The Ohio State football program was able to win the 2024 national championship on the strength of its many upperclassmen. It was a veteran team that added some key players from the Transfer Portal at key spots to help put them over the top. That's what their whole plan was.
Last season, the Buckeyes started the year 12-0 before falling in the final two games. It was a disappointing way to defend their title. If they are going to win a second championship in three years, they will be relying on these three players to carry them there.
1. Julian Sayin
The most obvious key player to a deep run for the Ohio State Buckeyes is quarterback Julian Sayin. Sayin is the straw that stirs the drink for them. In his first year as a starter, Sayin threw for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns. Yet, his inability to scramble when the team needed him the most hurt them in the biggest games.
Moving better inside and outside of the pocket is something Sayin has been working on relentlessly in the offseason. Having a better sense of when to use his legs could be the deciding factor in how much this offense improves. He was a Heisman Finalist last season, so improvement is expected.
2. Eddrick Houston
Eddrick Houston began the year as a starter at defensive tackle. He was quickly replaced in the starting lineup by Tywone Malone after a series of boneheaded penalties and plays in the non-conference portion of the schedule. At the end of the year, he started to come back around.
With the defensive line returning just one starter, Houston will have a shot to start once again. He was close to being a five-star recruit out of high school. This is the year that the Buckeyes need him to start playing like it. Getting pressure on the quarterback with a new set of linebackers and two new defensive backs is a must.
3. Chris Henry Jr.
With Carnell Tate now in the NFL, the Buckeyes are in desperate need of a second receiver to step up. Teams will do everything they can to shut down Jeremiah Smith. That means Ohio State needs another guy who can threaten the defense so that they can take advantage of teams double-teaming Smith.
Chris Henry Jr. is the receiver who has the most talent to do that. It's hard to rely on a true freshman that much, but Smith did that in 2024. Henry Jr. has to emerge as a true threat for the Buckeyes to have a chance to win a championship.
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