Star defensive back shares why he returned to the Ohio State football team

A ton of Ohio State football players have opted to return for the 2024 season. They all have different reasons for doing so. Some want to increase their Draft stock. Some like the NIL money they're making. Most of them though have talked about wanting to accomplish more in college.

This class hasn't accomplished a lot as a team if you really think about it. The 2021 class hasn't beaten Michigan, won a Big Ten title, or even won a CFP game. They all have individual accolades but nothing to show for it from a team aspect. That's something that eats at them.

One of the star defensive backs on the Buckeyes is returning for that exact reason. Denzel Burke, who was First-team All-Big Ten last season, made it known why he was returning. Speaking to the media on Thursday, he made it clear he wants to win.

""I had a 1st, 2nd round grade, but at the end of the day, I had no gold pants, no Big Ten title, no natty. Just being able to come back for my brothers and doing it for the state of Ohio. I'm trying to finish the job this year.""

- Denzel Burke

Burke knows what's at stake this year for the Buckeyes. He wanted to come back and keep that secondary loaded. They've only gotten better with the addition of Caleb Downs too. Sonny Styles moving to linebacker makes for more intriguing defensive formations as well.

Burke also said that it's national championship or bust this season for the Ohio State football team. That's something we've talked about extensively here. If they can't win it this year, Ryan Day is going to be hearing it from the fans. At a minimum, they have to beat TTUN and win the Big Ten championship.

The Buckeyes are working hard this Spring to make sure that goal is realized. They are ready for all of the competition that will come their way. This class is ready to leave their mark on Ohio State football history.