Scarlet Sunrise: Where does Ohio State's offense rank in ESPN's 'Future Power Rankings'?

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Where does Ohio State’s offense rank in ESPN’s ‘Future Power Rankings’?

ESPN is once again rolling out its “Future Power Rankings” series, where the outlet takes inventory of the top teams in college football and forecasts how they’ll fare at specific positions and in particular phases of the game over the next three seasons.

This week’s focus? The offensive side of the ball.

Ohio State came in at No. 1, according to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, who had the Buckeyes ranked No. 2 in last year’s offensive FPR.

“Ohio State’s notable winter personnel push bolstered not only its 2024 offense with transfer players like quarterback Will Howard (Kansas State), running back Quinshon Judkins (Ole Miss) and center Seth McLaughlin (Alabama), but future units with quarterback Julian Sayin, a top 10 recruit who initially signed with Alabama. The Buckeyes have retained Devin Brown and their other quarterbacks for now, and while the room surely will turn over in 2025, coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly have plenty of options. Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson form the nation’s best running back combination for the fall, but the room changed a bit with Hayden’s transfer. The post-2024 outlook there could hinge on James Peoples, a top-200 recruit in 2024, but Ohio State likely will remain active in the portal, if only for depth. Offensive line is an area that must improve after 2023, as senior guard Donovan Jackson leads the group. Fellow seniors McLaughlin, left tackle Josh Simmons and right tackle/guard Josh Fryar provide short-term solutions, while younger players such as juniors Tegra Tshabola and Carson Hinzman, and sophomore Luke Montgomery will be factors through at least 2025. …”

Adam Rittenberg, ESPN

Rittenberg’s long-term confidence in Ohio State’s offense largely rests with the coaching staff, namely head coach Ryan Day, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Chip Kelly and co-OC and wide receivers coach Brian Hartline. But a quarterback room with promise for the present and the future goes a long way, too. Not only do the Buckeyes have viable options in Will Howard and Devin Brown this season, but Julian Sayin — the On3 Industry Ranking’s No. 2 quarterback in the 2024 class — is both in the mix this year and potentially the answer for years ahead.

Rittenberg’s long-term concerns lie with the Buckeyes’ offensive line, which experienced a significant down year in 2023 while trying to weather the storm that was three NFL departures in one offseason. Ohio State is poised to be better up front in 2024. Now, how much better is yet to be seen. O-Line coach Justin Frye is in a make-or-break third year leading the position group, both in terms of his players’ on-field performance and his ability to reel in top-tier talent on the recruiting trail.

Here’s Rittenberg’s Top 10 for offensive FPR (2024-26):

1. Ohio State
2. Texas
3. Georgia
4. Oregon
5. Alabama
6. USC
7. LSU
8. Tennessee
9. Oklahoma
10. Michigan

Get Rittenberg’s complete rankings here.

Rounding up where major media outlets have Ryan Day ranked among best head coaches

Ryan Day is entering a pivotal sixth season as full-time Ohio State head coach. Although Day has led the Buckeyes to a 56-8 record and three College Football Playoff appearances, his teams haven’t won a Big Ten title since 2020, and, worse, they haven’t beaten Michigan since 2019.

Day’s 1-3 record against the Wolverines has tainted his Ohio State resume so far. But he has an opportunity to prove the doubters wrong in 2024, not only with a win over Michigan but also a march through trophy season on top, thanks to an ultra-talented Buckeyes roster.

If Ohio State can achieve its yearly goals this time around, Day will be considered one of the top coaches in the sport. What about now, though?

Lettermen Row rounded up where the major media outlets have Day ranked among the best head coaches in college football. Check it out here.

Next Man Up: How Buckeyes can replace Matthew Jones at right guard

Lettermen Row is continuing its “Next Man Up” series with a breakdown of the right guard position. It’s the only spot on the Ohio State offensive line that doesn’t have a returning starter in the fold.

Matthew Jones started there the last two seasons but exhausted his NCAA eligibility in 2023 and is now trying to make the Miami Dolphins’ roster as an undrafted free agent signee.

In this piece, Lettermen Row outlined the realistic options for Jones’ replacement and then provided its pick for who his successor will be.

Find out here.

Counting Down

Buckeyes vs. Akron: 108 days
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 199 days

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