Ohio State could shift identity in attempt to reclaim Big Ten, CFP glory in 2024

A shift could be coming in Columbus this offseason, and On3’s Jesse Simonton thinks it could be a big one for Ohio State and head coach Ryan Day. Given the additions in the transfer portal and lack of success when it matters most with the current offensive setup, a return to tradition might be on the docket.

Ohio State added former Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins on Monday night to flank new quarterback Will Howard in the backfield. It’s a duo with plenty of rushing potential, something Simonton expects to be put on full display.

“It certainly seems like Ryan Day, for a guy who’s lost less than 10 games, is feeling as much heat as anybody and he has now reverting back to kind of what I think Urban Meyer’s offense was. Which is: It’s less like let’s have the firepower throwing the bombs down the field, let’s get physical and start grinding out with the quarterback run game. I think they’re going to run Will Howard. I think they’re going to feed the rock now to Quinshon Judkins,” Simonton said.

Another addition, former Alabama center Seth McLaughlin, also plays into this calculation.

“Maybe McLaughlin plays guard, instead of center, because he can’t snap the ball but he’s a quality — he’s got that part right, it’s the snapping that was the issue,” Simonton said. “It seems to me like they’re going back to that Ohio State ground and pound, which was the Buckeyes’ path to success.” 

And Simonton doesn’t think this means Ohio State will turn away from being aggressive passing and trying to feed the likes of Jeremiah Smith, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2024 class, according to On3.

“Yeah, and you know what? Ohio State had some great receivers then, too. So it’s not to say that they’re not going to throw the ball to the likes of, oh, the No. 1 player in On3’s rankings, Jeremiah Smith, who they were able to hold on to. This is — I think Ohio State will be one of the most fascinating teams between now and this time next year to see what happens,” Simonton said.

Also, for a team that’s lost three-straight games to arch rival Michigan large due to a lack of solid play in the trenches, Staples thinks this might be a needed change for the Buckeyes.

“It’s almost like that’s what wins in the Big Ten traditionally and now. It’s almost as if that’s what won the national title last night,” Staples said.