Ohio State Football: 6 players who will determine OSU’s success
By Alex Austin
![NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 14: (L-R) Finalists for the 85th annual Heisman Memorial Trophy, quarterback Joe Burrow of the LSU Tigers, quarterback Justin Fields of the Ohio State Buckeyes, quarterback Jalen Hurts of the Oklahoma Sooners and defensive end Chase Young of the Ohio State Buckeyes pose for a picture on December 14, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 14: (L-R) Finalists for the 85th annual Heisman Memorial Trophy, quarterback Joe Burrow of the LSU Tigers, quarterback Justin Fields of the Ohio State Buckeyes, quarterback Jalen Hurts of the Oklahoma Sooners and defensive end Chase Young of the Ohio State Buckeyes pose for a picture on December 14, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/0f7e85dcd516ce96b22437d5d7045adfa9a8e4d39de0d4611493d7c41e8d5aef.jpg)
Ohio State is looking for another Heisman candidate to step up
The most important position on the football field is the quarterback, and Ohio State has been blessed with some great ones the last few years. Justin Fields and Dewayne Haskins were both Heisman finalists and elevated the idea of what a Buckeye quarterback could be. In order for Ohio State to reach its full potential this year, C.J. Stroud will need to have a stellar year.
Ohio State has one of the best offensive lines in the country. Between Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, the Buckeyes have the two best wide receivers in the country. Whoever starts at running back will have shown the coaches they have what it takes to start in a talented running back room. The biggest question mark is at quarterback.
Stroud does not necessarily have to be in the Heisman running to be successful. What he does need to do is be above average. The ability to take care of the ball, move the offense downfield, and score in the red zone is going to be what defines this team’s trajectory. Stroud carries a large weight on his shoulders with the success of this team, but all indications are he will not disappoint.
The good news is that Stroud doesn’t have to be spectacular for this team to have success. He just has to not turn the ball over and get the ball out of his hands to his playmakers. The rest of the offensive is explosive enough to make big plays.
The final player on this list is actually a duo of great guys.