The college football league is heating up as we head towards the Sugar Bowl. Here is what you need to know!
Who Will Be the Important Players in Ohio State in 2022?
The Ohio State football season of 2021 was incredible, and the anticipation was palpable. There will be a new attempt at the Big Ten title and a possible spot in the College Football Playoff, but many things must fall into place first. On the field, the best players are the puzzle pieces that must fit together perfectly. Sure, some will rise to prominence and become household names, but winning a championship in big-time college football requires a constellation of stars while providing college football against spread records.
Ohio State Season
Here are ESPN’s picks for the top five scarlet-and-grey players in college football this fall, as well as what the ESPN staff has to say about them. Ohio has been putting out talent like no other state this season; ESPN even said, “Ohio State has a history of producing NFL-calibre defensive lineman, and Smith is the next to graduate. Last season, he appeared in all eight of Ohio State’s games, with two solo tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, and one pass defense against Clemson in the Sugar Bowl. In 2021, before he switches to Sundays, expect more of the same.” Now onto the players!
Garret Wilson
On the 2022 NFL Draft Big Board, the fight for the WR1 position has been fierce. Since the start of the college football season, ESPN has alternated between two candidates in creating this consensus. However, the exceptional Garrett Wilson is distinguishing himself as one of the best football players in the country, distancing himself from his Ohio State teammates, thanks to recent performances. Wilson has great release and route-running skills, as well as the elusiveness and athleticism to be a danger after the catch. However, his body control, ball skills, and physicality at the catch point set him apart. On his way to 1,058 yards and 12 touchdowns, Wilson has made some remarkable receptions.
Haskel Garret
Garrett is still eligible to play, thanks to the extra year of eligibility that the NCAA granted. Garrett is an experienced player, having 41 games under his belt. He is one of the most experienced Ohio State defensive players, even though he faced some incredible setbacks the season before. This shows his commitment to his football. Garrett, a likely All-American defensive lineman, will be one of the most significant players on the defensive line in 2021.
Thayer Munford
Munford is another Buckeye who will return in 2021, utilizingthe additional year of eligibility. He spent the majority of his career at left tackle, but Ohio State’s coaches may move him inside to left guard this season. He has started 45 of Ohio State’s 50 games in the last four seasons, the most of any Big Ten offensive guard. That experience will help him if he doesn’t transfer to another position, but in either case, he should be one of the best linemen in the state.
Chris Olave
Chris Olave’s incredible track speed and route-running ability will almost certainly land him in the first round next spring. Wilson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, his teammates, have nothing in common with him. Olave, on the other hand, has consistently proved that he isn’t even close to Wilson’s catch-point prowess. Olave had a stellar season last year with 50 receptions for 729 yards and 7 touchdowns. This was all in the shortened season. He had 849 yards the year before. He’s a major component of Ohio State’s offense and will be a valuable asset to the team’s next quarterback in 2021. Olave’s status as a top NFL draft prospect should be cemented if he has another strong season.
Tyreke Smith
Smith is the latest in a long line of NFL-caliber defensive linemen to graduate from Ohio State. He started all eight of Ohio State’s games last season, recording two solo tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, and one pass defense in the Sugar Bowl against Clemson. Expect more of the same in 2021, before he goes to Sundays.
Ohio Talent
The Buckeyes of Ohio State are largely regarded as one of the top college football teams in the country. They’ve won eight national championships and 37 conference titles over the years. In addition to having a fantastic football team, Ohio State also provides students with a high-quality education at a fair cost.
