Ohio State roster in flux like never before

Dec. 5—COLUMBUS — How much will Ohio State’s roster change between now and the 2024 season-opener against Akron?

Probably very much, but at this point it might be harder to say with certainty at this time than any year before.

Coach Ryan Day’s team had seven senior starters, but only two of them (safety Josh Proctor and right guard Matt Jones) are out of eligibility.

Because of the lasting effects of the NCAA granting an extra year of eligibility to anyone who was on a college roster in 2020, others could come back for a fifth or even sixth year.

Linebackers Tommy Eichenberg, Steele Chambers (and reserve Cody Simon), tight end Cade Stover and safety Lathan Ransom can return, but all went through Senior Day, so that might be unlikely.

Another senior starter, receiver Julian Fleming, announced he will enter the transfer portal with the intent to use his extra season at another school, while part-time regular running back Miyan Williams is going to the NFL after four years in Columbus.

Starting quarterback Kyle McCord, a junior, entered the transfer portal after a third-team All-Big Ten showing, leaving Ohio State with 14 returning starters, but that might be only the beginning.

“Well, certainly there’s going to be conversations with a bunch of the guys,” Day said. “That’s just kind of the way it is right now in college football, but we’re gonna try to do everything we can to have the best roster year in and year out.”

An average of four Ohio State players have entered the NFL Draft with eligibility remaining (not counting the extra year from COVID) each year since 2014, but that number could be much higher for 2024.

Another 12 starters are three years removed from high school and thus draft eligible, including the entire defensive line of J.T. Tuimolau, Jack Sawyer, Mike Hall Jr. and Tyleik Williams.

Cornerback Denzel…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/ohio-state-roster-flux-never-021300284.html

Author : Dayton Daily News, Ohio

Publish date : 2023-12-06 02:13:00

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