Is this the season that Coach Day and Ohio State can finally get over the hump? It is one of the highest expectations in Ohio State Buckeyes’ school history. Many of their players from last season returned, and Chip Kelly is their new offensive coordinator. This team has the package to win the national championship.
The Buckeyes have had an elite offense under Coach Day for several years, but this is collectively the best Buckeyes team since 2019. Their offense always triumphs over their defense, which has been their biggest weakness, but they got better last season and this season.
In 2023, Ohio State was a team driven by its defense. The defense ranked No. 2 in scoring, No. 3 in yards per game, No. 1 in passing, and No. 29 in rushing.
Who are some of the fresh new faces coming to Ohio?
Kansas State quarterback Will Howard is now a Buckeye through the transfer portal. Howard is an exciting talent to look out for. Buckeyes also received players like Alabama quarterback Julian Sayin and center Seth McLaughlin, Ole Miss running back Quinton Judkins, and Ohio tight end Will Kaczmarek from the portal.
Coach Day will need to demonstrate strategic communication and strong play-calling. He’ll need to deliver this season for this program. Working side by side with Coach Kelly will be a fascinating dynamic. We hope this marriage turns into an asset more than a liability.
Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka is coming back, and hopefully, he will win a national title before he enters the NFL Draft. Egbuka would need to stay healthy. He got hurt for most of last season. For the Buckeyes to succeed, Egbuka must have over 1,000 reception yards and ten touchdowns.
Brandon Inniss and Jeremiah Smith are two names who could have a great season for the Buckeyes. Inniss could be a second weapon the Buckeyes can use for the wide receiver position besides Egbuka. Smith is a freshman, and the No. 1 recruit out of the 2024 class from a receiving standpoint.
The Buckeyes will host Week 1 against Akron on Saturday, Aug 31, at 3:30 pm.
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