Rundown of Buckeyes in top 10 of PFF's returning player position rankings

COLUMBUS — With the offseason in full swing, Pro Football Focus has released a series of articles highlighting the top-10 returning players at every position in college football. Seven different Ohio State players earned a spot on their respective position lists.

Six of those Buckeyes returners are on the offensive side of the ball. But it’s important to remember that Ohio State has brought back quite a bit of talent on defense, where it ranks 20th in returning production, according to ESPN’s February returning production rankings.

That’s why it’s no surprise to see a pair of Buckeyes defensive players show up on these lists.

Let’s get into it, though.

These are the seven Ohio State players PFF is recognizing in its position rankings this offseason.

Miyan Williams (PFF’s No. 8 returning RB)

Ohio State has returned five scholarship running backs from last season, four of whom led the team in rushing at least one game in 2022. Miyan Williams, however, was the Buckeyes’ top rusher on the season with 825 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. Both Williams and TreVeyon Henderson dealt with injury issues last year, but they are expected to restore a serious 1-2 punch this fall.

Marvin Harrison Jr. (PFF’s No. 1 returning WR)

Marvin Harrison Jr. is already showing up in the top three of the early 2024 mock drafts. Keep in mind, no wide receiver has been taken in the top three since Calvin Johnson Jr. went No. 2 overall to the Detroit Lions in 2007. Harrison is that good. He was a Biletnikoff Award finalist last year and could very well win the award this season, particularly if Kyle McCord wins the starting job under center and has the same rapport with Harrison that the duo showcased as high schoolers at St. Joseph’s Prep.

Emeka Egbuka (PFF’s No. 2 returning WR)

Emeka Egbuka is the other Ohio State wide receiver who eclipsed 1,000 yards last season. Because of all the attention on Harrison, Egbuka sometimes flies under the radar. What can’t be ignored, though, is the fact that the Steilacoom, Washington, native posted five or more catches in nine games last year. He finished the season on a high note: nine catches for 125 yards and a score against Michigan and eight catches for 112 yards and score against Georgia in the Peach Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal.

Cade Stover (PFF’s No. 7 returning TE)

Last year, Cade Stover became the first Ohio State tight end to log at least 30 receptions in a season since Ben Hartsock in 2003. Rather than declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft, he opted to return for one final year with the Buckeyes, a decision that was influenced by Stover being knocked out of the CFP semifinal loss to Georgia in the first quarter. Stover rounded out last season with 36 grabs for 406 yards and five touchdowns.

Donovan Jackson (PFF’s No. 9 returning IOL)

Donovan Jackson is one of two returning Ohio State starters on the offensive line. The other is fellow guard Matthew Jones. While Jones is in his sixth year, Jackson is going on Year Three. He has the skill set to play anywhere on the line, but O-Line coach Justin Frye is keeping him at left guard, where he earned a PFF run blocking grade of 80.1 last season. Jackson also allowed only two sacks, but he did give up 13 pressures, per PFF. Overall, Jackson’s upside is certainly intriguing.

J.T. Tuimoloau (PFF’s No. 6 returning EDGE)

Ohio State defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau put together a performance for the ages against Penn State last season, serving as the catalyst for four Buckeyes takeaways. The question is, can Tuimoloau be a consistent game wrecker? He ranked second on the team last season with 32 pressures, per PFF, but he had only 3.5 sacks to show for it. Finishing will be key for Tuimoloau in 2023. He has the potential to be a bonafide star with the Buckeyes.

Tommy Eichenberg (PFF’s No. 3 returning LB)

Like Stover, linebacker Tommy Eichenberg decided to run it back for one more season at Ohio State. Eichenberg had more solo tackles (77) last season than total tackles (64) from the year before. His 120 total tackles in 2022 were tied for second in the Big Ten. Factor in his 2.5 sacks, 23 pressures and a game-changing pick-six against Iowa, and it becomes clear why Eichenberg was a second-team All-American.