Biggest stars ohio state state football will have to replace as National champions ohio state face a significant challenge in repeating as National champions.with several key stars departing for the NFL. Quarterback Will Howard, who led the Buckeyes to glory,leaves a massive void in leadership and Playmaking ability.
After capturing the coveted national championship, the Ohio State Buckeyes face the daunting challenge of defending their title. As history has shown, repeating as champions is no easy feat, and the road becomes even tougher when key stars depart for the NFL. The Buckeyes, who dominated college football under the leadership of head coach Ryan Day, will now have to navigate a season of transition, with several pivotal players leaving significant gaps in both leadership and on-field production.
Will Howard’s Departure Leaves a Massive Void
At the top of the list is quarterback Will Howard, who transferred from Kansas State and immediately became the heart and soul of Ohio State’s offense. Howard’s leadership, poise under pressure, and playmaking ability were instrumental in the Buckeyes’ title run. His strong arm, combined with his ability to extend plays with his legs, made him a dual-threat nightmare for opposing defenses. Howard not only delivered in clutch moments but also provided a calming presence in the locker room, earning the trust of his teammates and coaches alike.
Replacing Howard will be no small task. The Buckeyes have a talented quarterback room, but none with Howard’s level of experience or leadership. Young talents like Devin Brown and Lincoln Kienholz will compete for the starting job, but both will need to grow quickly to fill the shoes of a national championship-winning quarterback.
Losing Marvin Harrison Jr. Is a Game-Changer
Another massive loss comes from the departure of Marvin Harrison Jr., arguably the best wide receiver in college football. Harrison’s combination of size, speed, and precise route-running made him a matchup nightmare for any defense. His ability to make acrobatic catches in tight coverage and his knack for finding the end zone were critical components of Ohio State’s offensive success. Harrison’s connection with Howard created one of the most potent QB-WR duos in the nation.
The Buckeyes’ wide receiver room, however, remains one of the deepest in the country. Emeka Egbuka, assuming he stays for another year, will step into the WR1 role, while younger players like Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss will be expected to make immediate impacts. Still, replacing a generational talent like Harrison is never easy, and his absence will be felt.
Defensive Stars Heading to the NFL
On the defensive side, Ohio State will also suffer key losses, particularly on the defensive line and in the secondary. JT Tuimoloau, the disruptive defensive end who consistently pressured opposing quarterbacks, has declared for the NFL Draft. Tuimoloau’s ability to dominate the line of scrimmage and make game-changing plays was a cornerstone of Ohio State’s defensive strategy. His departure leaves a significant hole in the pass rush.
In the secondary, Denzel Burke was a lockdown cornerback who frequently shut down the opponent’s top receiver. His combination of speed and football IQ made him one of the best defensive backs in the country. Burke’s leadership in the secondary will be hard to replace, especially given the high level of competition in the Big Ten.
Reloading for Another Title Run
Despite these losses, Ohio State is far from depleted. The Buckeyes have recruited at an elite level for years, and their depth chart is filled with five-star talent ready to step up. The coaching staff, led by Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, will be tasked with developing the next wave of stars to keep Ohio State in the national championship conversation.
While the road to repeating as champions will be challenging, the Buckeyes have the talent and culture to remain contenders. The upcoming season will test their resilience, but if history has taught us anything, it’s never wise to count out Ohio State.
