Eric Boggs
Ohio State has made a strong impression on the 2024 preseason awards watch lists, with several Buckeyes players and their head coach, Ryan Day, receiving recognition. Notably, three Ohio State players have been named to the Outland Trophy watch list, tied for the second-most of any school in the country.
The Outland Trophy is an annual award given to the nation’s best interior lineman, including both offensive and defensive players. Offensive tackles are considered interior linemen by the Outland committee and can also win the honor. Georgia leads with four players on the list, while Ohio State, Alabama, and USC each have three.
Representing Ohio State on the Outland Trophy watch list are Donovan Jackson, Josh Fryar, and Tyleik Williams. Jackson, who started every game at left guard last season, is expected to continue in that role this year. Fryar, the team’s primary right tackle last season, will also reprise his role. Williams, one of the best defensive tackles in college football in 2023, recorded 53 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, three sacks, and five pass breakups across 13 games.
In addition to the Outland Trophy, Ohio State boasts four players on the 2024 Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list, the most of any team in the country. This award is given annually to the nation’s best defensive player and was won in 2023 by Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts, who is also on the watch list for 2024.
Ohio State’s representatives for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy include Caleb Downs, Tyleik Williams, JT Tuimoloau, and Denzel Burke. Downs transferred to Ohio State from Alabama, where he amassed 107 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, four pass breakups, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery last season. Williams, also on the Outland Trophy list, had an outstanding 2023 season as a defensive tackle. Tuimoloau, a key anchor on the defensive line, recorded 38 tackles, seven tackles for loss, five sacks, and two pass breakups across 13 appearances. Burke, Ohio State’s top cornerback in 2023, led the nation’s No. 1 pass defense with nine pass breakups, 24 tackles, three tackles for loss, one interception, and one forced fumble.
Beyond these watch lists, several other Buckeyes have garnered preseason recognition:
Maxwell Award:
- Emeka Egbuka, wide receiver
- Quinshon Judkins, running back
- Will Howard, quarterback
Lott IMPACT Trophy:
- Denzel Burke, cornerback
- Caleb Downs, safety
- JT Tuimoloau, defensive end
Dodd Trophy:
- Ryan Day, head coach
With such a strong presence on these prestigious watch lists, Ohio State looks poised for an impressive 2024 season.
