Columbus, OH- Earlier this week the BIG10 held their annual preseason media day. During this event, the fourth-year head coach at the Ohio State University Ryan Day made a remark that would shake the college football world.
When asked about the Buckeyes’ expectations for the season Coach Day stated,
“Our expectation is to win every game. Maybe at some places, 11-2 with a Rose Bowl victory is a good year. It’s not at Ohio State.” Per Brett McMurphy at ActionNetworkHQ.
The statement shortly afterward went viral. However, a national championship expectation for the Buckeyes is realistic when looking at their returning sophomore offensive talent.
The Man Behind the Quote
Winning has not been a stranger to Coach Day during his tenure at Ohio State. In his first two seasons, his team led by now Chicago Bears Quarterback Justin Fields did not lose a regular season game.
Last year was Day’s first season without Fields instructing the offense, and it showed early on. The Buckeyes struggled to start the season as they suffered their first regular season defeat during the Day era falling to Oregon 35-28.
However, the Buckeyes managed to turn their season around, winning 10 out of their next 11 games. This included an impressive victory in the Rose Bowl 48-45 over no.11 ranked Utah University.
During his time as Ohio State’s head coach, Day has had two college football playoff appearances, including a national championship appearance in 2020 and an impressive record 34-4 record.
Although a national championship still is missing from Day’s resume, with the three-star offensive players he has set to return, this could be his season to change that.
A Star with a Chip on his Shoulder
CJ Stroud had big shoes to fill in his first season in charge of the Buckeyes offense. Despite a slow start to the year, the redshirt freshman quarterback was able to show that he is one of the best players in the country.
Stroud was a statistical monster on the season finishing with 4,435 passing yards, 44 touchdowns, and a ridiculously efficient quarterback rating of 186.6.
This excellent season earned Stroud multiple accolades. He earned the first team All-Big-10 honors, was a Heisman trophy candidate, and won the Griese-Brees Quarterback of the year award.
Despite this success, after losing to Michigan and Oregon, Stroud still has a chip on his shoulder for the upcoming season. During the Rose Bowl media day, Coach Day stated,
“CJ has had a different look in his eyes since the loss to Michigan. He has been extremely focused since that day.” per ESPN.
Expectations are high for the sophomore year quarterback as he was named a preseason All-Big 10 member, a preseason pick for the Maxwell award, and the Davey O’Brien trophy.
A Groundbreaking Player
Freshman running back TreVeyon Henderson was a surprise for the Ohio State Buckeyes. In spring ball, Henderson was listed as a backup on the depth chart.
However, by the opening game, Henderson was the starter, and he did not waste this opportunity.
Henderson had a fantastic freshman campaign breaking the Buckeyes’ single-game rushing record for a freshman finishing with 277 yards against Tulsa University.
Henderson also broke the Ohio State freshman touchdown from the scrimmage record. He finished the year with 1,172 rushing yards and 19 total touchdowns.
Expectations for Henderson this upcoming season are high as he was named to the preseason Big 10 all-conference team, a preseason Maxwell award member, and a preseason Doak Walker award candidate.
Stepping Out of the Shadow
With the departure of first-round NFL draft picks Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, Marvin Harrison Jr. will get his chance to create his own story this upcoming season.
Harrison Jr., the son of NFL Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, is getting his chance to shine this upcoming year at Ohio State. The incoming sophomore has always been talented but has had to be patient for his turn to play at the University.
While Harrison Jr.’s season stats from last season are underwhelming, he showed when given the opportunity he can be one of the best players in college football.
Last season during the Rose Bowl, Harrison Jr. had his first career college start and took full advantage of it. The Philadelphia native had a dominant game catching six passes for 71 yards and three touchdowns.
Harrison Jr. will have his first year as a starter this upcoming season, and as Strouds’ second favorite target on the field, he will have a chance to show the college football world who he is.
Ohio State opens its season on September 3rd versus Notre Dame University at 4:30 P.M. PST.
