Scarlet Sunrise: Ohio State runner-up in ESPN 2023 Wide Receiver U rankings

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Ohio State runner-up in ESPN 2023 Wide Receiver U rankings

With ESPN having rolled out its “Position U” rankings for 2023, it’s a good time to continue to break down where David Hale put Ohio State.

The Buckeyes made the top five of this year’s Quarterback U rankings, but were they Wide Receiver U? After all, Ohio State has had a dominant stretch of wideouts over the last five years, in large part thanks to the recruiting and development at the position under Ohio State alum and former NFL receiver Brian Hartline.

In fact, Hartline’s success as a wide receivers coach has earned him consecutive promotions within the Ohio State staff, even bumping him up to offensive coordinator this offseason.

But, despite the Buckeyes’ surge at the position, Hale has them as the runner-up in this year’s WRU rankings.

“A quick reminder of our formula: ESPN Stats & Information combed through data on every team dating back to 1998, looking at key markers of greatness at each position. We awarded points for college production (by way of all-conference and All-America honors), NFL draft selections and NFL production (though only through the players’ first five years — Michigan can claim responsibility for Tom Brady’s success for only so long).”

David Hale, ESPN staff writer

Here’s the complete top 10:

1. USC
2. Ohio State
3. LSU
4. Alabama
5. Oklahoma
6. Oklahoma State
7. Florida State
8. Florida
9. Pitt
10. Notre Dame

Hale referenced the strength of USC’s wide receiver pull, noting Jordan Addison’s transfer to the Trojans after winning the Biletnikoff Award at Pitt in 2021. Addison, Drake London, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Michael Pittman Jr. and JuJu Smith-Schuster are among USC’s recent NFL receivers. As long as USC attracts the quarterback talent that it has for decades, wide receivers will follow.

Ohio State, however, is enjoying the benefits from that QB-WR phenomenon as well. During the Buckeyes’ streak of wide receiver brilliance, the program has featured three straight starting quarterbacks who went on to become Heisman Trophy finalists and top-15 NFL Draft picks. Pair that with three wideouts selected in the first round the last two years, plus two more on the way in 2024, and it’s a no-brainer why Ohio State climbed from No. 5 in last year’s WRU rankings.

If Marvin Harrison Jr. puts on an encore season in 2023 and actually goes top three in next year’s draft, it would seem as if the Buckeyes have a legit shot at the No. 1 spot.

Hoping to revitalize Buckeyes career, Kourt Williams transitioning to linebacker

Kourt Williams II — a former top-150 prospect out of St. John Bosco in Bellflower, California — has had four major surgeries in his three years at Ohio State.

His first and most recent season were both riddled by injury, the last spoiled by labrum tears in both of his shoulders. But Williams, who was a team captain and safety for the Buckeyes in 2022, has still found ways to lead while he’s been sidelined.

And he’s not walking away from the game. He’s still pushing for success, only now he’s doing it at a new position: linebacker.

For the full story on Williams’ adversity and his transition to the second level, go here.

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What addition of Washington, Oregon means for Buckeyes, B1G

Well, the Big Ten is getting bigger…again.

After adding USC and UCLA last offseason, the league opened its arms to Oregon and Washington this time around. As the Pac-12 seemingly dissolves, the Big Ten extends its new bi-coastal reach.

Oregon and Washington are set to join the league in 2024, along with USC and UCLA. That means the Big Ten will have 18 teams next season, a season that will also see the conference scrap divisions and the College Football Playoff switch from a four-team field to a 12-team field.

Friday’s news has significant ramifications on Ohio State. What will the 2024 schedule look like now? How have the Buckeyes fared against Oregon and Washington in the past?

Get an Ohio State-focused impact analysis here.

Conversation about KJ Bolden, Eddrick Houston and Ohio State recruiting approach

Ohio State still needs to build out its 2024 defensive recruiting class. Following a red-hot start, the Buckeyes have slowed in that department, missing on some key targets along the way.

They have a chance to make a splash this weekend when five-star Buford (Ga.) safety KJ Bolden makes his decision. But Ohio State faces stiff competition from Florida State, Auburn, Georgia and Alabama.

Bolden announces his commitment Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Meanwhile, fellow five-star Buckeyes target Eddrick Houston — the No. 4 defensive lineman in the cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking — has set an Aug. 22 commitment date.

Host Spencer Holbrook and Lettermen Row recruiting analyst Matt Parker discuss Bolden and Houston, among other recruiting topics, in the latest Lettermen Lounge episode.

You can watch the full conversation below:

Counting down

Buckeyes vs. Indiana: 28 days
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 113 days

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