3 questions for Ohio State Football camp

Just like any strong building, the foundation has to be established and secure. Ohio State officially began football practices on August 1st, and will seek to secure its strong foundation between now and the first game on August 31st versus Akron.

While Ohio State has an abundance of talent at just about every position, some questions have to be asked about some specific areas that need to be addressed between now and the beginning of the season. Below are the three questions Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and his staff will be focusing upon over the next few weeks ~

1. When will Ohio State's starting quarterback be named?

Will Howard is the presumed starter, but is by no means guaranteed the starting position. Devin Brown is eager to redeem himself in the eyes of the coaching staff and the fans, after leaving the game due to injury in the 2023 Cotton Bowl versus Missouri.

Redshirt freshman Lincoln Kienholz and true freshmen Julian Sayin andAir Noland are also in the mix. No matter how it turns out, Ohio State cannot have a repeat of last season, where the starting quarterback position battle lingered well into the season, resulting in an offense that seemed off-kilter at the beginning of 2023.

2. Figuring out the right side of the offensive line

Understandably not as scintillating as the quarterback battle, the stability of the offensive line is paramount to Ohio State's success in 2024. The left side of the offensive line seems set with Josh Simmons at left tackle and Donovan Jackson at left guard.

The center is probably going to be Alabama transfer Seth McLaughlin. On the right side, specifically at right guard, there is presently a group containing Carson Hinzman, Tegra Tshabola, and Luke Montgomery, with Josh Fryar as the probable right tackle. No matter how it turns out, Ohio State's offensive line is going to be expected to lead the way for a potentially prolific offense.

3. How will linebacker be managed?

Cody Simon is projected to start at the middle linebacker spot, taking over for Tommy Eichenberg, who is now plying his trade in the NFL with the Las Vegas Raiders. Simon has 15 starts under his belt and will be looked upon to help direct the defense while on the field.

At the weakside linebacker positions, both Sonny Styles and C.J. Hicks should see ample playing time. It will be interesting to see if Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and Ohio State linebackers coach James Laurinaitis try to incorporate more 4-3 personnel fronts, to include both Hicks and Styles on the field, with opponents that are more geared towards running the ball.

We have made it through the offseason wilderness. Now we just have to get through the next few weeks, and we will be looking forward to the first game of what should be a successful and memorable Ohio State football season in 2024.