Ohio State Football: Preseason Hype, Freshman All-Americans, and Punting Tryouts
The college football season is just around the corner, and expectations are high for the Ohio State Buckeyes. While many publications have the Buckeyes ranked second in the country, The Athletic has taken a bold stance by placing them at the top of their season-long FBS rankings. Chris Vannini, The Athletic’s writer, believes Ohio State’s veteran roster and key transfer additions make them a formidable force, particularly with a schedule that may not require a victory over Michigan to reach the College Football Playoff this year.
Key Takeaways:
- Ohio State is ranked No. 1 in The Athletic’s preseason rankings for all 134 FBS programs.
- ESPN and other major outlets have placed Ohio State at No. 2, with Georgia holding the top spot.
- Jeremiah Smith, a highly touted freshman wide receiver, has been named to On3’s Preseason Freshman All-American Team.
- Drue Chrisman, former Ohio State punter, is still searching for an NFL home and was recently invited to try out for the Washington Commanders, although it didn’t lead to a contract.
The Athletic Boldly Places Ohio State at No. 1
While the majority of preseason football publications have slotted Georgia as the top team, The Athletic has taken a different path, ranking Ohio State as the No. 1 team in their FBS rankings.
The article highlights the Buckeyes’ veteran players returning to the team, including star players who chose to stay in school to win a national championship. Coupled with key transfer additions, such as safety Caleb Downs and running back Quinshon Judkins, The Athletic believes Ohio State has assembled a "complete roster" top to bottom.
Given the strength of their roster and potential for a successful season, The Athletic believes Ohio State may not need to defeat Michigan this year to book a place in the College Football Playoff.
ESPN Sticking by Traditional Rankings
In contrast to The Athletic, ESPN continues to embrace the more widely held view of Georgia being the top team in the country. While recognizing Ohio State’s talent and potential, ESPN’s preseason power rankings place the Buckeyes at No. 2.
However, ESPN shares The Athletic’s optimism about Ohio State’s chances for a successful season. They acknowledge the stakes are high for coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes as they seek to end a three-year losing streak against arch-rival Michigan and capture their first national title since 2014.
ESPN highlights Ohio State’s depth across several key positions, including the defensive line, running back, secondary, wide receiver, and quarterback. The article also notes that the offensive line, which showed some shakiness last season, will be an area to watch heading into the season.
With a challenging schedule that includes trips to Oregon and Penn State, as well as a season-ending showdown against Michigan at Ohio Stadium, ESPN emphasizes that anything less than a win over Michigan and a deep CFP run would be seen as a disappointment.
Jeremiah Smith Earns Preseason All-American Honors
Jeremiah Smith, the highly touted freshman wide receiver, continues to gain national attention and recognition even before stepping onto the field for the Buckeyes. Smith has been named to On3’s Preseason Freshman All-American Team, solidifying his status as one of the most exciting prospects in the country.
On3 highlights Smith’s exceptional talent, noting that he is the highest-rated receiver prospect entering high school football in nearly a decade. He has already made a significant impact since arriving in Columbus and is expected to be a starter for the Buckeyes.
On3 goes on to describe Smith’s impressive abilities, commenting on his advanced skill set and physical prowess, which make him appear like an NFL player at this stage. Smith’s ability to separate within routes, out-muscle opposing cornerbacks, and excel after the catch further reinforces his status as a generational talent.
Although Smith is the only Ohio State freshman to be recognized on the All-American team, his selection signifies the strong talent in the 2024 recruiting class. However, due to the experience and depth of the current Buckeyes roster, Smith is likely to be the only freshman to have a major impact on the team’s success this year.
Drue Chrisman’s Punting Tryout Adventure
Former Ohio State punter Drue Chrisman, who is currently seeking an NFL home, recently participated in a tryout for the Washington Commanders.
In a humorous twist, Chrisman documented the entire experience on Twitter, even though the Commanders apparently didn’t want him to. The video, which shows Chrisman punting and ending with him getting the disappointing news that he didn’t make the team, adds a touch of humor to the cutthroat world of professional sports.
While Chrisman’s time with the Commanders was short-lived, it highlights the challenges faced by players trying to make it in the NFL. Chrisman hasn’t appeared in an NFL game since the 2022 season with the Cincinnati Bengals, but he remains determined to find a team and showcase his abilities.
The story of Chrisman’s tryouts underscores how even talented players can face rejection and uncertain futures in the competitive world of professional football, inspiring hope that he will eventually find a team where he can contribute.
