The pressure at Ohio State is unrelenting, particularly after suffering three straight losses to rival Michigan.
Head coach Ryan Day is expected to lead another top-tier team this season. With J.J. McCarthy no longer at quarterback and Jim Harbaugh no longer coaching, the Buckeyes might have the upper hand this year.
The Big Ten has seen significant changes this year, and Day must navigate them all. Nevertheless, the matchup with the Wolverines on the last day of November is always on his mind.
Ohio State has 11 regular-season games before they face Michigan, and they are likely to be favored in most, except possibly the game on November 2 at Penn State.
For Ohio State, Day, and his coaching staff, the goal is to field the best possible team throughout the season. As they gear up for their season opener against Southern Miss on August 31, there are several important factors to consider.
One such factor is junior running back Quinshon Judkins, who transferred from Ole Miss and is expected to make a significant impact. Judkins, who rushed for 1,567 yards and 17 touchdowns during his time with the Rebels, is not an unknown quantity—he’s poised to be a major asset for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State X-factor No. 1 — Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith
Ohio State has built a strong reputation over the past few decades for consistently having top-tier wide receivers, with stars like Marvin Harrison Jr., Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Chris Olave, and Garrett Wilson leading the way.
The pipeline of elite receivers seems endless, and the latest standout is freshman Jeremiah Smith. As one of the most highly sought-after recruits in the nation, Smith is already slated as the team’s starting X-receiver.
The Buckeyes will rely heavily on returning standout Emeka Egbuka and also have Carnell Tate in the mix. Egbuka had a notable 2022 season with 74 receptions for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns, and he added 41 catches for 515 yards and 4 touchdowns in just 10 games last year. Tate, who had a more limited role, caught 18 passes for 264 yards and a touchdown last season, with higher expectations set for him this year.
Standing 6-3 and weighing 215 pounds, Smith had an impressive final season at Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Opa Locka, Florida, where he caught 88 passes for 1,376 yards and 19 touchdowns, helping his team secure its third consecutive state championship.
Ohio State X-fact0r No. 2 — C.J. Hicks
C.J. Hicks has been biding his time with the Buckeyes, and now he’s poised to step into a key defensive role. The 6-3, 233-pound linebacker has accumulated 14 tackles in his first two years, but this season marks his opportunity to become a cornerstone of the defense.
Hailing from Dayton, Ohio, Hicks was the top linebacker recruit in the 2021 class, boasting 84 tackles in his high school career. With his blend of tackling ability and athleticism, Hicks is expected to make significant contributions, helping the Buckeyes build a defense that can compete at the highest level in college football.
His quick play recognition and ability to deliver impactful hits are anticipated to be crucial assets for the team, and the Buckeyes are counting on him for both big plays and consistent performance.
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