The 2024 college football season is truly a National Championship-or-bust season for the Ohio State Buckeyes. After a disappointing year and third straight loss to rival Michigan in 2023, the pressure has never been higher for Ryan Day’s squad. The Buckeyes did not waste time this offseason, retaining a large chunk of its talent, and adding impact players through the transfer portal. With pre-season All-America teams and NFL prospect rankings being released, people can project where a lot of the production will come from for the Buckeyes. There are two players poised for a major breakout season in Columbus, Ohio.
Sophomore Wide Receiver Carnell Tate
After earning plentiful playing time as a true freshman, the Buckeye’s sophomore wide receiver Carnell Tate is in line to be Ohio State’s next breakout receiver. With the departures of Cade Stover and Marvin Harrison Jr, Ohio State will be vacating a large portion of their production. With the Buckeye receiving corp lacking experience outside of slot receiver Emeka Egbuka, Tate is a lock to remain a starter on the outside and should rarely be on the sideline in 2024.
In 2023 Carnell Tate recorded 18 receptions for 264 yards and one touchdown. This season Ohio State will see an upgrade at quarterback and on the offensive line which should help open up their pass game.
Tate is a great route runner and often finds gaps in the defense to allow his quarterback to make easy throws. With a veteran quarterback in Will Howard, Tate’s route running will be put on display with a reliable quarterback delivering the ball.
Redshirt Junior Cornerback Jordan Hancock
After an impactful season in 2023, cornerback Jordan Hancock will step right back into the nickel/slot defensive back position to continue his solid play for the Buckeyes. Ohio State’s defensive back unit was perhaps the most improved in college football a season ago and enters 2024 as arguably the best unit in the country. The Buckeyes added SEC Freshman of the Year Caleb Downs to play safety allowing players like Hancock to play more free in 2024, knowing there is solid help behind them.
In 2023, Jordan Hancock had a sneaky productive season recording 41 tackles and 2 interceptions. Hancock thrived in the nickel/slot position a season ago, often making plays on ‘money-downs.’ Though Hancock’s primary responsibility was to defend the opposing team’s slot receiver through the air, Hancock showed the ability to rally to the football and make secure tackles.
With a year of solid production under his belt, Hancock should be in line to take college football by storm and be one of the most productive defensive backs in the country.
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