Skull Session: Lathan Ransom Calls the Buckeye, Jim Tressel Compares Ohio State’s 2024 Team to Its 2002 Team

Ohio State football is not only one of the most successful programs in the history of college football but also one of the most storied. The Buckeyes have been home to legends, championships, and iconic players who have shaped the landscape of college football. As Ohio State looks ahead to the 2024 season, it’s impossible not to think about the program’s illustrious past and the comparisons that arise between current teams and those that came before. This week, a Skull Session—a term for Ohio State football fans’ beloved daily source for news and updates—featured notable perspectives from Ohio State safety Lathan Ransom, and a legendary coach, Jim Tressel, as they made bold statements about the Buckeyes’ future and their ties to Ohio State’s history.

Ransom, one of the pillars of Ohio State’s defense, called the Buckeyes’ defense “special” this season, giving fans high hopes for what’s to come. Meanwhile, Jim Tressel, the head coach who led Ohio State to a national championship in 2002, compared the 2024 Buckeye squad to his own title-winning team. The comparisons to the 2002 Ohio State team, a squad that was gritty, determined, and full of character, raised the expectations for the upcoming season, as Tressel noted the similarities in style, team chemistry, and overall grit.

Let’s break down these key comments and insights, as Lathan Ransom’s confidence in Ohio State’s defense and Jim Tressel’s nostalgic yet optimistic view of the 2024 team bring a wealth of anticipation for the coming season.

Lathan Ransom’s Confidence: Ohio State’s Defense Is “Special”

Lathan Ransom, a safety who has been a central figure in Ohio State’s defense for the past few seasons, was the first to share his thoughts on the Buckeyes’ 2024 team. Ransom has made a name for himself as one of the most reliable and dynamic players in the secondary. After a season where the defense showed improvement under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, Ransom seems confident that Ohio State’s defense has the potential to be among the best in the nation.

Ransom was quoted in the Skull Session calling the Buckeye defense “special,” with high praise for the defensive line, linebackers, and secondary. His comments weren’t just about individual players but about the overall team dynamic. Ransom emphasized the cohesion of the defense, noting that the players have developed a stronger bond and understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. For Ransom, it’s clear that a solid defense is more than just individual talent—it’s about collective synergy and working toward a common goal.

“I truly believe this defense is something special. We’ve all been pushing each other to get better every single day,” Ransom stated. “We’re a family out there, and it’s all about working together. Our communication has improved, and I feel like we can get after anyone this year.”

That level of confidence from a player like Ransom is contagious. Ohio State fans have long lamented the team’s inability to match the defensive tenacity of some of the program’s past championship teams. Under Knowles, however, the defense showed considerable progress in 2023, finishing the season strong. The addition of highly touted recruits and the maturation of veterans like Ransom suggest the defense is ready to take the next step.

Ransom’s statement also reflects an awareness that Ohio State’s defense, while talented, will need to carry the load in 2024. With questions at the quarterback position—specifically around the development of Kyle McCord—Ransom’s belief that the defense is “special” signals that the Buckeyes’ success may hinge on the ability to stifle opposing offenses. If Ohio State’s defense is as good as Ransom believes it can be, the team has the potential to compete for a national championship in 2024.

Jim Tressel’s Comparison: The 2024 Buckeyes and the 2002 Team

Jim Tressel, who is synonymous with Ohio State football after leading the program to a national championship in 2002, has continued to serve as an influential figure in Columbus. His legacy is undeniable, and his insights are still highly respected by fans and coaches alike. In the latest Skull Session, Tressel compared Ohio State’s 2024 team to the 2002 national championship team, providing both nostalgia and optimism for the upcoming season.

Tressel, when discussing the Buckeyes’ 2024 squad, saw some striking similarities between this team and his own 2002 championship-winning unit. He pointed to key factors such as defensive toughness, a balanced offensive attack, and the team’s ability to grind out victories even when they weren’t necessarily flashy.

“Looking at this team, I see a lot of what we had in 2002. We weren’t always the biggest or the fastest, but we were tough, we played with heart, and we knew how to win close games. This 2024 team has that same grit,” Tressel commented during the session. “There’s a certain determination about them that reminds me of our squad. They don’t always need to blow you out, but they know how to find a way to win.”

The 2002 Ohio State team was perhaps one of the most unlikely champions in college football history. Led by Tressel, the Buckeyes went undefeated through the regular season, but their path to a national championship was full of tight games, including a dramatic 31-24 victory over Miami in the BCS National Championship Game. What made the 2002 team so special was its ability to win in tough, gritty situations—traits that Tressel saw in the 2024 Buckeyes.

One of the hallmarks of the 2002 team was its defensive dominance. Players like Chris Gamble, Will Allen, and Darrion Scott were key figures in one of the nation’s top defenses. Tressel’s comparison to the 2024 Buckeyes, with their defensive strength, particularly after Ransom’s comments about Ohio State’s defense being “special,” suggests that the 2024 team might be built in a similar mold: tough, resilient, and capable of shutting down high-powered offenses when necessary.

Tressel also noted that the 2002 team wasn’t dependent on one player or one unit. Instead, the team was balanced, with offensive contributions from the likes of Maurice Clarett and Craig Krenzel, as well as crucial special teams plays. Tressel’s analysis of the 2024 team pointed to a similar balance, with a dynamic defense and an offense that has the potential to succeed without being overly reliant on one position.

“Much like we did in 2002, I see this team playing complementary football. The offense doesn’t need to score 50 points, but they need to do their job and control the game. The defense is going to keep us in it. I think the 2024 team can play that same kind of game.”

Tressel’s words carry weight for Ohio State fans, especially those who remember the grit and toughness of the 2002 national championship team. His endorsement of the 2024 squad reinforces the idea that Ohio State football has maintained its identity—defensively tough, mentally strong, and able to win games in a variety of ways.

The 2024 Buckeyes: An Unpredictable Path to Success

The 2024 season for Ohio State is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory. While the team is filled with talent, particularly on defense, questions persist about the offense, especially at quarterback. With McCord taking over at quarterback, there will undoubtedly be growing pains, but Ransom’s confidence in the defense suggests that Ohio State can lean on its strength to get through any early-season struggles.

Tressel’s comparison to the 2002 national champions, however, should not be overlooked. Ohio State’s 2002 squad wasn’t one built around flashy offensive numbers, but rather on a strong defense and a resilient offense that found ways to win. In many ways, the 2024 team could follow a similar blueprint, where the defense holds steady, and the offense, though not necessarily explosive, finds a way to get the job done.

In particular, Tressel’s recognition of the Buckeyes’ ability to grind out wins in tough situations could be a critical factor. In 2002, the Buckeyes consistently found ways to win close games—whether it was through a crucial defensive stop, a key turnover, or timely special teams play. With a defense that Ransom believes could be “special,” and with a balanced offense that only needs to execute at a competent level, Ohio State’s 2024 season could resemble the 2002 championship campaign in more ways than one.

 A Season to Remember?

As the 2024 season approaches, Ohio State fans are filled with anticipation. Lathan Ransom’s confidence in the defense and Jim Tressel’s comparison to the 2002 national champions have added a layer of optimism to the upcoming year. The Buckeyes, like the 2002 team, have the talent to succeed in many ways, from defensive dominance to opportunistic offense. Whether the 2024 squad can match the gritty, tough spirit of the 2002 team remains to be seen, but the potential is certainly there.

For Ohio State football, this could be another unforgettable season. As the Buckeyes prepare for what lies ahead, one thing is clear: The tradition of toughness and resilience that defined the 2002 championship team is alive and well in Columbus, and with leaders like Lathan Ransom, the 2024 team is primed to make its own legacy. Whether they can win it all remains to be seen, but they’ll certainly be ready for the challenge, just as Tressel’s 2002 team was.