Ohio State Players to Watch
Will Sonny Styles be the key to taking Ohio State’s defense to the next level?
Styles has had a lot of people buzzing with his performance this Spring and Summer.
Syracuse transfer Ja’Had Carter brings much-needed experience, versatility to Ohio State secondary
Carter excelled for three seasons in Upstate New York, but will now be looking to make a significant impact in Columbus.
Will freshman safety Malik Hartford steal a starting job before the end of the season?
Jim Knowles says Malik Hartford is still in the competition to start at one of the safety positions.
Jordan Hancock ready for breakout season following injury-plagued 2022
After being sidelined by a hamstring injury, Hancock is ready to show what he can do at full strength
Devin Brown still very much in the mix to start at quarterback for the Buckeyes
No matter who gets the starting nod this year, Brown has a bright future in Columbus
Can Kyle McCord hold off Devin Brown and become QB1?
McCord is entering the most important two-week stretch of his collegiate career.
Xavier Johnson does a little bit of everything, on and off the field, for Ohio State
After earning playing time on offense with his play on special teams, Xavier Johnson had a couple big touchdowns in Ohio State’s most important games.
Emeka Egbuka looks to improve on his breakout 2022 season
Egbuka is entering this season as possibly the second-best receiver in the country.
2023 Ohio State recruiting class: The summer arrivals
Several players arrived on campus this summer and are making positive impressions.
Offensive lineman Tegra Tshabola may not have won the job, but he’s a future star
Tshabola likely won't be Ohio State’s starting tackle job this season, but he is a superstar in waiting!
Player to Watch: Cade Stover is a modern tight end with an old school mentality
Stover finally found a home (position) in 2022, but saw his breakout season come to an unfortunate and untimely end in the CFP. Now back as a proven and unselfish veteran leader, he is looking to finish his Ohio State career on a high note.
Ohio State’s Chip Trayanum has earned more carries at running back in 2023
Ohio State is stacked at running back when everyone is healthy, but Trayanum might get more snaps even if the injury bug doesn’t bite as often in 2023.
Player to Watch: Donovan Jackson takes the leadership reins of the Ohio State offensive line
After starting 13 games last year, Jackson will take on more responsibility this year on an offensive line that will be replacing three starters.
Ohio State running back Evan Pryor is ready to get back on the field following 2022 injury
Pryor missed all of last season with an ACL injury last August
Steele Chambers has excelled since moving to linebacker at Ohio State
After being buried at running back on the depth chart, Chambers now is in the conversation as one of the best linebackers in the country.
Player to Watch: Dallan Hayden deserves at least a piece of the RB pie in 2023
As injuries impacted the Ohio State RB room in 2022, Hayden was given opportunities and excelled against multiple Big Ten opponents. Will this lead to consistent carries in 2023, or will Hayden take a back seat to now-healthy vets?
Linebacker Cody Simon is back and better than ever, looking to make an impact in 2023
Cody Simon is fully recovered from a shoulder injury and ready to tackle the season’s challenges
Player to Watch: Denzel Burke seeks return to form he showed in freshman season
After an impressive freshman year, Denzel Burke struggled at times adjusting to Jim Knowles’ system during his sophomore campaign.
Player to Watch: After the memorable game against Penn State last year, J.T. Tuimoloau looking for more consistency in 2023
Even though the defensive end had a once-in-a-lifetime game against Penn State, he disappeared at times the rest of the year.
Is Josh ‘Jimmy’ Simmons the key to Ohio State’s new-look offensive line?
Offensive line is the biggest question for the Buckeyes this season, but the San Diego State transfer might just be the answer.
Player to Watch: Davison Igbinosun looks to make an immediate impact at Ohio State
The corner will try and help to restore some glory to a unit that has struggled over the past few years.
Player to Watch: Caden Curry looking to turn flashes into consistency in 2023
Unfairly labeled a ‘tweener’ and overshadowed by certain peers in his recruiting class, Curry beat most to the punch and saw the field early in Columbus. With a year of solid experience now under his belt, he will look to establish his name as one of the household variety.
Player to Watch: Tommy Eichenberg eyeing historic season at linebacker
Especially after getting snubbed for the Butkus Award...
Player to Watch: It’s time for Jack Sawyer to dominate for Ohio State
After showing flashes of what he can do over the past couple of years, Sawyer is poised to make the leap for the Buckeyes.
Player to Watch: C.J. Hicks has the talent to be the next great Ohio State linebacker
After getting his feet wet in limited action last year, linebacker C.J. Hicks will see his role expand in his sophomore season.
Ohio State defensive tackle Ty Hamilton’s quiet leadership is about to make a sound
After a breakout 2022, Hamilton is poised to serve as a strong, consistent force for Jim Knowles’ defense.
Ohio State’s projected two-deep following the first day of 2023 fall football camp
Sonny Styles can, should, and will be a starter for the season opener.
Players to Watch: Jayden Ballard is looking to break out and join his peers on the national stage
Ballard was a high four-star recruit in the 2021 class but has seemingly become Ohio State’s ‘forgotten’ wide receiver.
Player to Watch: Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. is already a known commodity
We begin a month of players to watch with perhaps the most obvious choice.
Player to Watch: Ohio State’s Swiss Army Knife Xavier Johnson
The former walk-on made a name for himself in 2022 with his strong play on offense and special teams.
Players To Watch: Offensive tackle Josh Fryar could be the key for Ohio State success
Where will Fryar line up on the Ohio State offensive line in 2023?
Players to Watch: Kenyatta Jackson is on the brink of a breakout season
Now bigger, badder, and more confident thanks to a strong spring, Jackson should play a major role up front for Larry Johnson’s Rushmen.