Though Urban Meyer has found himself in hot water leading into the 2018 season, the Buckeyes bring back 12 starters to a team that finished 12-2 with a Big Ten title and Cotton Bowl win over USC a year ago.
And yes, before you ask, Ohio State will be the Big Ten favorite with or without Meyer. No matter what happens to Meyer, my opinion on the Buckeyes doesn’t change. They’re built like a playoff team, but they mustn’t let the Meyer situation become a distraction.
Dwayne Haskins takes over for J.T. Barrett at quarterback and he’s proven he can win the big game, beating Michigan after the four-year starter went down. His ceiling is incredibly high and the same can be said for receivers KJ Hill, Binjimen Victor, Austin Mack, Terry McLaurin, Demario McCall and Parris Campbell. Luke Ferrell will also be a threat at tight end.
J.K. Dobbins and Mike Weber form an impressive one-two punch in the backfield as both have 1,000-yard seasons under their belt — Dobbins last season and Weber in 2016.
The defense returns five starters including All-American candidate Nick Boss and defensive backs Damon Arnette and Jordan Fuller. Keep an eye on Chase Young at defensive end as he, too, could be an All-American for the Buckeyes.
This team is loaded. Consider Ohio State the Alabama of the north.