Ohio State's Weakness In 2024 Revealed By ESPN Analyst

The Ohio State Buckeyes will look like a much different team this season after losing and gaining some players through the transfer portal.

The team lost quarterback Kyle McCord but gained former Alabama Crimson Tide safety Caleb Downs, former Alabama quarterback Julian Sayin, former Ole Miss Rebels running back Quinshon Judkins, and former Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Will Howard.

Ohio State looks to be the team to beat in the Big Ten this season after all the upgrades it made via the portal. However, ESPN analyst Jake Trotter pointed out a weak point for the Buckeyes this season. He thinks that some questions surround Howard, who is the favorite to win the starting job at QB.

Trotter noted that he has doubts about the Kansas State transfer. However, Trotter believes Howard could be the difference maker in getting Ohio State to the College Football Playoff.

"The Buckeyes might own the best overall roster in the country. The quarterback position, however, remains one of the only lingering questions going into the season. All signs point to Kansas State transfer Will Howard winning the job in the preseason," Trotter said.

"Howard posted a very solid 77.8 combined QBR over the past two years in Manhattan. If he matches or exceeds that level of play, the Buckeyes could prove to be the nation's team to beat come playoff time."

Howard set a career-high last season with 2,643 passing yards and 24 touchdowns. He may put up even better numbers in 2024 with more weapons at Ohio State.

Ohio State returns various threats at receiver, such as Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate, and Brandon Inniss. The Buckeyes also added receiver prospects like former five-star recruit Jeremiah Smith and former four-star recruit Mylan Graham.

Ohio State faces the Akron Zips in its season opener on Aug. 31.

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