Why is this news?: Devin Smith, Doran Grant leave as champions, former Buckeyes talk quarterback battle

"It's a blessing. It's been a lot of fun. I think we went to Ohio State because we wanted the types of opportunities we've had. As far as what's next, I think we both have the talent. I'm excited to see how it all turns out."

- Doran Grant, via Zac Jackson, FOX Sports Ohio

Ohio State wide receiver Devin Smith and cornerback Doran Grant are set to play in the Senior Bowl this week, which puts them one step closer to making an impression to NFL scouts and hopefully competing at the next level. The two are second cousins and now are also champions together are looking to make the next steps in their career and again will do it together. Since growing up in Akron, Smith and Grant have played with and against each other their entire lives.

After all they had been through, spending four years at Ohio State, it was only right in their minds that the Buckeyes became champions of college football. The hard work is what got them there and now will lean on that hard work to help get themselves ready and prepare for the NFL and beyond.

"Every mini camp, every summer conditioning session or fall camp you went into ... you were competing for a spot on the roster or trying to be the backup or trying to be the starter. So there's always competition."

- Former OSU quarterback Bobby Hoying, via Tim Moody and James Grega, The Lantern

Former Ohio State quarterback Bobby Hoying and Greg Frey weighed in on the current quarterback situation involving Braxton Miller, J.T. Barrett, and Cardale Jones to the Lantern, each with a different thought process to who should start for the Buckeyes in 2015. Hoying believes that the starting job is Cardale Jones' to lose after pulling off three straight victories en route to Ohio State's first national championship since 2002. Hoying also shared some interesting thoughts about Braxton Miller and how his decision has many factors in it, including how well his shoulder is healing.

Frey, meanwhile, doesn't think any particular quarterback should be given the starting nod until fall camp rolls around. If everyone is healthy and ready to go, the starting spot should be a normal quarterback competition. Frey knows that each quarterback is supremely talented and all three could lead Ohio State, but it's up to them to decide who wants it the most.

"Computer darlings for a while and mostly dominant since the upset loss to Virginia Tech, Ohio State got an opportunity to prove to the universe how good it had become. The eventual national champions took advantage."

- Bill Connelly, SB Nation

Bill Connelly at SB Nation took the time to rank the 100 best games of the college football season and broke down quite a few of them as well, providing highlights and a little bit of analysis to boot. Ohio State had several games make the list, including the game against Virginia Tech (No. 98), the game against Michigan (No. 91), at Michigan State (No. 70), at Penn State (No. 28), and the Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game against Alabama (No. 4).

It comes as no surprise that the Sugar Bowl was so highly ranked. It was an extremely tough matchup for both teams and there were plenty of big-plays to keep fans alert at all times. Add in the two historic teams and narratives of the SEC facing the Big Ten (plus Nick Saban against Urban Meyer), and it makes sense that it was the highest ranked game for the Buckeyes in Connelly's list. If you're looking to revisit some great games from this season, I urge you to check out his top 100 games.

"There's a really good blueprint at Ohio State. Recruiting is like shaving - if you don't do it for a couple days, you look like a jerk. You have to do it all day, every day."

- Houston head coach Tom Herman, via Bill Landis, Northeast Ohio Media Group

Tom Herman has started settling in to his new job at Houston, becoming the head coach for the Cougars after helping lead Ohio State to a national championship run. The former Buckeye offensive coordinator says there's a plan for him and his staff at Houston, but it all starts with a blueprint that was formed at Ohio State. That blueprint is recruiting your tail off, just like Urban Meyer likes to do.

With Herman's ties to the state of Texas before he ever went to Houston as the head coach, he'll no doubt be successful when trying to land certain prospects in the area. With the knowledge he gained from being on Urban Meyer's staff and his experience in calling plays as an offensive coordinator, I expect to see Herman doing great things with Houston's program.

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