Projected Ohio State Offensive Depth Chart Post Spring

While the Ohio State Buckeyes have not officially named a starting quarterback yet, all signs point to Kansas State transfer Will Howard to take over as the team’s starter. Howard looked composed in the Buckeyes’ spring game in April, despite learning a new offense.

Junior quarterback Devin Brown will likely be the full-time backup under Howard. Brown did get time on the field last year in rushing packages, but that likely won’t continue as Will Howard has been a more effective rusher over the years.

Young quarterbacks Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz, and Air Noland will continue to develop, serving a lower place on the depth chart.

Running Back

1A. TreVeyon Henderson – 1B. Quinshon Judkins – 3. TC Caffey

The Ohio State running back room is not only the best position group on the Ohio State offense, but arguably the best in the country. TreVeyon Henderson, one of the best running backs in the country is returning to the Buckeyes for his final season, in a move that shocked some due to his projected NFL draft ranking.

Not only did Ohio State return Henderson, but they also brought in Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins, who is one of the top projected running backs for next year’s NFL draft. The Henderson Judkins combination will be a headache for defensive coordinators all season and will leaned on to lead the Buckeyes to the College Football Playoff.

Wide Receiver

X: 1. Jayden Ballard – 2. Jeremiah Smith

Z: 1. Carnell Tate – 2. Mylan Graham – 3. Kojo Antwi

Slot: 1. Emeka Egbuka – 2. Brandon Innis – 3. Bryson Rodgers

Wide Receiver coach Brian Hartline enters his seventh season as the Buckeyes receiver coach with another impressive wide receiver group. The group will be led by senior slot receiver Emeka Egbuka who looks to finish his Buckeye career on a high note after a down year in 2023 due to injuries and inconsistent quarterback play.

Sophomore Carnell Tate will be one of the starting receivers on the outside and look to have a second-year leap and start writing his Buckeye legacy.

The last outside receiver position appears to be senior Jayden Ballard who has spent most of his Buckeye career as a kick returner. However, freshman Jeremiah Smith is coming off of an impressive spring camp and could take over that spot by week one.

Tight End

1. Will Kacmarek – 2. Gee Scott Jr – 3. Jelani Thurman

With the departure of Cade Stover, the Buckeyes will need to shift to a new starting tight end for 2024. The Buckeyes added transfer Will Kacmarek from Ohio University who appears to be the leader of the clubhouse. Senior Gee Scott Jr. who was a wide receiver turned tight end has gotten plenty of time for the Buckeyes over the years and will still be in the mix in 2024.

Tackle

LT: 1. Josh Simmons  – 2. Zen Michalski – 3. George Fitzpatrick

RT: 1. Luke Montgomery – 2. Tegra Tshabola

The Ohio State Buckeyes will return starter Josh Simmons at left tackle who will look to have a bounce-back year after an up-and-down 2023. Over at right tackle, the Buckeyes had an open competition for that starting spot and it appears that sophomore Luke Montgomery appears to have won that job.

Interior Offensive Line

LG: 1. Donovan Jackson – 2. Austin Siereveld

C: 1. Seth McLaughlin – 2. Carson Hinzman – 3. Joshua Padilla

RG: 1. Josh Fryar – 2. Toby Wilson

Donovan Jackson will return at left guard for the Buckeyes and is primed to be a top draft pick at the guard position if he has another good season in 2024.

Where the change begins is with the other two positions. Alabama transfer Seth McLaughlin will take the starting center position over Carson Hinzman who will now be the backup and could see some rotation time. Josh Fryar is a returning starter for the Buckeyes, however, he started at right tackle a season ago and struggled in pass protection. A move to right guard will help get Fryar back to being one of the top offensive linemen in the conference.