Eric Boggs
As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for the 2024 season, the excitement and expectations surrounding the team are at an all-time high. With a blend of immense talent and pressing storylines, the focus is squarely on head coach Ryan Day and the loaded roster he leads.
Ryan Day’s Pressure Cooker
Ryan Day enters the 2024 season under intense pressure, especially regarding the annual rivalry game against Michigan. After three consecutive losses to the Wolverines, the heat is on. For Ohio State fans, beating Michigan isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity. While failing to win a Big Ten championship or struggling in the College Football Playoff might be forgivable, another loss to Michigan could push Day’s seat from warm to hot.
Despite his impressive overall record, Day’s recent shortcomings in “The Game” have raised concerns. The Buckeyes have invested heavily in their roster, reportedly spending $20 million, making this perhaps the best Ohio State team Day has ever coached. With one of the most talented rosters in college football history, anything less than a victory over Michigan could have serious consequences.
The Best Roster Money Can Buy
Ohio State’s 2024 roster is drawing comparisons to some of the greatest teams in recent college football history. Described by insiders and former coaches like Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer as the best roster they’ve seen in a decade, this team is stacked on both sides of the ball.
The secondary is among the nation’s best, with four safeties that could start almost anywhere else. The linebacker corps, once a point of concern, is now more athletic and ready to compete at a championship level. Offensively, the running back room is stacked, arguably the best in college football, and the wide receiver room remains elite, even after the departure of generational talent Marvin Harrison Jr.
Leading this group is Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate, and the highly anticipated freshman Jeremiah Smith. Smith, in particular, has drawn comparisons to NFL stars like Julio Jones and A.J. Brown, with his rare combination of size, speed, and physicality. If Smith lives up to the hype, he could be the X-factor that takes Ohio State’s offense to an even higher level.
Quarterback Play: The Key to Success
One of the few areas where Ohio State struggled last season was at quarterback. Despite C.J. Stroud’s individual success, there were times when the offense seemed limited, especially in big games. The key to this season will be the development of the quarterback position, whether it’s Kyle McCord or another player stepping up. With the weapons around him, the quarterback will need to elevate his play to match the rest of the team’s potential.
Coaching Changes and the Impact of Chip Kelly
One of the most under-the-radar yet crucial developments for Ohio State is the addition of Chip Kelly to the coaching staff. Kelly, a mentor to Ryan Day, brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective that could help Day focus more on his head coaching duties rather than being bogged down by play-calling responsibilities. The loss of Kevin Wilson to Tulsa was felt, but Kelly’s presence might be the key to unlocking the full potential of this offense.
Kelly’s presence could be the stabilizing force that allows Day to focus on the bigger picture and avoid the pitfalls of wearing too many hats. If Kelly can help Day regain his play-calling rhythm and provide the necessary support, Ohio State could be poised for a special season.
Playoff Aspirations
With all this talent and a slightly revamped coaching approach, Ohio State is not just aiming for a Big Ten title but a return to the College Football Playoff. This team has all the pieces to make a deep run, and anything less would be considered a disappointment.
As the 2024 season kicks off, the Buckeyes are a team to watch. The pressure is on, the roster is loaded, and the expectations are sky-high. For Ryan Day and Ohio State, it’s all about turning potential into championships.
