Ohio State Buckeyes:
It might not be now or never for Buckeyes coach Ryan Day, but the pressure on him to win a national championship is cranked up now. On top of three consecutive losses to Michigan, Ohio State was forced to watch Jim Harbaugh coach the Wolverines to the national title. Harbaugh enjoyed making belittling comments about Day along the way. Day is fighting back, compiling arguably his most talented roster in his sixth full season in Columbus, and taking back control of the Big Ten.
Offense
Chip Kelly, no longer wanting to deal with the recruiting hassles involved in the free agency and NIL era of college football, stepped down as UCLA head coach to join the Buckeyes as their offensive coordinator. Kelly made the move because of his long relationship with Day, who played quarterback for Kelly at New Hampshire from 1998 to 2001. Kelly is a run-first play caller and the Buckeyes have the horses to run wild. Leading rusher TreVeyon Henderson returns and will be complemented by Quinshon Judkins, a transfer from Mississippi who ran for 1,158 yards and 15 touchdowns last season.
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Kansas State transfer Will Howard, the favorite to start at quarterback, is a capable passer who’s also a tough runner. The loss of Marvin Harrison Jr. is not a problem for the Buckeyes, who remain loaded at wide receiver with Emeka Egbuka, Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. The line brings back four veterans, including senior guard Donovan Jackson. Howard has the experience to help improve an offense that sputtered in some big games. Kelly could be the most valuable assistant coaching addition in the country.
Defense
Eight starters return for coordinator Jim Knowles, whose defense ranked No. 2 in the nation in scoring (11.2 PPG). The front is led by NFL prospects Tyleik Williams, Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau. The most impactful newcomer will be safety Caleb Downs, a transfer from Alabama. The Buckeyes allowed 17 points or fewer in 12 of 13 games last season.
Outlook
In his five seasons since taking over for Urban Meyer, Day is 38-3 in Big Ten games, including 1-3 versus Michigan. Day catches a break with the Wolverines, minus Harbaugh, visiting Columbus. However, the conference schedule will be challenging for the Buckeyes, who face Oregon and Penn State on the road. The Kelly-coordinated offense will bulldoze defenses on the ground, and the defense is elite. Day will likely go 11-1 and beat Michigan to quiet critics.
Pick: Over 10.5 Wins
