4 surprising Ohio State freshmen who could be in action in 2024

During the preseason, much was said about the Ohio State Buckeyes’ large number of returning talent, numerous star transfers, or freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. What needs to be discussed in more detail, however, is the potential of numerous talented freshmen who will get a lot of playing time.

Jeremiah Smith is the obvious candidate, but running back James Peoples is also projected as the No. 3 running back and could see some action behind TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins. On the defensive side of the ball, a true freshman could play at each position group.

At 6’3″ and 270 pounds, Houston doesn’t look like a true freshman defensive end. The promising prospect and No. 6 prospect in the nation in the class of 2024 is a good fit for the Buckeyes after just losing his black stripe in fall training camp.

Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau are the undisputed starters at both defensive end positions this season. Behind them, Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. are the next to get important rotational roles. As the expected fifth edge rusher in the rotation, Houston should get some garbage time snaps at the start of the year.

With just one of the top four edge rushers out, Houston has a chance to get more playing time on the field. He has a promising future on Ohio State’s defensive line.

Pierce is a tough linebacker from Texas who shouldn’t be underestimated this year. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound freshman lost his black stripe on Tuesday.

A promising player, he was rated four stars and the No. 18 linebacker by 247 Sports.

The top three linebacker spots seem pretty clear for this season. Cody Simon is the starting Mike, while Sonny Styles and CJ Hicks compete for playing time at Will. Both Styles and Hicks can also play some Sam if three-linebacker sets end up being used.

The more linebackers spend a lot of time on the field, the more have to be ready to be ranked. With Arvell Reese as backup Mike, he seems to have that spot secured. Behind Reese, the fifth linebacker spot in the rankings could be up for grabs between Gabe Powers and Pierce.

The true freshman from Springfield, Ohio, was the No. 1 recruit in the state of Ohio and the No. 2 cornerback in the country last year.

The former five-star prospect currently stands at 6’0″ and weighs 195 pounds. Earlier this week, he received praise from fellow cornerback Davison Igbinosun. Igbinosun believes the rookie cornerback is starting to click, and that could lead to Scott getting some important action.

With the secondary full of talent, it will be difficult to get any play behind Denzel Burke, Igbinosun, Jordan Hancock and Jermaine Matthews Jr. Calvin Simpson-Hunt and Lorenzo Styles Jr. are also battling for the fifth and sixth spots in the cornerback rotation.

Scott’s natural talent is serious and it would be no surprise to see his performance improve throughout 2024.

Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said Thursday that depth at the safety position is probably the biggest concern for the defense right now. Behind Caleb Downs and Lathan Ransom, Malik Hartford was projected to be the third safety this year. While that’s true, McClain has moved up to No. 4 on the depth chart.

The former three-star prospect was ranked just the No. 48 safety in the 2024 class by 247 Sports. Despite not being among the top-rated recruits in the last class, McClain was the first to have his black stripe removed in fall camp.

Ohio State fans hope that Downs and Ransom stay healthy throughout the year, but if either of them is out, McClain could very well get a lot of playing time.