The Athletic projects the Ohio State football team’s spring starting lineup and backups.

As Ohio State football enters the spring season, it is preparing for another year of high expectations. Known for its elite recruiting and consistently being a contender in both the Big Ten and the College Football Playoff conversation, the Buckeyes’ success hinges on both their established stars and their emerging talent. The spring practices provide an early opportunity for head coach Ryan Day and his coaching staff to evaluate the depth chart, with many positions up for grabs.

With a strong recruiting class and several key returning players, the projected spring starting lineup for Ohio State will feature a mixture of veterans looking to lead and young players trying to make their mark. The spring game will be an important time for players to showcase their skills and solidify their places in the lineup, especially with competition expected to be fierce at multiple positions. In this article, we will break down Ohio State’s projected spring starting lineup, discuss some notable backups, and explore the potential for depth at each position.

Quarterback: Kyle McCord (Starter) / Devin Brown (Backup)

The most talked-about position on Ohio State’s roster entering the 2024 season is undoubtedly quarterback. After the departure of C.J. Stroud to the NFL, the Buckeyes find themselves in a rare position where they need to determine who will be the leader of their offense. As of now, Kyle McCord is the projected starting quarterback for the Buckeyes, but the competition is still open, and the spring practices will be pivotal in deciding who takes the starting job.

McCord, a former 5-star recruit from Philadelphia, has had the benefit of sitting behind Stroud for the past few seasons, learning from one of the best quarterbacks in college football. McCord was the backup for Stroud last season, seeing limited action in blowouts and non-conference games. His size (6’3”, 220 pounds) and strong arm make him a natural fit to run the Buckeyes’ pro-style offense, and his accuracy has impressed coaches during practices.

However, McCord is not the only quarterback vying for the starting role. Devin Brown, a redshirt freshman who joined Ohio State as a highly touted recruit, is expected to push McCord for the starting position. Brown, who is more mobile and a better runner than McCord, brings a different dynamic to the quarterback room. His dual-threat ability could give Ohio State’s offense an added layer of versatility, but he still needs to improve his consistency in the passing game.

The spring practices will give both McCord and Brown ample opportunities to prove themselves. Coach Ryan Day has stated that both quarterbacks will get first-team reps, making the quarterback competition one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the season.

Running Back: Miyan Williams (Starter) / TreVeyon Henderson (Backup)

The running back position for Ohio State features two highly capable backs who are both expected to play significant roles in 2024. Miyan Williams is projected to be the starter after a standout season in 2023. Williams has been a consistent force for the Buckeyes, combining toughness, speed, and vision to break through defenses. At 5’9″, 225 pounds, Williams is a power back with a low center of gravity, making him difficult to bring down in short-yardage situations. He is also an excellent pass catcher out of the backfield, adding versatility to Ohio State’s offense.

However, Williams will face competition from TreVeyon Henderson, one of the most highly anticipated backs in recent memory. Henderson, who was considered a top running back prospect upon entering Ohio State, has shown flashes of brilliance in his early career, especially in the 2021 season. Though he was hindered by injuries in 2023, his talent and upside are undeniable. Henderson has elite speed and vision, and if he can stay healthy throughout spring practices and the upcoming season, he could push Williams for the starting job.

Behind these two, Ohio State also has depth with Dallan Hayden, a talented sophomore who showed promise as a backup in 2023. He provides a strong option as a backup running back, offering both speed and power.

Wide Receiver: Marvin Harrison Jr. (Starter) / Emeka Egbuka (Starter) / Julian Fleming (Backup)

The wide receiver room at Ohio State is one of the most elite in the country, and 2024 will be no exception. Marvin Harrison Jr., arguably the best wide receiver in college football, is the clear-cut starter on one side of the field. Harrison is a physical specimen at 6’4″, 205 pounds, and his ability to make plays in all areas of the field is unparalleled. He combines excellent route running with incredible hands, and his high football IQ allows him to consistently make big plays. Harrison is expected to be the focal point of Ohio State’s passing game in 2024 and is likely to be a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Alongside him will be Emeka Egbuka, who has been one of the most consistent performers for Ohio State in recent seasons. Egbuka has great speed and elusiveness, and his ability to make defenders miss in the open field gives Ohio State an additional weapon in their passing attack. Egbuka will likely be the No. 2 option in the receiving corps, but he could see plenty of opportunities for big plays alongside Harrison.

Behind these two stars, Ohio State has an incredibly deep group of receivers. Julian Fleming, the veteran wideout who has been with the program for several years, has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to fully break out as the consistent playmaker many expected him to be. He will provide solid depth and a veteran presence in the receiver room. Additionally, Kayden McDonald, a highly-rated freshman, will look to make an impact during the spring and possibly work his way into a key role.

Tight End: Cade Stover (Starter) / Joe Royer (Backup)

Ohio State’s tight end position will be led by Cade Stover, who returns after a breakout 2023 season. Stover has shown that he can be a versatile weapon in the Buckeyes’ offense, with the ability to block in the run game and make plays as a receiver. Standing at 6’4″ and 255 pounds, Stover’s combination of size and athleticism makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. He is expected to be a key piece of Ohio State’s passing game in 2024, especially in short-yardage and red zone situations.

Behind Stover, Joe Royer will provide depth. While Royer has been somewhat under the radar during his first few seasons at Ohio State, he possesses the skill set to step up as a contributor if needed. Royer is more of a traditional tight end in terms of his blocking ability, but he has also shown glimpses of being a reliable target in the passing game.

Offensive Line: Projected Starters and Depth

The offensive line is always one of Ohio State’s strongest units, and the 2024 season should be no different. Donovan Jackson (LG), Luke Wypler (C), and Paris Johnson Jr. (RT) are projected to be the starters. Jackson is a dynamic guard who is expected to anchor the interior of the line. Wypler is one of the top centers in the country, known for his quickness and ability to read defensive schemes. Johnson, a future NFL draft pick, is a rock-solid tackle who will be critical in protecting the quarterback.

At left tackle, Josh Simmons is expected to be the starter, solidifying the left side of the line. Simmons, an experienced player, will be critical in ensuring the offensive line plays to its potential. Backups like Tegra Tshabola and Enokk Vimahi will offer solid depth, providing the Buckeyes with experienced players to rotate in if needed.

Defensive Line: A Disruptive Force

The defensive line will be another strength for Ohio State in 2024. The Buckeyes return several key players, including J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, who will anchor the defensive line. Both are elite pass rushers, capable of wreaking havoc in the backfield. Tuimoloau, in particular, showed his dominance in 2023 with his ability to pressure the quarterback and disrupt running plays.

Behind them, Mike Hall Jr. and Ty Hamilton will add depth to the interior, with both players capable of generating pressure up the middle. The defensive line will remain one of the top units in the country, and they are expected to be a major factor in Ohio State’s success in 2024.

Linebackers: Steele Chambers (Starter) / Cody Simon (Backup)

Ohio State’s linebacker corps will be led by Steele Chambers, who has developed into a leader of the defense. Chambers combines athleticism and football IQ, making him an excellent all-around linebacker. Behind him, Cody Simon will provide depth and contribute in various linebacker roles.

Secondary: A Young but Talented Unit

In the secondary, Jahsen Wint and Denzel Burke will be key figures at cornerback. The safety positions will be held down by Lathan Ransom and Kourt Williams, who bring a mixture of leadership and playmaking ability to the backfield.