Who stays? Who returns? Roster questions for 2022
Ohio State has one more game to play this season, but whatever bowl game the Buckeyes play will pale in importance to what follows.
Many of the standouts from the 2021 team will move on to the NFL. Wide receiver Chris Olave, offensive lineman Thayer Munford and defensive tackle Haskell Garrett were among the seniors who returned for one last shot at a national title.
But a number of underclassmen are likely to leave as well, either by entering the NFL draft or by transferring. Here’s a look at how things might shake out:
Quarterback
C.J. Stroud will return for his redshirt sophomore season after a terrific first year as a starter. What happens behind him will get a ton of attention, for good reason. Jack Miller has already announced he will transfer, which was no surprise. But what do Kyle Mccord and Quinn Ewers do? Both were five-star recruits, with Ewers the top player in the 2022 class before reclassifying to enroll early at OSU.
If the expectation is that Stroud will turn pro after next season, the player who believes he’ll be the backup next season has an incentive to stay. But that’s not a given. It would be no surprise if at least one transfers after spring practice, if not before.
Running back
Freshman Treveyon Henderson will return as the starter. Master Teague III went through Senior Day as a junior — he has graduated — and is almost certainly moving on. Miyan Williams saw significant action and should again next year, assuming he’s content with that complementary role. Freshman Evan Pryor saw limited action.
Offensive line
Left tackle Nicholas Petit-frere is a junior
who went through Senior Day and is expected to head to the NFL, though perhaps his struggles against Michigan affect that decision. Paris Johnson, who played right guard this year, is expected to move to left tackle, which is his natural position. If guard Matt Jones decides to return for his senior season, he’d be in line to be a starter. The Buckeyes also should get Harry Miller back after he missed almost the entire season due to injury. After the line’s issues last week, this unit will be under scrutiny.
Tight end
Mainstay Jeremy Ruckert is off to the NFL, and there are major questions here. Cade Stover was the No. 2 tight end, but none of the other tight ends showed much. This is a unit that will need to develop quickly.
Wide receiver
Olave is off to the NFL, and junior Garrett Wilson is highly likely to follow him as a fellow first-round pick. Jaxon Smithnjigba returns, with several young ultratalented players ready to emerge. Emeka Egbuka showed flashes of his five-star ability, and Marvin Harrison Jr. earned raves in practice. If Julian Fleming can get/stay healthy, he’s poised to make an impact. He was the No. 1-ranked wide receiver recruit nationally in 2020. Jayden Ballard is another to keep an eye on, as is Kamryn Babb, if he can get healthy.
Defensive line
The Buckeyes lose several seniors, most notably Garrett, Tyreke Smith and Antwuan Jackson. Junior defensive end Zach Harrison will have to decide whether to enter the NFL draft. If he leaves, five-star freshmen J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, along with senior-to-be Javontae Jean-baptiste would be at the top of the defensive end pecking order.
Tyler Friday, who missed the entire season because of injury, is expected to return and be in the mix. On the interior, there could be holes to fill. Taron Vincent and impressive freshman Tyleik Williams will need to continue to improve.
Linebacker
This unit needs to improve. The Buckeyes hoped to get major contributions from seniors in 2021. That didn’t happen. Teradja Mitchell was the only key one who stayed, and his playing time dwindled late.
Steele Chambers was a force after converting from running back, but this group needs more difference-makers to emerge. Linebackers coach Al Washington has his work cut out for him.
Defensive back
Along with Chambers, freshman cornerback Denzel Burke was the biggest surprise on the defense. Sevyn Banks was expected to be the team’s top cornerback, but his season was sidetracked by injuries. Would he consider returning to improve his draft stock? The same applies to Cameron Brown, who also battled injuries.
The loss of safety Josh Proctor early was a huge blow to the defense. Assuming he heals and decides to come back, that would be a major boost. The Buckeyes are rumored to be the front-runners to nab LSU transfer cornerback Elias Ricks, a former five-star recruit. The Buckeyes have several young players — Lathan Ransom, Kourt Williams, Ryan Watts, Cam Martinez, etc. — who need to make their move.
Specialists
Punter Jesse Mirco will be back, but long-snapper Bradley Robinson departs. The big question is whether kicker Noah Ruggles chooses to return. If not, Jake Seibert is expected to take over.