Ohio State’s 2024 Roster is Loaded, Especially on Defense

Real Pod Wednesdays

The Ohio State football team’s 2024 roster is loaded – especially on defense.

With TreVeyon Henderson, Emeka Egbuka, Donovan Jackson, Jack Sawyer, JT Tuimoloau, Tyleik Williams, Denzel Burke, Jordan Hancock and Lathan Ransom all choosing to stay at Ohio State for another year rather than enter the 2024 NFL draft, Ohio State’s roster could be the best in the country.

The Buckeyes’ defense, in particular, looks like it should be even better than it was this past season. Ohio State’s offense faces the same questions as it did last year – will its quarterback play and offensive line be good enough? – but will have the nation’s best running back tandem and is still loaded with talented receivers.

We spend the first half of this week’s show taking a closer look at Ohio State’s 2024 roster and how its starting lineup could stack up.

In the second half of the show, we switch gears and look at why Ohio State men’s basketball must correct course quickly and why Chris Holtmann’s job should be on the line if it doesn’t. Finally, we assess the hiring of Ross Bjork as Ohio State’s new athletic director and consider how the future of the athletic department could change under his leadership.

The full rundown for this week’s show:

• 0:30: Ohio State’s 2024 roster should be one of the best in the country, especially on defense
• 4:19: Ohio State’s defensive line, cornerback units will be two of nation’s top position groups
• 7:38: A move to LB makes sense for Sonny Styles – especially if OSU can get Caleb Downs
• 10:15: Ohio State’s top backups on defense next season would start just about anywhere else
• 14:21: Ramped-up NIL efforts a big reason why Ohio State retained so many draft-eligible stars
• 18:42: Offensive line is still the biggest question mark, so more portal moves should be considered
• 25:26: Ohio State should be able to lean more on running game with two elite running backs
• 26:56: Emeka Egbuka provides crucial experience in receiver unit full of young talent
• 28:48: Will Kacmarek, Gee Scott Jr. and Jelani Thurman are all players to watch at tight end
• 31:54: Ohio State basketball must snap out of slump quickly as it falls to NCAA Tournament bubble
• 40:02: The time for excuses has passed – Chris Holtmann must deliver results to keep his job
• 45:27: If OSU’s struggles continue, would Gene Smith make a change on his way out?
• 47:40: Ross Bjork brings strong reputation as fundraiser, pro-NIL approach to OSU
• 50:35: Bjork made a couple of high-profile mistakes, but shouldn’t be judged solely on that
• 56:51: Hiring Bjork over candidates with OSU ties suggests OSU wants more than continuity