Scarlet Sunrise: Buckeyes have one of Big Ten's toughest schedules
Good morning, Ohio State fans, and welcome to the Scarlet Sunrise. Football will always be our focus, but every day we’ll cover news, notes and analysis from across Buckeyes sports. Join us each morning to get caught up on everything you missed in the world of Buckeyes football, recruiting, basketball and more in Scarlet Sunrise.
Buckeyes have one of Big Ten’s toughest schedules
Ohio State has three easy nonconference games upcoming in late August and through September. Akron, Western Michigan and Marshall shouldn’t put up much of a challenge against the Buckeyes.
But the Big Ten slate for this program? Well, that’s a different story. Ohio State will face Michigan, Oregon, Penn State and Iowa — four teams expected to compete for the conference title — among others.
With that slate of heavy hitters, Ohio State has one of the toughest schedules in the Big Ten — and in all of college football. Yes, ESPN ranked the top 25 most difficult schedules in the country, and Ohio State landed at No. 16. The Buckeyes have the fifth-toughest schedule in the Big Ten, tougher than Michigan’s slate, Oregon’s, Penn State’s or Iowa’s.
Florida has the toughest schedule, according to ESPN.
Buckle up, Ohio State fans. Yes, this nonconference schedule is easy. But conference play? That’s another story. The Buckeyes are talented enough to still run the table and make it through the gauntlet, but it won’t be an easy 12-game road.
Full coverage of Ohio State training camp
Ohio State had Monday off after practicing four straight days to end last weekend. But the Buckeyes were back to work on the practice field at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on Tuesday morning.
Top 10
- 1Live
CFP Top 25
College Football Playoff rankings revealed
- 2
12-team CFP bracket
How the College Football Playoff looks right now
- 3Hot
Skipping SEC title game
Lane Kiffin says coaches prefer sitting out
- 4
Deion Sanders
Prime calls out On3
- 5
Five-star portal'ing
Alabama LB announces plan to transfer
Following that practice, Lettermen Row and the rest of the Ohio State media were able to speak to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Chip Kelly, as well as all five quarterbacks on the roster.
We’ve got full coverage below.
READ: How Will Howard changed offseason diet in preparation for Buckeyes QB competition
READ: Julian Sayin zipping through learning curve, pushing to earn early playing time
WATCH: Chip Kelly updates Buckeyes QB battle, offensive progression in camp
READ: ‘Way more comfortable’ Devin Brown feels more consistent in third year with Buckeyes
READ from Tim May: Will Howard, quarterback run game can change Ohio State offense
Trio of Buckeyes crack annual college football Freaks List
For the second straight year, an Ohio State wide receiver has made the top 10 on Bruce Feldman’s annual College Football Freaks List.
Yes, just one year after star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was listed as Feldman’s No. 2 Freak in the country, another receiver is near the top — without even playing a snap of college football yet. And two other Buckeyes stars are also on the list, as well.
Freshman wide receiver and former No. 1 overall prospect in the On3 Rankings Jeremiah Smith landed at No. 7 on Feldman’s annual list, which was released Tuesday morning. South Carolina second-year wide receiver Nyckoles Harbor is the No. 1 player on the list for the second straight year.
READ MORE: Trio of Buckeyes crack annual college football Freaks List
Counting Down
Buckeyes vs. Akron: 24 days
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 115 days
Are you a Lettermen Row member yet?
Are you ready to get all your latest Buckeyes news in one place? Become a member of Lettermen Row today. With your Lettermen Row/On3+ membership, you’ll not only have access to everything that’s happening with the Buckeyes, but you’ll also be able to peruse other fan sites within the network to hear just how rivals are feeling about Ohio State, as well. Make sure to follow along on X, Instagram and on Youtube for all the latest Buckeyes news you need to know.