During the offseason, we’re undoubtedly going to get a lot of rankings and lists to pass the spring and summer doldrums before activity heats up toward the start of a new college football season. We roll our stuff out as well, but ESPN has been taking a look ahead at the next few seasons in its future power rankings pieces by taking into account projected talent because of recruiting, current talent and head coaches. It is specifically designed to look at the 2021, 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Next up is a top 25 ranking of college football offenses (subscription required) over that period put together by Adam Rittenberg. It’s now an offense-driven game; gone are the days of dominating with defense and an adequate offense. Few teams have embraced all the fun of laser light shows and fireworks on the unit responsible for scoring points, and Ohio State is at, or near the top, of that list.
But where did ESPN and Rittenberg rank the Buckeyes? You might be a little surprised — or not. Here’s where OSU falls in future offensive power according to the worldwide leader in sports programming.
NEXT … Future top 25 ESPN ranking of the Ohio State offense
No. 4 – Ohio State offense over next three seasons
What Adam Rittenberg Says
“There are some short-term concerns as Ohio State loses quarterback Justin Fields after two record-setting seasons. But Ryan Day’s presence and vision, along with superb recruiting, indicates the Buckeyes will remain among the nation’s most dangerous offenses. Whoever emerges from the offseason QB competition — C.J. Stroud, Jack Miller, Kyle McCord — likely will be a multiyear answer with plenty around him. Chris Olave’s somewhat surprising return gives Ohio State a premier wideout to lead a group that also features juniors Garrett Wilson and Jameson Williams, sophomore Julian Fleming and adds Emeka Egbuka and Jayden Ballard, two of ESPN’s top five receiver recruits in the 2021 class. Tight end Jeremy Ruckert’s return stabilizes the position through the 2021 season.
Running back Trey Sermon will be missed, but likely not for long. Master Teague III is an experienced option (256 career carries), and Ohio State adds TreVeyon Henderson, ESPN’s top-rated running back and No. 9 overall player in the 2021 class. Miyan Williams also could be a factor for several more seasons. The offensive line should be the unit’s short-term (and potentially long-term) strength as tackle Thayer Munford leads the group along with Harry Miller, who likely shifts to center to replace Josh Myers. Munford and Nicholas Petit-Frere form one of the nation’s top tackle tandems, and experienced guard Matthew Jones also returns. Paris Johnson Jr., ESPN’s No. 11 overall player in the 2020 class, is positioned to lead the line beyond the 2021 season. Ohio State adds guard Donovan Jackson, ESPN’s No. 70 overall 2021 recruit.”
NEXT … What we say
No. 4 – Ohio State offense over the next three seasons
What We Say
These things are awfully hard to quantify, but there’s no doubt Ohio State is set up for success on the offensive side of the ball for the next several years. The wide receiver room has more talent in it than I can ever remember, the offensive line is always good, and someone is going to be a star at quarterback between guys competing this year — C.J. Stroud, Jack Miller, Kyle McCord — and Quinn Ewers in 2022. The running backs will be varied, talented and deep as well.
In fact, just looking at the skill positions, OSU pulled in the top-ranked receiver from the 2020 (Julian Fleming) and 2021 (Emeka Egbuka) classes, and has the top one of 2022 (Caleb Burton) committed. It also pulled in TreVeyon Henderson, who was widely considered the best running back for the 2021 class.
It’s hard to believe that doesn’t equate to being in the top three, but I guess you have to give other teams their due as well. Among the top ten in ESPN’s offensive rankings for next three years are Oklahoma (1), Alabama (2), Clemson (3), Ohio State (4), Georgia (5), Texas A&M (6), USC (7), Florida (8), Texas (9) and North Carolina (10).
Ohio State football 2021 projected depth chart, pre-spring offense
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