Questions Abound for the 2016 Ohio State Buckeyes

The Fiesta Bowl win over Notre Dame gave this Buckeye senior class their 50th win in their time in Columbus. That mark is tied for the winningest senior class in college football history, matched only by the 2011 Boise State senior class. That stretch included an undefeated 2012 season, a Big Ten title, and last year’s remarkable national title run.

While such a run is very much something to celebrate, what it means for the future of the program is equally as alarming. Factor in the early departures, with more players sure to declare for the draft, this mass exodus is going to put the depth of the program to the ultimate test. Taking a look at what we can expect as we turn towards 2016, let’s break down the offense.

Offensively, as many as 9 starters and other key players could be gone from this team. Seven of those we already know for sure will be gone. All-American left tackle Taylor Decker, along with center Jacoby Boren and tackle Chase Farris, are all out of eligibility and Ezekiel Elliott has already declared he is leaving for the NFL. All the Buckeyes have to do in Elliott’s case is replace the 4,000 yards and 43 touchdowns he amassed in his career.

On the outside, you can say goodbye to Michael Thomas. He is a first round pick, potentially the first receiver taken, and it’s just a matter of time before he forfeits his remaining eligibility. With his announcement, the Buckeyes will be losing the most reliable and consistent receiver they have had since 2006. Also gone from the “Zone 6” receiving corp, will be the newest member of the unit, Braxton Miller. While Miller was a non-factor for much of the year,  we’ll always be left to wonder how he could have been better used. His explosiveness and flexibility will be missed.

Jalin Marshall is still weighing his options, and could certainly benefit from another year of developing as a true wide receiver. If he does decide to leave, the only player remaining in the Buckeye receiving corp that had more than ten catches this year will be Curtis Samuel, who brought in 22. While tight end Nick Vannett only recorded 19 catches this year, his run blocking will absolutely need to be replaced.

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Samuel figures to finally be a major focal point in the offense, but in what way depends on what redshirt freshman Mike Weber does this offseason. With Elliott gone, the backfield is wide open for carries. While Urban Meyer would love to be able to continue to use Samuel in a variety of ways, if Weber does not prove himself ready to be a featured back, Samuel will slide into the backfield with J.T. Barrett.

Up front, Barrett will have both guards backs, although Pat Elflein figures to slide down to center. You can pencil Jamarco Jones in as one of the two tackles as he was just barely beaten out by Chase Farris to start this year. Freshman Isaiah Prince has positioned himself  to take the other tackle spot next season assuming he continues to improve this spring. Prince, the number 7 ranked tackle in the 2015 class, has the prototypical frame for a tackle at 6-7 and checking in at 305 pounds.

The receiver group is not short on talent, but starving for experience and proven production. Dontre Wilson is the one player with experience, but he has not lived up to the expectations most had for him when he was a coveted recruit in high school.

Parris Campbell was heavily involved in the game plan on opening night in Blacksburg, but injuries throughout the year did not allow him to get any kind of momentum going. The freshman should be expected to be a big part of the offense in 2016.

True freshmen K.J. Hill and Torrance Gibson redshirted this year, but will have chances to earn their way into playing time. Hill was close to significant playing time this year. Gibson, while very raw, is a tremendous athlete with great hands. If and when he finally accepts his role as a receiver, and can match his athletic ability with a perfection of the craft, he could become a special player.

There remains one big x-factor, and that is Noah Brown. He was poised to start opposite of Michael Thomas this year, and he was consistently named as one of the most improved receivers on the team. A broken leg just weeks before the Virginia Tech game derailed his season. If he is able to bounce back from the gruesome injury, he will undoubtedly be among the first in line for opportunities.

As is always the case on a team coached by Urban Meyer, true freshmen will have the opportunity to contribute immediately. Austin Mack, a blue chip recruit from Indiana, has enrolled early and can make a splash in spring ball. His 6-1, 200 pound frame looks the part already. The relationship he can develop with Barrett will go a long way in determining what kind of impact he can have. Being able to go through winter workouts gives him a fighting chance.

Next: Ezekiel Elliott Gave Buckeye Fans One Last Show

Talent will never be a question on a team like the Ohio State Buckeyes, and the guys that are called on to step up next year will be doing so with plenty of capability. But as we saw early in the 2014 season, things do not always gel easily in the early going. Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, they will have all of two weeks to get things rolling before they head to Norman to take on Oklahoma in what will surely be a primetime kickoff.

Still, things could be worse for the offense. J.T. Barrett coming back, and as the absolute leader of the offense, he can offer some stability early on. His ability to spread the football around should help ease a new group of receivers into expanded roles. If the offensive line is able to come together fairly quickly, the 2016 Buckeye offense will still pack plenty of punch.