We’ve already gone through this exercise several times before leading up to the postponement of the Big Ten football season, but then we went into wait and see mode.
Now that the Big Ten is back in business, it’s time to look at the depth chart of the Ohio State football team once again. We looked at potential starters already, but we’re digging deeper on this one especially with some opt-outs opting back in.
The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown some uncertainty into the whole equation, but we at least are moving forward with a start date of October 24 when the Buckeyes will open things back up with Nebraska, followed by an eight-week sprint to the finish.
So let’s get going with this whole thing. We’ll kick things off in the backfield.
Next … the quarterback/running back combination
Quarterback
1. Justin Fields**
2. Gunnar Hoak
Fields remains the guy here obviously. Hoak gets the nod as the backup because of his experience, but guys like C.J. Stroud, Jack Miller, and Kyle McCord could also enter the fray.
Running Back
1. Trey Sermon
2. Master Teague
Reports say that Teague is ready to go after suffering an Achilles set back during the spring, but we still think Sermon gets more carries as the graduate transfer that was brought in to be a playmaker in the backfield. Don’t count out Teague though in this competition.
Next … the pass catchers
Slot/H-Back
1. Demario McCall
2. Jameson Williams
There’s a lot of options here, but we think it’s finally time for McCall to get a shot here. Look for the wild card, speedster Williams to get into the mix as well. There could also be some shuffling of personnel to get the best playmakers available in the fantastic wide receiver class, so we’ll have to watch this one.
Wide Receiver
1. Chris Olave**
2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba*
1. Garrett Wilson
2. Julian Fleming*
We haven’t changed things here. Olave and Wilson are the clear front runners, with super freshman Njigba and Fleming pushing for time. Mookie Cooper and Jameson Williams could also slide into this spot, but we’re staying with this for now.
Tight End
1. Luke Farrell**
2. Jeremy Ruckert
Farrell has separated himself even with Ruckert coming on last year. You can pretty much plug either one in as the starter and everyone would be fine. We’ll see how the snaps equal out in the fall.
Next … the offensive line
Center
1. Josh Myers**
2. Max Wray
Myers’ decision to return makes this a locked down position. Harry Miller is future of this position most likely, but he’ll likely slide down to get the best mix of talent and production on the field. Look for Max Wray to then back up Myers in a pinch.
Left Guard
1. Harry Miller
2. Enokk Vimahi
Miller might be a future All-American at center, but he can play anywhere on the inside. Look for him to flash here for one year with Vimahi pushing and competing hard.
Right Guard
1. Wyatt Davis**
2. Matthew Jones
Davis is is back in the fold apparently after initially opting out, so he’s the clear starter here. Matthew Jones is available if there’s a need.
Left Tackle
1. Thayer Munford**
2. Paris Johnson, Jr*
We’ll have to watch what Paris Johnson does because he’s got exceptional talent. But Munford is the answer here with all that experience and production.
Right Tackle
1. Nicholas Petit-Frere
2. Dawand Jones
This might be the most hotly contested position on the line with either guy having a shot at nailing it down. Petit-Frere is ready to break out though with all that five-star talent finally coming into his own. Don’t be surprised if Jones wiggles his way into the rotation.
Next … another talented defensive line
Defensive End
1. Jonathon Cooper**
2. Tyreke Smith
1. Zach Harrison
2. Tyler Friday
We really see no reason to change this from our last look at the depth chart. Cooper is an unquestioned leader and Harrison might be the next great one. Smith is the wildcard that, if healthy, could knock on the door to take playing time away from either of them.
Defensive Tackle
1. Taron Vincent
2. Jerron Gage
1. Tommy Togiai
2. Haskell Garrett
If Vincent is healthy finally, we like him to have a breakout year. There’s not much dropoff with Togiai getting the slight nod to also start on the inside.
Next … the linebackers
Strong Side Linebacker
1. Pete Werner**
2. Justin Hilliard
Middle Linebacker
1. Tuf Borland**
2. Dallas Gant
Weak Side Linebacker
1. Baron Browning
2. K’Vaughan Pope
There is a lot to like with this group, and the starters are pretty well set here. It’s a versatile and flexible group, so don’t be surprised if the coaches mix this up a bit. It might be the best linebacking group the program has had in a while.
Next … rebuilding the secondary
Cornerback
1. Shaun Wade**
2. Marcus Williamson
1. Cam Brown
2. Lejond Cavazos*
Cornerback
1. Sevyn Banks
2. Tyreke Johnson
Safety
1. Josh Proctor
2. Marcus Hooker
Despite this being the position group with the most to replace, this feels pretty solid. Wade obviously has the Cadillac position of the OSU defense nailed down with Brown, Banks, and Proctor as the likely starters to round it out. Johnson and Hooker will probably factor into the rotation, and we like what Cavazos brings as a freshman as well.
Next … the kickers
Punter
1. Drue Chrisman**
2. Jake Metzer
Field Goals
1. Blake Haubeil**
2. Dominic DiMaccio
Kickoffs
1. Blake Haubeil**
2. Dominic DiMaccio
There’s nothing to see here. This is locked in just like it has been the last couple of seasons. This is arguably the best specialists in the entire Big Ten.
*Freshman
** Returning Starter
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