Most offseasons, Ohio State fans are pondering what their roster will look like after a surplus of talent leaves for the NFL.

This offseason, fans of the Scarlett and Gray will have to wonder if any newcomers actually see the field.

Multiple draft-eligible players have announced their intent to return to Columbus in hopes of winning OSU a title. Marvin Harrison Jr. knew his time was up and Mike Hall Jr. likely flirted with the idea of coming back.

Those two will be hopeful fixtures in the NFL by the end of their rookie season. The rest of the draft-eligible players? They’ll be back at Ohio Stadium in the hunt to secure a Big Ten title and victory over Michigan.

That’s not all for the Buckeyes. Two-time 1,000-yard runner Quinshon Judkins committed to the team from Ohio State earlier this month. OSU also added veteran quarterback Will Howard from Kansas State.

WILL HOWARD
Howard has the potential to flourish in Ryan Day’s offense while adding a mobile element to the position, too. He’s proven he can lead a team to a conference title, as evident by his 10-win season and Big 12 championship in 2022 with the Wildcats.

With so much talent being retained, expectations should be high entering 2024. Higher than usual on campus given the circumstances. The addition of several newcomers, plus any more transfers, could bolster the persona around the Buckeyes even more.

But what will the roster look like in August when the Buckeyes take the field against Akron on Aug. 31? Here’s a way-too-early in-depth dive at the depth chart.

Quarterback – Will Howard, Devin Brown, Lincoln Keinholz, Air Noland

Brown didn’t leave Manhattan to sit elsewhere. He seemed like a perfect fit for Lincoln Riley and future Big Ten rival USC, but all that changed after Miller Moss’ six-touchdown day against Louisville in the Holiday Bowl.

While Moss impressed in his first start, Brown and Keinholz struggled. The two combined for 106 passing yards and a fumble. Brown left early in the second quarter with a high ankle sprain, and Keinholz took reps with the twos for most of the week.

Both passers have upside. So does Noland, who could work up the depth chart once he arrives on campus. Day doesn’t need potential. He needs results, something no one else in the room can say.

Running Back – TreVeyon Henderson, Quinshon Judkins, Dallan Hayden, James Peoples

Henderson’s return forms the best running tandem in the country. Judkins has dominated the SEC since arriving in Oxford from Pike Road, Ala., and has already been accustomed to splitting reps.

The same goes for Henderson, who’s been comfortable sharing the load in the past with other tailbacks. Combined, Judkins and Henderson totaled over 2,000 yards and 26 touchdowns while averaging a combined 5.3 yards per run. Both are also known for their physical approach at the line of scrimmage but elusiveness in the open field.

Hayden should also work into the rotation following the departures of Chip Trayanum, Evan Pryor and Miyan Williams.

Wide Receiver – Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate, Jayden Ballard, Brandon Inniss, Jeremiah Smith, Mylan Graham

Egbuka is next in line to take over as WR1. He could have gone pro, but after missing three games with a lower-body injury, his draft stock took a tumble. When healthy, he’s a game-changing receiver.

Tate’s role should expand with Harrison’s departure. He’s the next five-star route-runner destined for greatness at the next level and could post his first 1,000-yard season this fall. Inniss should see more reps with Julian Flemming off to Ohio State, and Smith was the No. 1 player in 2024 for a reason. He won’t be sitting on the sidelines for long.

Ballard, a fourth-year junior, could work his way into starting reps, too. Graham, another five-star, might see action with a strong fall camp.

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Tight End – Gee Scott Jr., Will Kacmarek, Jelani Thurman, Max LeBlanc, Damarion Witten

It’s the only unknown position on the roster. Cade Stover took over the title of tight end No. 1 and didn’t like sharing. Scott has the most experience after hauling in 10 passes for 70 yards and a touchdown. Thurman, LeBlanc and Witten will be playing catch up.

Kaczmarek, a transfer from Ohio, could win the job outright. Last season with the Bobcats, the 6-6 playmaker hauled in 22 passes for 243 yards and two scores.

Left Tackle – Josh Simmons, Zen Michalski

The same two names that saw action last season are coming back. There’s stability on the blindside for Howard.

Left Guard – Donovan Jackson, Tegra Tshabola

Jackson shocked many when he posted to social media that “There’s still more to do.” He’s been a fixture in the trenches for two years and about as good as a coach could ask for. Since 2021, Jackson has only allowed three sacks in 20-plus games. No one else on Ohio State’s offensive line can say that.

Center – Carson Hinzman, Seth McLaughlin, Joshua Padilla

Maybe Hinzman loses the job to McLaughlin, who started 25 games during his time with the Crimson Tide. Perhaps he doesn’t. Either way, both players are extensive reps as starters.

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Right Guard – Josh Fryer, Enokk Vimahi

Fryer could move to guard or stay at right tackle. He’ll be starting somewhere on the line, but will the emergence of Luke Montgomery lead to a switch on the outside?

Right Tackle – Luke Montgomery, George Fitzpatrick

Montgomery is viewed as the long-term answer and should at least begin spring practice with the first-team offense.

Defensive End – J.T. Tuimoloau, Kenyatta Jackson Jr.

Tuimoloau was the latest defensive back to snub the NFL in favor of college. He’s a steady pass rusher who’s improved his production each season and should be poised for a dominant senior campaign. Jackson once again rotates on certain formations.

Defensive End – Jack Sawyer, Caden Curry, Eddrick Houston

Sawyer was among the first to announce his intent to return for the 2024 season and might become the top defensive end in the Big Ten. He led the Buckeyes in sacks (6.5), tackles for loss (10), and pressures while helping the program boast one of the nation’s best run defenses.

Curry should see similar production, while Houston’s addition gives OSU a building block for future rotation.

Defensive Tackle – Tyleik Williams, Ty Hamilton, Hero Kanu, Jason Moore

Hall’s gone. Williams and Hamilton aren’t. Williams finished with a team-leading 10 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Hamilton’s 4.5 tackles for loss this past season ranked fourth among OSU players, while he also finished with two sacks.

Kanu and Moore will rotate in. Expect Kanu to see an uptick in reps at nose guard now that Hall is off to the pros.

Linebacker – Cody Simon, C.J. Hicks, Arvell Reese, Gabe Powers

Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers are off to the draft, but Simon and Hicks should be plug-and-play replacements. Simon finished fourth in tackles with 57 stops. Hicks is the new breakout thumper. Reese and Powers could fight for reps with Hicks during spring practice.

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Cornerback – Denzel Burke, Calvin Simpson-Hunt

Burke likely would have garnered first-round buzz if he’d entered the draft, but instead, it’s another year of blossoming into an elite defensive back. Last season, the junior proved his value as a shutdown corner with nine pass breakups and an interception. Simpson-Hunt waits another season.

Cornerback – Davison , Jermaine Matthews Jr., Aaron Scott

Igbinosun, who began his career at Ole Miss, did enough to warrant a starting role heading into next season. In 13 games, the sophomore recorded 57 tackles and five pass breakups. Matthews is returning for depth, which boosts the veteran feel. Scott, a 6-2 four-star from Springfield, should also work his way into the huddle.

Cornerback – Jordan Hancock, Lorenzo Styles Jr., Bryce West

Hancock joined the party of players returning for 2023 by announcing he was the source behind the decision. Last year was one to remember for the Suwanee, Georgia, native. He had 41 tackles, five pass breakups and two forced fumbles.

Expect him to start in the nickel and also potentially at safety.

Safety – Latham Ransom, Malik Hartford, Jayden Bonsu

Ransom is back after missing the Cotton Bowl and is ready to build on a promising junior season. In eight games, he recorded 34 tackles and had one interception and a forced fumble.

Harford, who played 158 snaps as a freshman last season, could fight for starting reps or rotate in occasionally.

Safety – Sonny Styles, Ja’Had Carter, Garrett Stover

Styles had a quiet but quality year on the back end, recording 53 tackles, two sacks and eight pass breakups. The junior-to-be should be in no danger of losing his starting job, even with the arrival of Stover, a four-star from Sunbury.