It’s common knowledge that engaging in lively debate and analysis with friends about the most (and least) significant issues in sports is one of the greatest aspects of being a sports fan. We’re taking it to the LGHL pages with You’re Nuts, our favorite head-to-head column.
In You’re Nuts, two employees of LGHL will present opposing viewpoints on a single issue and engage in spirited debate. Ultimately, you have to decide who is right and who is wrong.
With the calendar thankfully turning from 2023 to 2024 last week, the Ohio State football program finally received some good news. Several important defensive line starters decided to “reload the clip” and run it back for at least one more year after the Buckeyes’ season ended poorly, which included an embarrassing Cotton Bowl loss to Missouri. Their goal was to defeat that TTUN and take care of other unresolved business. I say at least because, at this point, I’m very confident that (years of) eligibility are just a myth. But let’s go on…
Tyleik Williams, Lathan Ransom, and Jack Sawyer have all confirmed their return to Columbus thus far, which has given OSU a huge lift going into the summer. Williams was the finest interior lineman on the squad, Sawyer led the Scarlet and Gray in sacks, and before sustaining yet another painful injury, Ransom served as the secondary’s air traffic controller. Out of the three, Sawyer’s return excites me the most because he surged at the conclusion of the season, recording 16 tackles, 7.5 TFL, and 5 sacks in the Buckeyes’ final three games.
However, Gene and I have already discussed the returnees above, so we’re not here to talk about them now. Rather, we intended to highlight Ohio State athletes who have not yet made an announcement on their football careers. This is because, as they should, a number of Buckeyes are probably still getting feedback from the NFL Draft, speaking with their coaches and families, and/or talking about NIL deals.
But, they have until January 15th, one week, to declare for the aforementioned draft. Therefore, in the upcoming days or perhaps even as this issue of You’re Nuts is being published, we should be hearing a number of other announcements.
Gene and I are analyzing who’s hypothetical comeback would have the biggest influence on OSU in 2024 as we look to the future. And in my opinion, the response is/was clear: Marvin Harrison, Jr.
I’m kidding. Folks, the Route Man is not coming back. All we can do is accept it and move on.
Even while I believe I understand the true solution, a big part of me finds it impossible to overlook Ohio State’s biggest problem from this (previous) season. Which was certainly their offensive line of permeability. So, if Donovan Jackson decides to run it back, I’m going to argue that his would have the biggest impact.
Jackson, a five-star recruit out of Texas, made an immediate impression on Columbus and, surrounded by former Buckeyes Paris Johnson Jr. and Luke Wypler, looked like a star in the making. However, the latter two’s departure (to the NFL) meant that Jackson would have two new neighbors in 2023, both of whom were, let’s be honest, less talented. And the outcomes weren’t very good. They weren’t even that good, in fact. The outcomes were mediocre at best.
Still, I am unable to hold Jackson accountable. I also refuse to suggest that he made a significant turnabout. I believe that the team’s poor design and coaching put the first-team All-Big Ten guard in a difficult situation. I believe that he was continually considering ways to make up for the mistakes of a teammate, which eventually resulted in a poor year. However, a Jackson comeback in 2024 is undoubtedly possible.
mostly because he is an excellent player! who, under harsh-ass coaching, had a difficult season in a rough plan. However, the proof is out there. As a rookie, Jackson participated in all 13 games and finished 2022 ranked as a top-10 guard (P5). There were moments of genius even though he did not grade out nearly as well as he had the previous season for a number of reasons.
In addition to his inherent ability, Jackson has many more reasons to be optimistic about his 2024 comeback to prominence, if not supremacy. The most notable acquisition to OSU is Seth McClaughlin, a former center from Alabama. Although the latter had a challenging Rose Bowl, he adds 25 games of starting experience to Columbus. Unlike Carson Hinzman, who had a very difficult season when paired with Jackson.
Josh Simmons, a second-year Buckeye, will presumably sit close to Jackson as well. The former San Diego State Aztec had a difficult start to his Ohio State career but gradually got better as the 2023 campaign progressed. While I’m not claiming Simmons will become the next Paris Johnson Jr., it would help Jackson feel less pressured both physically and mentally if he were to advance in his growth.
As of right now, Jackson is, in my opinion, the most gifted player on the Buckeyes’ offensive line and their quiet leader. With him back, the Scarlet and Gray would have a (potentially) solid middle-to-left lineup, leaving the coaches to work out RG and RT. I know it’s easier said than done.
But you know what I mean, Gene? There are only so many players who can be named to the First Team All-Big Ten. Jackson doesn’t play the most glamorous position, and he had a disappointing season, but I would still love to see him return to Columbus. Additionally, I believe it would significantly aid Ohio State’s offensive line in making corrections.o