Projecting Who’s Staying and Who’s Leaving from Ohio State After Bowl Game
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Approximately 127 other programs would love to have an 11-win season that ends in the College Football Playoff, but the Ohio State Buckeyes will leave 2022 a bit dissatisfied with their year. The top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs defeated Ohio State 42-41 in the Peach Bowl.
Reality will quickly set in for OSU, which is bracing to lose an All-American quarterback and several likely NFL-bound players.
Optimism won’t be in short supply, though.
Although the Bucks have outgoing players—both in the draft and the transfer portal—the roster is still loaded. Between the incoming recruiting class and potential transfer additions to come, OSU should approach the 2023 campaign as a national threat yet again.
Who’s Leaving?
The Seniors
When the NCAA didn’t take a season of eligibility in 2020, athletic years no longer necessarily matched academic listings. Right tackle Dawand Jones and edge-rusher Zach Harrison are among the seniors with an option to return but will—along with defensive back Tanner McCalister and kicker Noah Ruggles, who are out of eligibility—likely turn pro.
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C.J. Stroud and NFL-Bound Players
Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has announced he will enter the 2023 NFL draft following a disappointing, injury-affected year. Star quarterback C.J. Stroud, a potential No. 1 overall pick, is expected to pursue the NFL.
Others to know offensively are running back Miyan Williams, left tackle Paris Johnson Jr., center Luke Wypler and tight end Cade Stover. Linebackers Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers are possible departures on defense, along with safety Lathan Ransom.
Transfers
For now, only defenders Teradja Mitchell, Jantzen Dunn and Jaylen Johnson have entered the portal. Mitchell is a former starter but missed most of 2022 because of injury. However, more players will follow suit as the College Football Playoff run comes to an end.
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