Ohio State has to find a way to deal with some key departures from its 2019 team. Guys like Chase Young and J.K. Dobbins are off to bigger and better things at the next level, but for the team coming back in 2020, it’s time to turn the page and look ahead.
For all the key members moving on, there’s still a lot to like. Namely, Ryan Day is still pulling the strings with quarterback Justin Fields coming back to lead what should be an explosive offense.
Now that LSU has capped off one of the best seasons in college football memory, there are several folks dissecting what 2020 might look like in the fall across the entire landscape of the college football universe.
One of those is our friend Paul Myerberg at our mother-ship USA TODAY. He has come out with his early top 25 for next year and Ohio State is high up on the list.
According to Myerberg, he has the Buckeyes at No. 3, just behind Clemson (1) and Alabama (2) once again. Here’s what he says about Ohio State.
There are going to be several key holes to fill, notably with the departures of stars Chase Young, J.K. Dobbins and Jeff Okudah. But the Buckeyes are in steady hands in second-year coach Ryan Day and quarterback Justin Fields, and very likely motivated to leave no doubt after feeling robbed by officiating during the Fiesta Bowl loss to Clemson.
It's never too early to start looking ahead to the 2020 season. https://t.co/NuAyFW71oG
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) January 14, 2020
We’ve already argued that Ohio State could get a look at N0. 1. It’ll probably be compared most closely with Clemson since both have their starting quarterback returning, as opposed to teams like Alabama that must replace a starter under center.
Either way, you’re really splitting hairs with teams like Clemson, Ohio State, and Alabama. The Buckeyes should be dynamic and be in the running for the College Football Playoff again in 2020.