Eric Boggs
With spring football around the corner, Ohio State’s offensive depth chart is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years. The OHIO Podcast recently tackled the topic position by position, and there are plenty of intriguing battles to watch as the Buckeyes prepare for the 2024 season.
Quarterback: Julian Sayin Leads the Pack, But the Battle’s Just Beginning
At quarterback, the consensus among analysts is that five-star freshman Julian Sayin is the frontrunner. Sayin, a highly touted prospect, has the coaching staff’s backing, but Lincoln Kienholz isn’t going down without a fight. Kienholz believes he can win the job, and while most expect Sayin to prevail, the competition remains fierce heading into spring camp. Freshman Tavien St. Clair is viewed as a developmental piece for the future.
One key question remains: will the Buckeyes look to the transfer portal for depth? If Kienholz were to transfer, Ohio State will have no choice but to bring in another quarterback. Possible landing spots for Kienholz, if he were to leave, include Mountain West schools or top-tier FCS programs.
Running Back: A Two-Back System in the Works
Ohio State’s running back room will look different in 2024, with the expectation that CJ Donaldson Jr. will be the feature back. However, redshirt freshman James Peoples is expected to have a significant role, with analysts drawing comparisons to last season’s split between Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson.
Pass protection could determine just how much Peoples plays, as head coach Ryan Day values blocking ability in his running backs. The Buckeyes also have depth with turbo-charged freshman Bo Jackson and redshirt freshman Sam Williams-Dixon, who returned after briefly entering the portal. Turbo Rogers is another name to watch, potentially playing a Swiss Army knife role similar to Xavier Johnson in past seasons.
Wide Receiver: Depth and Talent Abound
Ohio State has a long-standing reputation for developing elite wide receivers, and 2024 looks to be no different. The Buckeyes boast a deep and talented receiving corps, headlined by Jeremiah Smith (X), Carnell Tate (Z), and Brandon Inniss (slot/Y). These three players seem to have the inside track for starting roles, though competition remains fierce.
Behind the projected starters, freshman Quincy Porter (X), redshirt freshman Mylan Graham (Y), and redshirt sophomore Bryson Rodgers (Z) appear to be next in line. Porter is expected to see early playing time, while Graham’s ability to challenge Inniss in the slot remains uncertain. Additionally, former tight end Damarion Witten has transitioned to wide receiver, adding another intriguing element to the position battle.
Tight End: A Loaded Room with Big Expectations
Ohio State’s tight end room might be one of the deepest in the country. Max Klare is the clear starter, but behind him, the Buckeyes have a mix of experience and potential. Will Kacmarek, Bennett Christian, and Jelani Thurman all have the ability to carve out roles, depending on how their off season go.
One big question is how offensive coordinator Brian Hartline will use the tight ends in 2024. With Klare being more of a receiving threat, Hartline may opt for more 12-personnel sets to get the most out of his options. Thurman, in particular, has the skill set to be a breakout player, but his consistency will determine how much he sees the field.
Offensive Line: A Work in Progress
Perhaps the biggest area of concern for Ohio State heading into the season is the offensive line. The Buckeyes lost key contributors and are now looking to both young players and transfers to fill critical roles. Here’s a look at the current projected starters:
- LT: Ethan Onianwa (Transfer)
- LG: Luke Montgomery
- C: Carson Hinsman
- RG: Tegra Tshabola
- RT: Phillip Daniels (Transfer)
Alternative options were debated, with Ian Moore as a potential starter at right tackle and Austin Siereveld as a strong candidate at right guard. Depth remains a question mark, particularly at tackle, though the interior line appears to have multiple capable backups.
Projected second-team offensive line:
- LT: Devontae Armstrong
- LG: Austin Siereveld
- C: Joshua Padilla
- RG: Deontae Armstrong
- RT: Ian Moore
While one analyst claimed, “This is the deepest our offensive line has been in years,” another countered, “It’s not deep until they prove that they’re deep.”
The Need for Transfers
While Ohio State has recruited well, the program missed out on several offensive tackles in the 2024 cycle. As a result, many believe the Buckeyes will need to dip into the transfer portal again before the season starts.
“We lost three tackles out of the portal and brought in two,” one analyst noted. “We were already low. I don’t see how they don’t go get a tackle in the portal.”
Beyond tackle depth, quarterback depth remains a secondary concern, especially if any current Buckeyes opt to transfer out. The coaching staff is expected to monitor both positions closely.
Looking Ahead
With Ohio State shifting towards an expanded playoff era, depth is more crucial than ever. The running back rotation will likely mimic last year’s strategy, keeping players fresh for a deep postseason run. Meanwhile, quarterback remains the biggest position to watch, as Sayin and Kienholz battle for the top spot.
While the roster is still taking shape, Ohio State appears to be in a strong position to contend in 2024. The wide receiver room remains as talented as ever, and the offensive line—despite questions—has promising pieces. Whether these groups meet expectations will depend on development and potential additions through the transfer portal.
With spring ball fast approaching, all eyes will be on these position battles as the Buckeyes gear up for another championship chase.
