The 2024 Ohio State Buckeyes offense has new starters at several key positions, but change is the only constant that fans have gotten used to in recent years. Replacing Marvin Harrison Jr. might've been more daunting in the past, but the Buckeyes simply reloaded.
We're predicting the Buckeyes' two-deep depth chart as the 2024 college football season nears. Let's dive into the team's projected starters and key depth pieces who could define their season.
2024 Ohio State Two Deep on Offense
Quarterback
- Will Howard
- Devin Brown
- Lincoln Kienholz OR Julian Sayin
Will Howard wasn't brought in to ride the bench or even be in a true QB battle with Devin Brown. Brown has fought during training camp as best he can, but he essentially lost the 2024 job when he couldn't stay healthy last season. Howard is a clean fit in Chip Kelly's system, and the biggest question is whether one of the true freshmen Julian Sayin or Air Nolan will earn playing time over Brown or Lincoln Kienholz.
Considering the future pipeline of quarterbacks coming and Ohio State's ability to land elite transfer targets, it wouldn't be surprising for Brown and one of the freshmen to take clear precedence. Brown has been loyal to the program, but it's safe to wonder whether he'll transfer out after this season. There's little chance all four of these QBs will stay in Columbus beyond this season.
Running Back
- Quinshon Judkins
- TreVeyon Henderson
- James Peoples
Like Howard, Quinshon Judkins didn't come to Ohio State to be less than a featured star. Now, that doesn't mean he'll lead the nation in touches or yards. This should be close to a 55-45 split as both Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson are kept fresh for the playoffs.
This will be the best running back duo we've seen in years, as Judkins and Henderson are inarguably two of the best five talents at the position as individuals.
The more interesting discussion is who earns the mop-up duty. Ohio State mentioned using Caleb Downs, but James Peoples and Sam Williams-Dixon are far more likely. I do think Downs gets some touches on offense, but those will be specific to scoring opportunities to boost his Heisman case. Peoples has the right blend of size and play style to be the primary relief option when its appropriate.
Wide Receiver
X - Jeremiah Smith
X - Jayden Ballard
Y - Emeka Egbuka
Y - Brandon Inniss
Z - Carnell Tate
Z- Mylan Graham
We'll see a lot of rotating throughout each of these receiver spots. Emeka Egbuka and Jeremiah Smith are switchable and the two-best talents within the unit. I'd expect them to combine for the majority of targets in the passing game, much like how Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson once dominated.
The depth beyond those two is intriguing, though. Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss, and Jayden Ballard have earned roles and should be big-play threats in their own right. Tate is the fastest of the bunch and should get high-value deep targets off Ohio State's play-action set ups.
Tight End
- Gee Scott Jr.
- Will Kacmarek
The tight end position looks back to somewhat irrelevance in the passing game. Gee Scott Jr. is athletic and capable of some chunk plays, but there's a real lack of proven playmaking here. Transfer addition Will Kacmarek is the best of an underwhelming set of backups.
Jelani Thurman, a true sophomore, is someone to watch since he's more athletic than Kacmarek. However, with so much depth at receiver, Kelly might prefer the blocking ability of his teammates instead.
Offensive Line
LT - Josh Simmons
LT - Zen Michalski
LG - Donovan Jackson
LG - Austin Siereveld
C - Seth McLaughlin
C - Carson Hunzman
RG - Tegra Tshabola
RG - Luke Montgomery
RT - Josh Fryar
RT - George Fitzpatrick
The key for Ohio State's 2024 offensive upside is in the trenches. Four of the five positions should be at least good, if not better. Josh Simmons, Donovan Jackson, and Seth McLaughlin have solid play in their past, but the latter especially has to recover from a poor 2023 season.
The right guard situation is one to monitor throughout the first month before facing Oregon. It's been a true camp battle between Tegra Tshabola and Luke Montgomery. Early reports hint toward the former being the leading man, and his physical traits project well.
Right tackle should also be in control as Josh Fryar is a fifth-year senior. That leaves Ohio State starting four older players, which will help them control defensive fronts better as they're more physically mature. Still, they're not the most mauling or consistent bunch, so expect this unit to be under heavy criticism if the unit disappoints at all.
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