Eric Boggs
Ohio State football is once again making headlines as the 2024 season approaches, with key players earning prestigious preseason accolades. The Buckeyes’ dominance in the trenches is well-known, but this year, they also have a new star to watch—true freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
Leading the charge on the offensive line is Donovan Jackson, a senior and a cornerstone of Ohio State’s offensive line. Jackson, a 6-foot-4, 320-pound leader from Cypress, Texas, has been named to the watch list for the Outland Trophy, awarded to the best interior lineman in college football. Additionally, he is a preseason candidate for the Lombardi Award, which honors a player who exemplifies the leadership, courage, performance, and discipline of NFL legend Vince Lombardi.
On the defensive side, Ohio State’s prowess continues with three standout linemen—JT Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, and Tyleik Williams—who have also been named preseason candidates for the Lombardi Award. Tuimoloau, already on watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Lott IMPACT Trophy, is expected to be a disruptive force on the defensive line. Meanwhile, Sawyer and Williams, both on the watch list for the Bednarik Award, are set to play pivotal roles in the Buckeyes’ defense.
In addition to his other honors, J.T. Tuimoloau was also named to the Preseason Polynesian Player of the Year Watch List. This prestigious award is presented annually to the most outstanding college football player of Polynesian ancestry. Tuimoloau was one of 85 players included on the watch list and is poised for a breakout junior season after recording 10.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, and a forced fumble last year. The award holds significant meaning within the Polynesian community, showcasing the impact Polynesian athletes have on the game of football. Ohio State’s own Haskell Garrett won the honor in 2021, and Tuimoloau has the opportunity to add his name to that distinguished list.
Adding to the excitement, Ohio State boasts the most first-team AP preseason All-Americans in the country, with four Buckeyes receiving top honors. Cornerback Denzel Burke, safety Caleb Downs, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, and left guard Donovan Jackson were all selected for the first team. Running back TreVeyon Henderson and defensive tackle Tyleik Williams earned second-team honors, further solidifying Ohio State’s status as a college football powerhouse.
In addition to the veteran talent, true freshman Jeremiah Smith is already turning heads. The wide receiver from Hollywood, Florida, was named to the On3 Preseason True Freshman All-American Team. Regarded as one of the best prospects in the 2024 recruitment class, Smith’s skill set has been compared to that of 11-time Pro Bowler Larry Fitzgerald. The hype around Smith has been intense, with the media touting him as one of the top young talents to watch this season.
Smith’s athleticism earned him the No. 7 spot on college football analyst Bruce Feldman’s “Freak List,” which highlights the best athletes in the sport. Competing for targets with veteran Emeka Egbuka and rising star Carnell Tate, Smith has the potential to make an immediate impact. If he lives up to the high expectations, he could surpass Cris Carter’s record of 648 receiving yards by a true freshman, further adding to Ohio State’s rich history of producing elite wide receivers.
As Buckeye fans, we know that success on the field starts with strength in the trenches, and this year’s squad is as strong as ever. With Donovan Jackson leading the offensive line, and Tuimoloau, Sawyer, and Williams anchoring the defense, Ohio State is poised for a deep run. Adding the explosive potential of Jeremiah Smith into the mix only heightens the excitement for what promises to be a thrilling season in Columbus.
Buckeyes on Preseason Awards Watch Lists according to Eleven Warriors:
Maxwell Award
- Emeka Egbuka, wide receiver
- Quinshon Judkins, running back
- Will Howard, quarterback
Bronko Nagurski Trophy
- Caleb Downs, safety
- Tyleik Williams, defensive tackle
- JT Tuimoloau, defensive end
- Denzel Burke, cornerback
Outland Trophy
- Josh Fryar, offensive tackle
- Donovan Jackson, offensive lineman
- Tyleik Williams, defensive tackle
Jim Thorpe Award
- Denzel Burke, cornerback
- Caleb Downs, safety
Lott IMPACT Trophy
- Denzel Burke, cornerback
- Caleb Downs, safety
- JT Tuimoloau, defensive end
Dodd Trophy
- Ryan Day, head coach
Paul Hornung Award
- Emeka Egbuka, wide receiver
Wuerffel Trophy
- Seth McLaughlin, offensive line
Walter Camp Player of The Year
- Emeka Egbuka, wide receiver
- Quinshon Judkins, running back
- Will Howard, quarterback
Doak Walker Award
- TreVeyon Henderson, running back
- Quinshon Judkins, running back
Biletnikoff Award
- Emeka Egbuka, wide receiver
Davey O’Brien Award
- Will Howard, quarterback
Rimington Trophy
- Seth McLaughlin, offensive line
Bednarik Award
- Denzel Burke, cornerback
- Caleb Downs, safety
- Jack Sawyer, defensive end
Lombardi Award
- Donovan Jackson, offensive line
- JT Tuimoloau, defensive end
- Jack Sawyer, defensive end
- Tyleik Williams, defensive tackle
