Despite their dominance, there is still work to be done….
Ohio State football is facing a pivotal moment as several key players prepare to depart, raising concerns within the team. While Ohio State boasts a strong and talented roster, with many standout players returning for the 2024 season, the Buckeyes are also grappling with significant losses due to the transfer portal and NFL draft. The team recently lost 26 players to the transfer portal, including key names like defensive end Omari Abor (to SMU) and cornerback Jyaire Brown (to LSU). Additionally, several prominent players, including linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, were drafted into the NFL, leaving gaps in critical positions [[❞]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_Ohio_State_Buckeyes_football_team) [[❞]](https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2024/01/144859/with-nine-returning-starters-from-an-already-elite-group-ohio-states-2024-defense-has-generational-potential). Despite these departures, Ohio State’s defense is expected to remain strong, returning a high percentage of its 2023 production. Stars like Denzel Burke, J.T. Tuimoloau, and Jack Sawyer will anchor a unit that is projected to be one of the best in college football. However, the loss of leadership from veterans like Eichenberg could impact the team’s chemistry [[❞]](https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2024/01/144859/with-nine-returning-starters-from-an-already-elite-group-ohio-states-2024-defense-has-generational-potential). While Ohio State continues to dominate early in the season, with a commanding win over Western Michigan, head coach Ryan Day and the team are keenly aware that they have a long road ahead to achieve their goals of beating Michigan, winning the Big Ten, and claiming a national championship [[❞]](https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2024/09/148928/ohio-state-shows-how-elite-it-can-be-in-2024-with-dominant-performance-against-western-michigan).
While Ohio State continues to dominate early in the 2024 season, their commanding 56-0 win over Western Michigan reflects a team with immense potential. However, head coach Ryan Day remains grounded, emphasizing that the team has a long road ahead to achieve its core goals—beating Michigan, winning the Big Ten, and securing a national championship [[❞]](https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2024/01/144859/with-nine-returning-starters-from-an-already-elite-group-ohio-states-2024-defense-has-generational-potential) [[❞]](https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2024/09/148928/ohio-state-shows-how-elite-it-can-be-in-2024-with-dominant-performance-against-western-michigan). The team’s early success has showcased talent across multiple positions, but Day stressed the importance of continuous improvement, especially as Ohio State prepares for tougher competition later in the season [[❞]](https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2024/09/148928/ohio-state-shows-how-elite-it-can-be-in-2024-with-dominant-performance-against-western-michigan).
Despite their dominance, there is still work to be done, particularly in refining offensive line play and ensuring consistent quarterback performance. The departure of key players to the NFL and transfer portal poses challenges, but the depth and talent of returning stars like defensive standouts Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau give the Buckeyes a strong foundation [[❞]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_Ohio_State_Buckeyes_football_team) [[❞]](https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2024/09/148928/ohio-state-shows-how-elite-it-can-be-in-2024-with-dominant-performance-against-western-michigan).
