Forgotten five-star recruit surprisingly named most important player for Ohio State in 2024

While the 2024 Ohio State football roster is loaded there are questions about one position group specifically on the defense.

Linebacker C.J. Hicks is finally in a spot to be a major contributor for the Ohio State defense . Hicks is the favorite to start next to Cody Simon in the two-linebacker look that the Buckeyes give. Sonny Styles will be on the field a ton as well, but Hicks should be a huge factor for the defense.

In fact, The Athletic recently named Hicks as the most important player for the Buckeyes in 2024. While it is surprising, it has a possibility to happen even if it is a bit far-fetched.

“After waiting in the wings for two years, Hicks, the top-ranked linebacker and a top-10 overall prospect in the 2022 class, is ready to take over and has everything you want in a linebacker. He’s athletic, has good size at 6-foot-3 and 233 pounds, and seems to have a good nose for the ball. How his instincts and athleticism translate to the field will be the question.” - Cameron Teague-Robinson, The Athletic

Over his first two seasons with the Buckeyes, Hicks has not been able to carve out a significant role. The former five-star recruit in the class of 2022 has 14 tackles in the 25 games that he has played in. Since arriving at Ohio State, Hicks has been stuck behind some older linebackers that are now gone.

With Steele Chambers and Tommy Eichenberg gone, the Buckeyes need a couple of linebackers to step up in their place. Cody Simon is going to be starting for this defense and Hicks is a prime target to do the same. Hicks could have transferred and played quicker elsewhere, at least into a more significant role. Instead, he has waited out his time and now is in position to be a prime contributor.

If Hicks can reach the talent that made him one of the best high school recruits in the country a couple of years ago, it is a big win for Ohio State and raises the potential of their defense.

Related: Former five-star recruit is among the breakout players to watch for Ohio State this fall