:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48406543/usa-today-8941114.0.jpg)
J.T. Barrett remains the starter for the Fiesta Bowl after stringing together an impressive win over Michigan in which he dominated alongside Ezekiel Elliott in the backfield. Barrett rushed for over 100 yards and had three touchdowns on the ground along with one through the air. Cardale Jones is the backup and will be ready at a moment's notice should he be needed.
Ezekiel Elliott enters his final game as a member of the Ohio State Buckeyes. The star running back ran wild last time Buckeye fans got to see No. 15 in action. Elliott rushed for 214 yards and had two touchdowns to his name against Michigan. Bri'onte Dunn and Warren Ball back up Elliott as usual.
Curtis Samuel, Jalin Marshall, and Michael Thomas are your starters at wide receiver. Parris Campbell, Terry McLaurin, and James Clark are your backups to the starters. Campbell is listed as OR with Jeff Greene. The receivers were pretty quiet in the Michigan game overall, but Thomas had 50 yards on two receptions while Marshall had a touchdown.
Braxton Miller remains the starter at H-back. It's been an intriguing journey for Miller all season long after making the position change. At times he's shown flashes of the dynamic playmaker he was at quarterback in previous years, making highlight-worthy moves and even some excellent catches. While it will be his last game as a Buckeye, Miller's legacy won't be forgotten no matter how he plays against Notre Dame. Curtis Samuel remains the backup.
The tight end spot is firmly locked down by Nick Vannett, with Marcus Baugh listed as the backup once again. No changes here, as has been the case all season.
The offensive line stays the same up front, with Taylor Decker, Billy Price, Jacoby Boren, Pat Elflein, and Chase Farris (from left to right). An underwhelming season for the 'Slobs' but after a great performance against a solid Michigan defense, the Buckeyes will look to continue their success against Notre Dame.
Switching to defense, from one end to the other, the starters on the defensive line are listed as Joey Bosa, Donovan Munger OR Tracy Sprinkle OR Michael Hill, and Tyquan Lewis. Sam Hubbard is the backup to Bosa. It looks like Ohio State will opt to go with a rotational approach as they try to fill in the gap the suspended Adolphus Washington leaves. Tommy Schutt OR Joel Hale OR Michael Hill are listed at the other tackle spot. Bosa could even potentially see some action at defensive tackle, allowing both Hubbard and Bosa to be on the field.
The linebackers remain the same with Joshua Perry at weak outside linebacker, Raekwon McMillan in at middle linebacker, and Darron Lee finishing at strong outside linebacker.
At cornerback, not much has changed. Gareon Conley and Eli Apple man the outside edges. Damon Webb is the backup alongside Marshon Lattimore. For safeties, the starters are still Vonn Bell and Tyvis Powell. Jarrod Barnes remains Bell's backup, while Malik Hooker remains Powell's backup.
Jalin Marshall remains the starter at punt returner and has no listed backup.
Sean Nuernberger remains the starter at kicker, while Jack Willoughby will handle the kickoffs. Johnston is still the starting punter. Curtis Samuel and Warren Ball are the starters at kick return as per usual.