Previewing Ohio State's 2021 Offense

by Murphy Horning

OFFENSE

Quarterback: This is the first time since 1952 that Ohio State doesn't have a QB who's never thrown a collegiate pass, but the expectations are high for whomever wins the job. Redshirt Freshman C.J. Stroud is the favorite to win the job, as he spent a year practicing in Day's offense. Kyle McCord was thought as the man behind Stroud, as he impressed in the spring game going 12 for 17 with 184 yards and two TDs. Quinn Ewers skipping his senior year does change the dynamic, as he is the best QB recruit since Trevor Lawrence.  Will there be another Haskins-Burrow situation in Columbus? 

Runningback: Deep position for the Buckeyes. but who will emerge as the #1 guy with 2020's leading rusher Trey Sermon gone to the NFL? Master Teague has had a solid career, averaging 5.5 YPC and 13 rushing touchdowns, but hasn't emerged as a #1 RB quite yet. OSU signed 2021's #1 RB TreVeyon Henderson, who may be the most talented back Ohio State's ever had.  Can he have the same impact in his freshman year as Maurice Clarett, Ezekiel Elliott and J.K. Dobbins did in theirs? Miyan Williams should get some touches, as he had four solid cameo appearances in '20, with 10 carries for 64 yards. 

Offensive Line: Four line positions look set in stone for Ohio State's O-line. First team all-B1G left tackle and potential first round pick Thayer Munford will start there. Third team all-B1G right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere will start at that position. Harry Miller, who made the switch from left guard to center after four games in 2020, looks set in the middle. Paris Johnson appears destined to replace Rimington Award winner Wyatt David at right guard. Left guard is a race between Luke Wypler and Josh Fryar, and Ohio State hopes for more stability there. OSU has six O-linemen who have started, this unit looks strong.  

Wide Receiver: Ohio State may have the best wide receiving unit in the country. Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson lead this strong unit, as they became the first Buckeye pair to have back-to-back 100 yard games in the school's history (vs Nebraska and PSU). Jackson Smith-Njigba, who only had 10 catches last year but had the circus catch vs Nebraska should see more throws. The future is bright too. Ohio State has 2020's #1 receiving recruit in Julian Fleming, and 2021's #1 receiving recruit in Emeka Egbuka. Olave and Wilson can carry a pass catching unit by themselves, but Ohio State has tons of other talent out wide.

Tight End: Jeremy Ruckert, Jeremy Ruckert, Jeremy Ruckert. He decided to forego the NFL Draft to come back to Ohio State for his senior year. In 2020, he had 13 catches for 151 yards and five touchdowns. There aren't any major weaknesses on Ohio State's offense, but the Buckeyes need more depth at tight end. Gee Scott made the switch from wide receiver to tight end, and only took 14 offensive snaps last season. Cade Stover only had five offensive snaps last year. This unit is not deep, but if Ruckert stays healthy, the tight end position shouldn't be a problem for Ohio State. 

Outlook: Ohio State's offense will be great in 2021. C.J. Stroud is the favorite to win the QB position but hasn't clinched the job just yet. Runningback should be solid, but will Master Teague finally emerge as a #1 RB, or will TreVeyon Henderson emerge as another great freshman RB for Ohio State? The Buckeyes have an experienced offensive line which shouldn't be a problem. Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson can carry the WR unit, but there's loads of talents behind them. Jeremy Ruckert is Ohio State's tight end position. Will someone step up behind him? You're nitpicking if you can find a weakness in this offense. 

What's next: My preview of Ohio State's defense, dropping tomorrow. 


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