Key returners and departures following Ohio State’s run for a national championship in football

Ohio State football has become synonymous with excellence. With a rich history of success, the Buckeyes continue to challenge for Big Ten titles and College Football Playoff (CFP) berths, regularly positioning themselves as a national championship contender. After a hard-fought 2023 season that once again placed them among the top teams in the country, Ohio State is gearing up for another run in 2024. As the Buckeyes aim for their next national title, the key returning players and significant departures from their 2023 squad will play an essential role in shaping the team’s chances for success.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into Ohio State’s key returners and departures following their run for a national championship. We will break down the players who are returning to the team for the 2024 season and how their experience and skill sets will impact the Buckeyes’ campaign. Additionally, we’ll examine the departures that will leave gaps in the roster and discuss how Ohio State plans to fill those voids through recruitment, development, and, potentially, the transfer portal.

1. Key Returners for Ohio State Football in 2024

Ohio State’s success in 2024 will largely hinge on the return of a number of key players who have already proven themselves at the highest levels. These returners bring experience, leadership, and the talent needed to make another championship push. Let’s take a closer look at the most important returners for the Buckeyes in the upcoming season.

1.1. Quarterback: Kyle McCord

After the departure of C.J. Stroud, who was selected with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans, Ohio State needed to find its new leader at quarterback. Kyle McCord, who served as Stroud’s backup in 2022, enters 2024 as the presumed starting quarterback for the Buckeyes. McCord, a former five-star recruit, has already shown flashes of his talent, completing 58.8% of his passes for 1,311 yards and nine touchdowns in 2023.

The key question for McCord in 2024 will be his ability to command the offense on a full-time basis and lead the Buckeyes back to the College Football Playoff. While he may not have the same dynamic playmaking style that Stroud possessed, McCord has the tools to succeed in Ohio State’s pro-style offense. His decision-making, ability to read defenses, and command of the huddle will be crucial as he looks to build on the legacy of the quarterbacks who came before him.

1.2. Wide Receiver: Marvin Harrison Jr.

No player will be more pivotal for Ohio State’s 2024 season than Marvin Harrison Jr., the reigning Biletnikoff Award finalist and one of the best wide receivers in college football. After a spectacular 2023 campaign in which he totaled 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns, Harrison’s return gives Ohio State an elite weapon at wide receiver. His combination of size (6-foot-4), speed, and route-running ability is unmatched in college football, and he is the go-to target for McCord in the passing game.

Harrison’s ability to make contested catches, stretch the field, and create separation from defenders will be critical for the Buckeyes’ offense. As one of the top prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft, Harrison will be looking to cap off his college career with another championship run, and his leadership in the wide receiver room will be invaluable.

1.3. Running Back: Miyan Williams

While TreVeyon Henderson’s future in the NFL Draft remains a question, Ohio State’s running back room will be bolstered by the return of Miyan Williams. Williams was a key contributor in the 2023 season, totaling over 800 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. As a physical runner, Williams brings a unique power element to the Buckeyes’ offense, complementing their typically fast-paced and explosive style.

Williams will likely be the focal point of Ohio State’s running game in 2024, especially if Henderson leaves for the NFL. His ability to grind out tough yards between the tackles and break off long runs will be essential in Ohio State’s offensive balance. The Buckeyes will look to lean on Williams as the workhorse back while utilizing other talented players in a rotation to keep the offense dynamic.

1.4. Defensive Line: J.T. Tuimoloau

The defensive line is one of Ohio State’s most talented position groups, and J.T. Tuimoloau stands as one of the key returners. A first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2023, Tuimoloau emerged as one of the top pass-rushers in the country, registering 7.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. His ability to pressure the quarterback and disrupt the backfield is crucial to Ohio State’s defensive success.

Tuimoloau’s combination of size (6-foot-4, 270 pounds), strength, and agility makes him an elite defender and a matchup nightmare for opposing offenses. In 2024, he will be the cornerstone of the Buckeyes’ defense, helping to establish a dominant front seven. Ohio State will rely on him to anchor the pass rush and make plays behind the line of scrimmage.

1.5. Cornerback: Denzel Burke

The return of Denzel Burke in the secondary is another huge boost for Ohio State. After a sophomore season in which he was named All-Big Ten honorable mention, Burke has the opportunity to emerge as one of the premier cornerbacks in college football in 2024. Standing at 6-foot-1 and possessing the speed to keep up with the fastest wide receivers, Burke is an exceptional cover corner who can lock down opposing pass catchers.

Burke’s presence in the secondary will help stabilize Ohio State’s defense and allow the coaching staff to be more aggressive with their pass-rush schemes. His ability to shut down opposing No. 1 receivers will be pivotal as the Buckeyes look to defend against some of the top offenses in the nation.

2. Key Departures Following Ohio State’s Run for a National Championship

While Ohio State is returning a strong nucleus of talent, there are also several key players who have decided to depart, either through the NFL Draft or the transfer portal. These departures will leave significant gaps on both sides of the ball, and Ohio State will need to fill these voids with incoming recruits and players stepping up in new roles.

2.1. Quarterback: C.J. Stroud (NFL Draft)

One of the biggest departures for Ohio State is C.J. Stroud, who declared for the 2023 NFL Draft after leading the Buckeyes to a 12-1 record and a CFP appearance. Stroud was one of the most prolific quarterbacks in Ohio State history, breaking numerous records and earning several accolades during his time in Columbus. His 2023 campaign saw him throw for over 4,400 yards and 44 touchdowns, and he was widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the country.

Stroud’s departure leaves a massive hole at quarterback for Ohio State, as the Buckeyes will need to find someone capable of filling the shoes of a Heisman finalist and future NFL star. Kyle McCord will be expected to step into this role in 2024, but Stroud’s leadership, decision-making, and ability to make pinpoint throws will be sorely missed.

2.2. Wide Receiver: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (NFL Draft)

Another major departure is Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who declared for the NFL Draft after a stellar career at Ohio State. Smith-Njigba was one of the most talented wide receivers in the country during his time with the Buckeyes, and his absence will leave a void in the passing game. Despite being hampered by injuries in 2023, Smith-Njigba showed his elite skills during his 2022 campaign, where he set multiple Ohio State records.

The Buckeyes will need to rely on their talented group of returning wide receivers, including Marvin Harrison Jr., to take on more significant roles in the passing game. While Ohio State has plenty of depth at wide receiver, replacing a player like Smith-Njigba won’t be easy, especially given his exceptional route-running, hands, and overall football IQ.

2.3. Defensive Tackle: Taron Vincent (NFL Draft)

On the defensive side of the ball, Taron Vincent, a key contributor along the interior of the defensive line, is another major departure for Ohio State. Vincent was a leader on the Buckeyes’ defense and one of the top interior pass rushers. With his size and strength, Vincent was able to collapse the pocket and free up Ohio State’s edge rushers. His absence will be felt, particularly in Ohio State’s ability to generate pressure from the interior.

The Buckeyes will need players like Ty Hamilton and Mike Hall Jr. to step up in 2024 and fill the void left by Vincent’s departure. The interior of the defensive line will be critical in stopping the run and providing pass-rush support for Ohio State’s elite edge rushers like J.T. Tuimoloau.

2.4. Defensive Back: Cameron Brown (NFL Draft)

In the secondary, Cameron Brown will be departing for the NFL after a solid career at Ohio State. As one of the team’s starting cornerbacks, Brown helped lock down opposing wide receivers and was an important piece of the Buckeyes’ defense. His experience and leadership will be missed, but the return of Denzel Burke and the addition of new talent will help mitigate the loss.

3. Looking Ahead to 2024: Filling the Gaps

As Ohio State heads into the 2024 season, the team has a strong foundation with the return of key players like Kyle McCord, Marvin Harrison Jr., and J.T. Tuimoloau. However, the departures of C.J. Stroud, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and others will force the Buckeyes to find new contributors. Fortunately, Ohio State’s recruiting pipeline remains elite, and they have several talented young players ready to step into larger roles.

The 2024 season will be an exciting opportunity for Ohio State football to reload and make another serious run at a national championship. With a mix of experienced returners, new talent, and a few questions to answer, the Buckeyes will once again be one of the most talented teams in the nation as they pursue their next title.