Five-star cornerback Devin Sanchez has committed to Ohio State, choosing the Buckeyes over Alabama and Texas A&M. As the No. 6 overall player and No. 2-rated cornerback in the 2025 class, Sanchez is a significant addition to Ohio State's recruiting class. His commitment strengthens an already promising secondary for the Buckeyes, who now have five commits for the 2025 cycle. Sanchez, who hails from North Shore High School in Houston, Texas, is known for his size, coverage skills, and potential to be an immediate impact player at the collegiate level.
Seth McLaughlin, a former Alabama offensive lineman and starter at center, has transferred to Ohio State football after entering the transfer portal following Alabama's Rose Bowl loss to Michigan. McLaughlin, a four-star prospect according to 247Sports' transfer portal rankings, will have one season of eligibility left and is looking to improve under Ohio State's offensive line coach Justin Frye. Despite his extensive experience, McLaughlin has had issues with low snaps, which he aims to rectify in his final collegiate season.
Seth McLaughlin, a center with 25 career starts for the Alabama Crimson Tide, has announced his transfer to Ohio State football. Despite issues with errant snaps, McLaughlin is recognized for his pass protection skills, having allowed only one sack over three seasons. With one season of eligibility left, he is expected to bring a veteran presence to Ohio State's offensive line, potentially filling in for outgoing players. McLaughlin's versatility may also see him play at guard positions if needed. He is the third transfer to join the Buckeyes this week, indicating Ohio State's continued use of the transfer portal to strengthen their team.
Ohio State's defense is set to remain strong with junior defensive end Jack Sawyer announcing his return for another season. Sawyer, a key player with impressive stats including 48 total tackles and 6.5 sacks this season, aims to earn his first Gold Pants and contribute to the Buckeyes' national championship aspirations. His decision, along with the return of other upperclassmen, will bolster the team's defensive lineup as they prepare for the 2024 season.
Ohio State has acquired former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard, indicating a potential shift in offensive strategy for coach Ryan Day. Howard, known for his development and leadership, may not fit the traditional mold of a downfield passer that Day's offense has been known for. With a strong intermediate passing game and improved rushing ability, Howard's arrival could see Ohio State's offense incorporating more running plays, reminiscent of the Urban Meyer era. As the Buckeyes face a critical season with recent losses to Michigan and a changing Big Ten landscape, Day may need to adapt his scheme to maximize Howard's talents and ensure Ohio State remains a competitive force.
Ohio State has strategically added quarterback Will Howard, who has one year of eligibility left, to their roster, which aligns well with the development timeline of incoming five-star quarterback Air Noland. Howard's presence maintains the quarterback room's balance and provides a clear path for Noland to potentially lead the team in the future. Coach Ryan Day praised Noland's athleticism and maturity, suggesting he could see game action in his freshman season if circumstances allow. This addition keeps Ohio State's succession planning intact without disrupting the current dynamics.
Ohio State quarterback Devin Brown, who suffered an ankle injury during the Cotton Bowl, hinted at his patience and determination to compete for the starting position in a social media post, amidst the arrival of transfer quarterback Will Howard from Kansas State. Howard's transfer adds experience to the Buckeyes' quarterback room, with 26 starts including key victories, setting up a competitive atmosphere for the 2024 season. Brown, a top-50 prospect, is entering his third spring with Ohio State and is expected to challenge Howard for the starting role, which could enhance the team's offensive capabilities.
Ohio State football coach Ryan Day has brought in former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard to provide stability and experience to the Buckeyes' quarterback room. Howard's commitment is seen as a crucial move for a team that boasts a strong defense and skilled position players but needs a reliable quarterback to unify the team's potential. Unlike his predecessor Justin Fields, Howard will face stiff competition for the starting role and is considered a one-year stopgap as Ohio State continues to recruit top-tier quarterback prospects. With the possibility of key offensive players returning, Howard's addition could be the breakthrough Ryan Day needs to reassert Ohio State's dominance in the Big Ten and beyond.
Will Howard, a quarterback from Kansas State with one season of eligibility left, has committed to Ohio State, aiming to compete for the starting QB position after Kyle McCord's transfer to Syracuse. Howard, known for his dual-threat capabilities, chose Ohio State for the chance to compete for a national championship and develop for the NFL draft. Despite the presence of other quarterbacks on the roster, Howard's experience and skill set make him a strong contender to start for the Buckeyes, potentially becoming the first transfer quarterback to start for Ohio State since Justin Fields in 2019.
At the All-American Bowl practices in San Antonio, Texas, Ohio State signees, including five-star recruits Jeremiah Smith and Eddrick Houston, have been making impressive plays ahead of the game. Additionally, 2025 four-star running back Tory Blaylock has included Ohio State in his top 13 schools. Ohio State is also hosting visits from transfer portal targets, including Troy offensive tackle Derrick Graham and Kansas State quarterback Will Howard. Meanwhile, three Ohio State 2024 signees will participate in the Under Armour All-American Game, and OSU's Director of Player Personnel Marc Votteler has been hired by Mississippi State as their Associate AD for Player Personnel.
Ohio State suffered a disappointing 14-3 loss to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl, highlighting significant offensive struggles that have raised questions about the team's quarterback and offensive line positions. With the potential addition of Kansas State transfer Will Howard and the possibility of coaching changes, particularly for Parker Fleming and Corey Dennis, the Buckeyes face an offseason filled with uncertainties as they look to improve for the 2024 season.
Michigan defensive tackle Kris Jenkins expressed sympathy for Ohio State's football team after their poor offensive performance in a 14-3 loss to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl. Ohio State struggled following injuries and player transfers, including the loss of their starting quarterback and key receivers. Despite being a self-proclaimed "Grade A hater" of Ohio State, Jenkins found it difficult to watch the Buckeyes' collapse, stating that beating a strong rival is more satisfying than seeing them weakened. Jenkins' comments came as Michigan prepared to face Alabama in the College Football Playoff semifinal.
The ESPN College GameDay crew critiqued Ohio State's performance in the Cotton Bowl, highlighting issues with the quarterback position and the offensive line's inability to establish a running game against Missouri's defense. Desmond Howard emphasized the Buckeyes' struggles in the trenches as the key factor in their 14-3 loss. The conversation also touched on the broader implications for coach Ryan Day after this defeat and a previous loss to Michigan, with Pat McAfee commenting on the negative optics and a sideline incident involving a towel snatched by an Ohio State staffer.
Ohio State faces uncertainty heading into the 2024 season after a disappointing Cotton Bowl loss to Missouri, with questions surrounding the quarterback position and potential changes in the coaching staff. The team's strong defense is set to undergo transitions with key players expected to leave, while special teams also require improvements. The expansion of the College Football Playoff and the Big Ten's addition of new teams like USC and UCLA add to the challenges Ohio State will face in securing a playoff spot. With leadership changes at the university level, the Buckeyes are under pressure to overcome recent shortcomings, including a winless streak against Michigan and a lack of bowl victories over SEC teams.
During the Cotton Bowl, Ohio State quarterbacks Devin Brown and Lincoln Kienholz were unable to solidify their cases for the starting QB position in 2024. Brown's first career start was cut short due to a high ankle sprain, and Kienholz struggled in his place, leading to a 14-3 loss against Missouri. Ohio State's head coach Ryan Day now faces uncertainty at the quarterback spot, with the possibility of recruiting a transfer to bolster the team's options.
