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Ohio State win projections, strengths and weaknesses, quarterback spotlight and more

Ohio State failed to beat Michigan and win the Big Ten championship in 2023 for a third straight year. Expectations are high for the Buckeyes in 2024 to not only take down the Wolverines and win the conference but also win the national championship.

The Buckeyes brought back most of their key contributors from last year’s team and added serious talent through the transfer portal, namely Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins, Alabama safety Caleb Downs and Kansas State quarterback Will Howard. And UCLA head coach Chip Kelly also stepped down from his post to be Ohio State’s offensive coordinator.

This is the year for Ryan Day to finally get over the hump and deliver the Buckeyes their first national title since 2014.

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Biggest Strength: Arguably the best roster in the country

Ohio State and Georgia are the only two schools in college football to place inside the top 10 of every PFF position unit ranking. The Buckeyes are loaded.

Biggest Weakness: Do they have a capable quarterback?

While the quarterback room has plenty of intriguing options, the Buckeyes don’t have a proven star under center. Kansas State transfer Will Howard is the favorite to start and has been solid in his career, posting a 73.4 PFF passing grade over the past two seasons.

2023 Team Overview

Offense
EPA per play	Yards per play	Successful play rate	Explosive run play rate	Explosive pass play rate
0.124	6.4	37.7%	11.6%	19.4%
23rd	T-23rd	41st	124th	13th
Defense
EPA allowed per play	Yards allowed per play	Successful play rate allowed	Explosive run rate allowed	Explosive pass rate allowed
-0.228	4.2	28.6%	10.9%	10.2%
12th	9th	18th	28th	20th