The strange and unforgettable college football season of 2020 is over and there’s little time to reflect in a sport where we quickly turn the page to window shop into the next season. For Ohio State, that usually means a pretty good outlook on a yearly basis since the Buckeyes restock with the best of them with a bevy of four- and five-star recruits.
There’s no tolerance for a so-called rebuilding year in Columbus, because the template of expectations has been set. But this year is a little different. Ohio State most likely loses playmakers Justin Fields, Chris Olave and Trey Sermon on offense, a ton on both lines, Shaun Wade and other key pieces.
More than ever, it’ll be a test of who is ready to step into the next football season after one in which there simply weren’t that many games to get reps for the younger guys. So, it remains to be seen.
USA TODAY Sports tackled the question for intriguing minds on what the landscape of college football could look like next year, and it actually has Ohio State in the top five despite all of the question marks.
Here is what Erick Smith says about Ohio State, and its way-too-early ranking heading into the 2021 season.
NEXT … Ohio State’s ranking and narrative for 2021
No. 5 – Ohio State
What Erick Smith says about Ohio State
“The questions start with the replacement for Justin Fields. Does C.J. Stroud, Jack Miller or possibly incoming freshman Kyle McCord win the job? And can any of them come close to being as dynamic as Fields? Master Teague and Garrett Wilson will provide threats at running back and wide receiver, respectively. Key losses along both lines can be filled as the Buckeyes have stockpiled enough pieces to remain the class of the Big Ten. However, like Clemson and Alabama, they might get pushed more than usual next year.”
So, what does the rest of the top 10 look like according to Smith? Alabama is (rightfully so) given the benefit of the doubt at No. 1, followed by Georgia (2), Oklahoma (3), Clemson (4). Behind Ohio State is Iowa State (6), Texas A&M (7), Notre Dame (8), Cincinnati (9), and Florida (10).
NEXT … What we say
Ohio State in 2021
What we say:
A ranking of No. 5 is earned largely on what Ohio State has been over the last decade or so, in combination with the recruiting classes and talent that the Buckeye program has stockpiled. However, it’s a lofty ranking with all of the question marks. There will be a new starter under center that will have to operate under a young offensive line. On top of that, the defense has to somehow retool and get a lot better, especially on the back end.
Still, the cupboard is hardly bare. The starting quarterback is going to come from a race with three highly touted recruits, and he’ll be throwing to a ton of talent at the wide receiver position. This upcoming year has a lot of questions, but the answers might already be on the roster.
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