After heartbreaking CFP loss, Ohio State football looks to 2023 and significant changes

The Ohio State Buckeyes hoped they would be playing for the national championship Monday night, and they came agonizingly close to upsetting No. 1 Georgia in the College Football Playoff semifinals as 2022 turned into 2023.

Their 42-41 loss to the Bulldogs ended their season, though Ohio State’s performance, at least on offense, showed that it remains among the country’s elite programs. That was some consolation after the ugly loss to Michigan cast some doubt about that among some Ohio State fans.

As is usually the case, especially in this liberalized transfer era, the Buckeyes will have a new look next year. Even what is projected here could change significantly. The deadline to enter the NFL draft is Jan. 16, and Ohio State will likely lose several players with eligibility remaining.

More:Reporters roundtable: On Ohio State football's latest heartbreaking playoff loss

Quarterback C.J. Stroud is a lock to turn pro, and left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. also is expected to enter the draft. Both will be first-round picks.

More:C.J. Stroud to the Indianapolis Colts? Where OSU players are landing in 2023 NFL mock drafts

Several others, including center Luke Wypler, linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, tight end Cade Stover, safety Lathan Ransom and offensive lineman Matt Jones, have decisions to make.

Here’s the best guess about what the next Buckeye team will look like:

Quarterback

With Stroud off to the NFL, Kyle McCord and Devin Brown will battle to succeed him. McCord enters the spring with a leg up. He has one more year of experience than Brown and was Stroud’s primary backup in 2022. It shouldn’t be forgotten that McCord was a five-star prospect, higher-ranked than his Philadelphia high school teammate Marvin Harrison Jr.

“I think I’m very prepared,’ McCord said.

McCord said he’s “night and day” better than he was when started against Akron in 2021 for the injured Stroud.

Brown said he also has improved greatly since arriving last January. It certainly will be an interesting battle.

Running back

The Buckeyes’ depth here was tested in 2022 when TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams were in and out of the lineup all year with injuries. Evan Pryor was out all season after a training camp ACL tear. All three return, along with sophomore-to-be Dallan Hayden and probably Chip Trayanum, who said he’d like to remain at running back after switching back from linebacker.

Henderson will almost certainly miss spring practice as he continues a multi-month rehab but vows to be better than ever after he heals.

Offensive line

This is the biggest question mark on the team. The Buckeyes will have to break in at least two starters and probably more. Left guard Donovan Jackson is the only starter sure to return.

Ohio State must to replace left tackle Paris Johnson and right tackle Dawand Jones. Center Luke Wypler also could go to the NFL. His departure would be mitigated if Matt Jones returns for a sixth year, something he said he’s considering. Jones could slide to center.

Josh Fryar and Enokk Vimaha were OSU’s top subs this year and would be the favorites to start in 2023. Fryar could play left tackle and Vimahi guard.

After that, it’s a guessing game about who will fill slots. Zen Michalski? Jakob James? The Buckeyes no doubt will look into the transfer portal for a lineman or two who can help immediately.

Tight end

Depending on the severity of his Peach Bowl injury, Cade Stover might decide to return. That would be a big retention. Mitch Rossi, a quasi-fullback, departs. Gee Scott Jr. and Joe Royer could find roles, especially in the passing game. Both are still developing as blockers. Bennett Christian is a blocking-first tight end who could fill a role.

Wide receiver

An obvious area of strength. Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka and Julian Fleming should be as good a trio as there is in the country. If a younger receiver emerges − Jayden Ballard? – that would provide depth. Former walk-on Xavier Johnson developed into a legitimate weapon this year. Though he was a senior, he has eligibility remaining if he wanted to return.

Then there are the incoming freshmen in Brian Hartline’s pipeline, Brandon Inniss, Noah Rogers and Carnell Tate. OSU’s receivers should be an extremely nice security blanket for the next Buckeye quarterback.

Defensive line

The Buckeyes lose Zach Harrison and Taron Vincent as well as other veterans who provided depth. But the makings are here for another excellent line. Defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau is the headliner. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles believes Jack Sawyer has room to grow as the versatile “jack” defensive end. Defensive end Caden Curry showed promise as a freshman.

At tackle, Mike Hall Jr., Ty Hamilton and Tyleik Williams figure to be at the top of the rotation. Hall’s superb start was stunted by a lingering injury, but if healthy is a disruptive player with rare quickness. Hamilton provided a steadying presence inside. The Buckeyes would be thrilled if Williams can become more consistent because he has plenty of talent.

Linebacker

Steele Chambers already announces his return. If Eichenberg returns, that would be huge after he developed into a star and the unit’s leader this season. Cody Simon was productive as a role player after returning from shoulder surgery. C.J. Hicks, the top recruit in the 2022 recruiting class, will likely be ticketed for a significant role.

Secondary

The Buckeyes will have plenty of holes to fill here. Junior-to-be cornerback Denzel Burke is the only starter sure to return. Cornerback Cam Brown and safeties Tanner McAlister and Ronnie Hickman are departing, and Lathan Ransom could declare for the NFL draft.

Ja'Had Carter, a safety who transferred from Syracuse, figures to be a starter. Carter might not be the only defensive back the Buckeyes pursue in the portal.

Of the returning players, Jordan Hancock, who missed much of the season with a hamstring injury, is the leading candidate to replace Brown at cornerback. Sonny Styles, who drew raves from coaches and teammates as an underage freshman, could develop into a star as a safety who can be used in various roles. Josh Proctor played surprisingly little on defense and participated in Senior Day but has eligibility remaining if he so chooses.

Cornerback Jyaire Brown and safety Kye Stokes will battle for significant playing time as sophomores.

Kickers

Punter Jesse Mirco returns, but the Buckeyes will have to replace placekicker Noah Ruggles.

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State will have a new look next year after several key departures