Greg McElroy explains why Ohio State 'absolutely cannot disappoint' in 2024

After coming up short of the College Football Playoff last season, Ohio State became one of the biggest winners this offseason. The Buckeyes brought in multiple big-time transfers and another highly rated recruiting class, setting a high bar for 2024.

It feels like the pressure is ramping up in Columbus. But when it comes to handling that pressure, ESPN analyst Greg McElroy said Ryan Day and the Buckeyes need to avoid disappointment with so many high-profile additions.

“They obviously have a high ceiling. They also have a crazy high floor,” McElroy said on Always College Football. “This is a team that absolutely cannot disappoint this year. They can’t. It’s almost impossible.”

Ohio State brought in eight players from the transfer portal, headlined by Caleb Downs and Julian Sayin – the No. 1 and No. 3 players, respectively, in the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings. The Buckeyes also landed two more top-15 transfers in Quinshon Judkins and Will Howard, who add to a group of newcomers that includes the No. 4-rated recruiting class, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

But one of the biggest additions is on the coaching staff with Chip Kelly now in as offensive coordinator alongside co-OC Brian Hartline. By transforming the roster, McElroy argued Ohio State has to get the job done on the field. Based on the way the schedule shakes out, he thinks the Buckeyes will be able to do so.

“Look at the additions that they made this year in the offseason … and the pieces that return off last year’s team to begin with. This is a team that just flat out can’t disappoint,” McElroy said. “Then, you look at their schedule. Are there some tricky ones on there? For sure. But which ones do you really think they have a chance of losing?

“I’ll give you the possibility of losing at Oregon. I think that’s a possibility, for sure. But do you think they can lose at Michigan State? Do you think they can lose at Penn State? Personally, I have a hard time envisioning them losing at Penn State right now. I think they could lose Oregon. Penn State, that’s one I’m just not quite sold on, at least at the moment. Can they lose to Michigan at home, given all the departures that Michigan’s experienced in both their coaching staff and in their personnel? That’s another one I have a hard time seeing. And then, do you think they’re going to lose in The Shoe this year to Iowa, to Nebraska, to Purdue, to Indiana? I think that’s highly unlikely.”

With the group of newcomers joining a crew of returners including TreVeyon Henderson, Emeka Egbuka and J.T. Tuimoloau, McElroy said Ohio State’s floor is likely 10 wins. As for what the Buckeyes’ ceiling is, he didn’t put a limit on it.

“I think Ohio State has a crazy high floor. And, frankly, I think their ceiling is crazy high, too,” McElroy said. “Because I think they have that many good players that are returning for them and the great players that have joined the roster here in the last few months.”