speed, and ability to jump and contest high marks will give him an advantage in the forward 50. His physicality and strength will make him a challenging opponent for any AFL defender, and his aggressive playing style will ensure that he’s always a threat around goal.

Harrison’s strong aerial ability and his agility in tight spaces will make him a key figure in Ohio State’s AFL forward setup.

9. Luke Wypler (Half-Back)

Recruited from Ohio State Football (NCAA)

Luke Wypler, an offensive lineman known for his quick reflexes and decision-making ability, is now joining Ohio State’s AFL team as a half-back. Wypler’s agility, awareness, and strength will make him an ideal candidate for intercepting passes and launching counter-attacks. His discipline and quick reactions will allow him to play a crucial role in Ohio State’s defensive structure while contributing to offensive transitions.

10. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Forward)

Recruited from Ohio State Football (NCAA)

Jaxon Smith-Njigba is one of the most exciting wide receivers in college football, and he’s bringing his explosive talent to Ohio State’s AFL forward line. Known for his incredible hand-eye coordination, speed, and ability to track the ball in flight, Smith-Njigba will thrive as an AFL forward. His sharp cuts, quick reflexes, and ability to evade defenders will allow him to become a major threat inside the forward 50.

Ohio State’s 2025 AFL Season: What’s Next?

With these 10 incredible signings, Ohio State’s new AFL team looks set to compete from the very first bounce of the 2025 season. The mix of talent, athleticism, and versatility from their American football program provides a strong foundation for what could be a remarkable debut year.

As Ohio State athletes adapt to AFL’s unique style of play, their performance will be closely watched. The crossover of American football stars into the AFL will undoubtedly capture the attention of fans worldwide and set the stage for a truly historic season.

Only time will tell if Ohio State can overcome the challenges of adapting to the AFL, but with this exciting roster, they are sure to make a significant impact in the 2025 season.