Ohio State has long been a powerhouse in college football, and this year is no exception. With a strong returning roster and strategic additions from the transfer portal, the Buckeyes are loaded with talent. Notably, they have a standout true freshman wide receiver who’s making waves across the sport. Here are my top five players on the Ohio State football team.
5. Jeremiah Smith
Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports
In his first two collegiate games, Smith has made an impressive debut, racking up 11 catches for 211 yards and 3 touchdowns. Heading into the season, the wide receiver room was a concern—not due to a lack of talent, but because there was no clear WR1. While the roster boasts several five-star receivers, Smith has emerged as a standout true freshman and looks poised to continue his strong performance. With three years ahead of him, he has plenty of time to develop into a star for the Buckeyes.
4. Will Howard
Photo Cred: SI
The transfer quarterback from Kansas State has garnered attention, especially after Buckeye fans expressed their concerns about Kyle McCord’s performance in 2023. Howard brings valuable experience, having led Kansas State to a Big 12 Championship and a Cotton Bowl appearance. He has propelled the offense to impressive heights, scoring over 50 points in each of the Buckeyes’ first two games. As the season progresses, expect Howard to leverage his mobility to further open up the offense in tougher matchups.
3. TreVeyon Henderson
Photo Cred: The New York Times
Now in his fourth year, Henderson has been a key asset for the Buckeyes since he arrived. In 2021, he amassed over 1,500 all-purpose yards, but injuries have limited his production over the past two seasons. Despite that, he still managed over 1,100 all-purpose yards in 2023. As a senior, he’s motivated to help the team achieve its goals of beating that team up north and winning a National Championship. Although he will share the backfield with transfer Quinshon Judkins, Henderson remains a crucial part of Ohio State’s offensive scheme.
2. Caleb Downs
Downs, a standout transfer from Alabama, is expected to make a significant impact on the defensive side of the ball. Having started as a true freshman for the Crimson Tide, he was considered one of the top players in the transfer portal. His addition strengthens an already formidable secondary that returns nine starters. With Downs, Ohio State’s defense gains one of the best safeties in the nation, further solidifying their reputation as one of the country’s elite defensive units.
1. Quinshon Judkins
Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports
Judkins, the transfer running back from Ole Miss, has been a force in the SEC, rushing for over 1,100 yards in each of his two seasons. He was highly sought after in the transfer portal and is set to join TreVeyon Henderson in one of the most dynamic backfields in the country. With both Judkins and Henderson, Ohio State possesses two running backs capable of starting at nearly any program in the nation. This powerful run game, complemented by a talented receiving corps and quarterback Will Howard, aims to bring the Buckeyes their first National Championship in a decade.
