The Ohio State hype train got even louder this weekend with bold statements from legendary Buckeye coaches Urban Meyer and Jim Tressel. After a demoralizing end to the 2023 season, Ryan Day and his staff spent the offseason making sure this year would be different. The Buckeyes retained most of their key players, added productive transfers, and brought in impact freshmen. Ohio State has championship or bust expectations every season, but this year that expectation is heightened. While Meyer noted that we still need to see the team play on the field, the coach’s comments may not be far off.
"This is one of the most talented rosters in the last decade, maybe ever."
Urban Meyer with quite the statement about this years Buckeye team. He says he's never seen anything like the talent in the Woody.
Jim Tressel agrees, he says there is greatness everywhere you look. pic.twitter.com/2S8u6WQfKU
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) June 18, 2024
“As of now, this is one of the most talented rosters in the last decade – maybe ever.” – Urban Meyer
“I don’t know if I’ve ever seen that many great players in that building all at once.” – Jim Tressel
Ohio State’s Talent On Offense
Key Additions: QB Will Howard, RB Quinshon Judkins, OL Seth McLaughlin, WR Jeremiah Smith
Key Departures: WR Marvin Harrison Jr, WR Xavier Johnson, TE Cade Stover
Although the Buckeyes will have to replace their starting quarterback and best playmaker, this offense is entering the season in better shape than a season ago. Ohio State made many changes this offseason including bringing in a new play-caller in former UCLA head coach Chip Kelly.
Ohio State will take the field with one of the most talented offenses in the country led by their skill group. The Buckeyes managed to retain star running back TreVeyon Henderson and added Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins to create one of the country’s most talented running back rooms.
The Buckeyes also managed to retain star wide receiver Emeka Egbuka despite his round 1 NFL draft grade. Bringing back Egbuka will give a young wide receiver room the much-needed veteran to lead a group with a very high ceiling.
One of the biggest upgrades in all of college football was Ohio State bringing in Kansas State transfer Will Howard to replace Kyle McCord at quarterback. The Buckeyes were in desperate need of a veteran leader at quarterback and did exactly that. Will Howard has Big 12 championship experience under his belt.
Ohio State’s Talent On Defense
© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Key Additions: S Caleb Downs, DB Keenan Nelson Jr
Key Departures: DT Michael Hall Jr, LB Tommy Eichenberg, LB Steele Chambers
Arguably the most improved unit in college football a season ago was the Ohio State defense. In the second year in the Jim Knowles system the Buckeye defense ranked 2nd in the nation in total defense, after ranking 24th the season prior.
Despite having several players projected to go in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft, Ohio State saw their key contributors opt to stay in Columbus for another season. The Buckeyes will return eight starters on the defensive side of the ball.
The Buckeyes saw a massive upgrade in talent with the addition of superstar safety transfer Caleb Downs from Alabama. Caleb Downs posted the 5th best coverage grade on PFF for all safeties, as a freshman.
The Ohio State Buckeyes currently have four defensive players projected to be drafted in the first round of next year’s NFL Draft JT Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, Denzel Burke, and Tyleik Williams.
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