**85-Man Reset: How Ohio State’s 2024 Roster Stacks Up After NFL Departures**
As the Ohio State Buckeyes begin their preparations for the 2024 college football season, they face a significant roster overhaul following the departure of several key players to the NFL. With the NFL Draft now behind them, the Buckeyes are looking ahead to rebuilding and reloading for another championship run. As Ohio State adjusts to the 85-man scholarship limit, let’s take a closer look at how their roster stacks up after the significant losses to the professional ranks.
The most notable departures are from Ohio State’s offense, which lost several high-profile players to the NFL Draft. Quarterback C.J. Stroud, who was the backbone of the offense for the past two seasons, is gone, leaving a void at the most important position on the field. Stroud’s impressive performances and leadership will be sorely missed, but Ohio State is optimistic about the future with quarterbacks Kyle McCord and Devin Brown, both of whom are expected to compete for the starting role.
Additionally, wide receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison Jr. both declared for the draft, leaving behind an incredibly talented but somewhat untested group of receivers. While Harrison Jr.’s departure stings, Ohio State still has a wealth of talent at the position, including rising stars like Emeka Egbuka and Julian Fleming, who will be tasked with stepping up into larger roles this season.
The Buckeyes also saw major losses on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive tackle J.T. Tuimoloau, linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, and cornerback Denzel Burke were key contributors last season and are now NFL-bound. These departures leave big shoes to fill, but Ohio State has been successful in recruiting elite talent, and many of the team’s young defensive players are poised for breakout seasons. Freshman recruits and returning players like defensive linemen Tyleik Williams and linebacker Steele Chambers will need to take on bigger roles in 2024 to ensure the defense remains formidable.
While Ohio State has lost a lot of talent, the program remains stacked with high-level recruits and seasoned veterans, particularly in key positions. Head coach Ryan Day’s recruiting efforts have consistently brought in top-tier talent, and the Buckeyes are poised to reload rather than rebuild. In the backfield, running back TreVeyon Henderson is expected to be one of the top playmakers of the season, while Ohio State’s offensive line, led by returning stars, remains one of the best in the nation.
Ohio State’s 2024 roster is brimming with potential, even in the wake of NFL departures. With a mix of experienced returners and highly touted freshmen, the Buckeyes look ready to take on the new season with renewed confidence. As they navigate the 85-man scholarship limit, Ohio State will continue to rely on its depth, recruiting prowess, and ability to develop talent. The 2024 season promises to be another exciting chapter in the program’s rich history.
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