Ohio State Buckeyes Football 2024 Roster

The Ohio State Buckeyes entered the 2024 season with one of the deepest and most talked-about rosters in college football. Head coach Ryan Day reshaped his program through the transfer portal and a strong recruiting class, adding proven veterans at quarterback, running back, linebacker and safety while retaining a core of experienced playmakers on both sides of the ball. The result was a lineup that blended NFL-calibre talent with young prospects eager to earn snaps. For fans following the team from Canada and beyond, understanding how the pieces fit together makes each Saturday more interesting.

Quarterbacks and the Offensive Backfield

Simple 2024 calendar illustration marking key dates across the Ohio State football season

The most scrutinized position was quarterback, where Will Howard arrived from Kansas State and took the starting job with a combination of size, experience and decision-making. Behind him, Devin Brown, Lincoln Kienholz, Air Noland and Julian Sayin competed for reps, giving the Buckeyes unusual depth at the sport's most important spot. In the backfield, TreVeyon Henderson returned as a home-run threat, while Quinshon Judkins transferred in from Ole Miss to form arguably the best one-two punch in the country. James Peoples added youthful explosiveness, and the staff could rotate backs without losing production.

Receivers, Tight Ends and the Offensive Line

Spreadsheet-style 2024 calendar grid used to chart the Buckeyes' weekly game schedule

At receiver, Emeka Egbuka led a talented room that included Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss, Bryson Rodgers and highly touted freshman Jeremiah Smith, whose blend of size and speed generated early hype. The tight end group featured Gee Scott Jr., Jelani Thurman, Bennett Christian and transfer Will Kacmarek, offering a mix of blocking and pass-catching options. Up front, the offensive line leaned on Josh Simmons, Donovan Jackson, centre Seth McLaughlin, Josh Fryar, Carson Hinzman and guards Tegra Tshabola and Austin Siereveld. With Chip Kelly coordinating the offence, the unit was asked to play fast, protect the quarterback and open lanes for a powerful run game.

Defence, Special Teams and Overall Outlook

Jim Knowles' defence was the backbone of the roster. Along the line, JT Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, Tyleik Williams, Ty Hamilton, Kenyatta Jackson and Caden Curry created constant pressure. At linebacker, Cody Simon anchored the group while Sonny Styles made the move from safety, joining Arvell Reese, C.J. Hicks and Payton Pierce. The secondary was equally deep, with Denzel Burke, Davison Igbinosun, Jordan Hancock, Jermaine Mathews Jr., Lathan Ransom and Alabama transfer Caleb Downs forming a ball-hawking unit. On special teams, kicker Jayden Fielding and punter Joe McGuire handled the kicking duties as Ryan Day took a more hands-on role in that phase. Taken together, the 2024 roster had the talent, experience and versatility to compete for a national title, and the season's story was written by how well those pieces meshed week to week.