Greg McElroy reveals his biggest question about Ohio State in 2023

ESPN college football analyst Greg McElroy has a big question about Ohio State heading into 2023, and it’s not to do with the quarterbacks or defense. As the Buckeyes angle at regaining a spot atop the Big Ten in 2023, McElroy is worried about the massive turnover on the offensive line.

Ohio State lost both starting tackles and the starting center from one of the best lines in college football in 2022. With that trio in the NFL now, McElroy is sounding the alarm that the offensive line could be the weak link for Ohio State.

“I’ve been trying to tell people this. I’ve been banging on the drum. I’ve been yelling off the roof of my house. Ohio State’s questions this year are along the offensive line. Anybody that watched the spring game, you’re going to say, ‘Well that was really about Ohio State’s defensive presence and their pass rushers’ and all that stuff. That’s fine. That’s fine,” McElroy said.

He continued: “All I know is that offensive line was, for the most part, a brick wall last year. And whether you love the tackles or think the tackles were overrated or however you feel, those guys were big and they were athletic. Really, really athletic. Especially on the left hand side. Replacing those guys will not be easy. And if they can’t adequately replace their productivity, that’s the only thing that will hold this offense back.”

While the defense, after a poor finish to 2022, is rightfully under the microscope headed into 2023, McElroy is confident that defensive coordinator Jim Knowles will have the unit ascending in Year 2 under his scheme.

The talent is all there in McElroy’s eyes, though he would like to see someone step up at safety and cornerback. Even still, he has no doubts Ohio State has players capable of doing so.

“They do need someone, I think, to step up in the back, back end at the safety spot. I think that’s a solid position. But that has been a position in the past that is super elite and corner, for instance, for Ohio State, has been super elite,” McElroy said. “Now I think Denzel Burke is, do they have another one on the other side? I think they probably will. Get a couple transfers, things should be just fine there in the backend. Ja’Had Carter is a name to keep in mind, the Syracuse transfer, he’s a legit dude. Keep an eye on him.

“I think this defense, top to bottom, will be outstanding. Very excited to see what they’re going to do.”