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Rebuild or Reload? 5 Keys for Ohio State Success in 2016

By Thomas Scurlock

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) looks to throw during the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) looks to throw during the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 29, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) warms up before the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /

With a dominating 44-28 win over Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl in the books, Ohio State and head coach Urban Meyer now turn their attention to what will be an unusual offseason. Just like 2014, it is time to reload again.

Gone are superstars Joey Bosa, Ezekiel Elliott, Joshua Perry, Darron Lee, Tyvis Powell, Braxton Miller, Jalin Marshall, Eli Apple and Taylor Decker. All of them left their best out on the field against the Fighting Irish, except Bosa, whose career was unfortunately cut short by a couple of blatantly inept SEC officials who decided a questionable call was worthy of ejection. A sad ending to an illustrious career.

While the talent loss is cause for concern, complacency, ego and entitlement can derail teams too. These guys have given Buckeye Nation everything. They should move on to get paid for their services.

Besides, Meyer has stocked the cupboard with so many elite-level players eager to begin making their impact that continuity in 2016 looks promising. The program’s culture of excellence is rooted in adapting to change, resiliency and overcoming adversity.

Certainly there are obvious needs this offseason like rebuilding the offensive line and finding Elliott’s replacement, but offensive coordinator Ed Warinner has shown that he is one of the best in the business at doing both of these things. He will build a strong unit behind Pat Elflein and Billy Price, and Mike Weber appears ready to take the reins at running back.

Even with the losses, the Buckeyes are measured by championships. To win the Big Ten and make it back to the playoff, here are five areas Ohio State must work on during the off-season:

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