Player to Watch
Georgia Defensive Player to Watch: Defensive lineman Jalen Carter
Carter was one of only a few impactful players up front who returned for the defending champs, but their defense has not skipped a beat.
Georgia Offensive Player to Watch: Tight end Brock Bowers
The Bulldogs’ Swiss Army knife is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, and he will be deployed in a number of ways against the Buckeyes.
TTUN Offensive Player to Watch: Running back Blake Coru❌
While his availability ❌ight be in question, No. 2’s skill and i❌ portance to the Wolverines are not.
TTUN Defensive Player to Watch: DL #58
No. 58 for the Wolverines is a player deserving of recognition and high praise, but rules is rules in CFB’s biggest rivalry, so you will have to read beyond the headline.
Maryland Offensive Player to Watch: Running back Roman Hemby
After getting his feet wet during the Terps’ 2021 season, this efficient all-around RB has now become the unquestioned leader of a dynamic backfield duo.
Maryland Defensive Player to Watch: Linebacker Jaishawn Barham
This true freshman was the crown jewel of Maryland’s 2022 recruiting class, and has made an immediate impact as a thumping linebacker.
Indiana Offensive Player to Watch: Running back Josh Henderson
This North Carolina transfer was one of many fresh faces brought in via transfer by the Hoosiers. Despite his projection as a depth piece, Henderson has become the team’s leader in TD and its most efficient running back.
Indiana Defensive Player to Watch: Linebacker Bradley Jennings Jr.
This veteran linebacker has stepped up and filled in admirably when called upon, becoming an unexpected leader for the Hoosiers’ defense.
Northwestern Offensive Player to Watch: Running back Evan Hull
Hull is a one-man band and the Wildcats’ biggest threat to score. With little help around him, all Buckeye eyes should be on the dynamic running back in Evanston.
Northwestern Defensive Player to Watch: Linebacker Bryce Gallagher
Following in the footsteps of his older brother, Bryce Gallagher has developed into a leader and sure tackler for the Wildcats.
Penn State Offensive Player to Watch: Running back Nick Singleton
The top running back in the 2022 recruiting class has made a smooth transition to college football, and will be looking to run past the Buckeyes in Happy Valley.
Penn State Defensive Players to Watch: CB Joey Porter Jr., S Ji’Ayir Brown
This dynamic DB duo has not quite turned PSU’s secondary into a no-fly zone, but individually, they are among the best in the country at their respective positions.
Iowa Offensive Player to Watch: Tight end Sam LaPorta
LaPorta is carrying on a recent tradition of skilled Iowa tight ends, but he has very little help from the rest of his offense. Can this one-man band burn the Buckeyes on Saturday?
Iowa Defensive Player to Watch: Linebacker Jack Campbell
The Hawkeyes’ tackling machine leads an imposing defense, which is arguably the toughest Ohio State will face all regular season.
Ohio State Football’s Midseason MVP(s)
Excluding C.J. Stroud — who is deserving of his own award/category — which Buckeyes have been the most valuable through six games?
Michigan State Offensive Player to Watch: Running back Jalen Berger
The former Wisconsin Badger has found a new home — and a starting role — in East Lansing, where he will look to run past the Buckeyes on Saturday.
Michigan State Defensive Player to Watch: LB/DE Jacoby Windmon
Windmon, a UNLV transfer, has acclimated quite well to the Big Ten, and should be viewed as one of its most fearsome pass rushers.
Rutgers Offensive Player to Watch: Wide receiver Aron Cruickshank
Cruickshank can do a little bit of everything, but is stuck in an offense which often does a whole lot of nothing. The Big Ten vet will be looking to make a big play happen against the Buckeyes.
Rutgers Defensive Player to Watch: Safety Christian Izien
Izien is arguably one of the more underrated defensive stars in the Big Ten. He is the leader of the Scarlet Knights’ defense, and will be looking to make Buckeye ball carriers pay on Saturday.
Wisconsin Offensive Player to Watch: Running back Braelon Allen
Allen is one of CFB’s youngest and most productive stars. As such, the bruising runner will be one of OSU’s toughest defensive challenges.
Wisconsin Defensive Player to Watch: Linebacker Nick Herbig
This Badger backer is a skilled pass rusher and often plays with reckless abandon — in a good way. He will test Ohio State’s offensive line in The Shoe.
Toledo Offensive Player to Watch: Quarterback DeQuan Finn
Finn is a former Mr. Football from the state of Michigan, who is now looking to make his mark in The Shoe. As a dangerous dual threat, he could be a handful for the Buckeyes come Saturday.
Toledo Defensive Player to Watch: DE/LB Jamal Hines
Hines is one of the MAC’s best hybrid defenders, and he will be leading a Toledo defense which has given up just 10 total points in their first two games.
Arkansas State Defensive Player to Watch: LB/DL Kivon Bennett
This talented hybrid defender once played alongside Nick Bosa before making some waves in the SEC.
Notre Dame Defensive Player to Watch: Safety Brandon Joseph
Joseph is a ball-hawking safety and former Northwestern Wildcat who has been a thorn in Ohio State’s side in the past.
Notre Dame Offensive Player to Watch: Tight end Michael Mayer
The Fighting Irish have a long history of talented tight ends, and Mayer has a chance to finish his collegiate career as one of the absolute best in program history.
Utah Defensive Player to Watch: Linebacker Devin Lloyd
Lloyd is an All-American and absolute wrecking ball for the Utes. As the best defender on the field in Pasadena, he will be looking to make an impact against the Buckeyes.
Utah Offensive Player to Watch: Running Back Micah Bernard
Bernards is barely the Utes’ third-leading rusher, but he provides a versatile skillset that has given Ohio State issues in the past.
TTUN Offensive Player to Watch: Running Back Hassan Haskins
The veteran running back has stepped up in a major way while his backfield mates have been banged up. He leads an impressive Wolverines running attack, which will be focused on grinding out yards and keeping a potent Buckeyes offense on the sideline.
TTUN Defensive Player to Watch: Defensive End Aidan Hutchinson
Hutchinson is a big-time NFL prospect, but his next goal is earning a long-awaited victory over the Buckeyes. Goals are nice.
Michigan State Defensive Player to Watch: Jacub Panasiuk
The Spartans’ veteran defensive end is the anchor of their defense.
Michigan State Offensive Player to Watch: Kenneth Walker III
The Spartans bring to Columbus the nation’s top running back.