After how last season finished for the Ohio State Buckeyes, the pressure is on in 2024 for them to perform. When you look at the offseason that Ohio State had, the expectations are even a bit higher.
Ohio State was able to return a boatload of talent that very well could have gone into the NFL Draft. Factor in the transfer portal additions that the Buckeyes made and it is not hard to see why they are a trendy pick to win it all.
With expectations comes the pressure of living up to them. For players, it can be easy to buy into the stuff they see on social media and whatnot. Ohio State linebackers coach James Laurinaitis has the perfect approach to staying level-headed.
“Pressure is a privilege, so you have to be willing to go and attack that,” Laurinaitis said in a recent interview with Dom Tiberi. “We keep hearing we’re a really talented team, talent doesn’t win National Championships. I think some of the most talented teams in Ohio State history never won it all.”
Laurinaitis pointed to the 2005 team that he was on, as well as the 2015 and 2019 teams as squads that didn’t win it all. These teams were still arguably the most talented teams that Ohio State has assembled. The 2024 team has a chance to join those teams and they already have on paper. However, the games have to be played to prove it and that time will soon come.
“We have to be the toughest team and I think that is physically and mentally. There is going to come games when things aren’t aren’t going well and you just have to find a way to get through it and win those things. In the end, stay healthy and hopefully have a chance to win it all.”
Ohio State was able to bring in talented transfers like safety Caleb Downs , running back Quinshon Judkins, and quarterback Will Howard . All of these players are set to have an immense impact on the 2024 college football season for the Buckeyes. Combining those additions and returning players like running back TreVeyon Henderson, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, defensive ends Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau, cornerback Denzel Burke, and safety Lathan Ransom have the Buckeyes in a great spot.
Winning it all is going to be harde r than ever with the expanded playoff format. More games are going to be played and depth is going to matter more than ever. One thing is a must for the Buckeyes in 2024, they have to beat Michigan and compete for it all, or else it would be quite the failure with this roster.
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