Key Ohio State options
Taron Vincent: As the Buckeyes look to replace Togiai up front, Taron Vincent seems to have the inside track to become the next starter — and maybe the next star. Vincent was pencilled in to have a breakout 2019 in his second season at Ohio State, but he missed the entire year with a shoulder injury. It seemed to linger and slowed down his progress, hampering his outlook last season. Now fully healthy, Vincent was among the most improved players on the roster in winter and spring activity. The former five-star prospect is due for a breakout.
Antwuan Jackson: Ohio State has been hoping Antwuan Jackson would reach his full potential during his career. He has one last chance to do so this fall. After signing with Auburn out of high school, going to a junior college and arriving at Ohio State later in his career, Jackson was behind on his development with Larry Johnson. Now, he is battling for the starting nose-tackle role — and he seems to be tapping into the top-100 prospect potential the Buckeyes expected from him earlier in his career.
Noah Potter: As Ohio State made its way through spring practice, Noah Potter was among the players who turned heads. Potter is making the transition from defensive end to the inside, and he looks much bigger than before. After adding weight, he is beginning to make his climb into the conversation for a role. He may be better-suited to be a substitute for Haskell Garrett rather than a nose-tackle, but he could have a role.
Jerron Cage: A fifth-year senior, Jerron Cage spent most of his Ohio State career buried in the depth chart. That changed last season, when he saw time on the field in some of the Buckeyes biggest games. Now he enters his final year at Ohio State with a chance to become a full-time contributor. But does he have what it takes to become a star in the trenches?
Other Buckeyes options
Ty Hamilton: Hamilton flashed during spring, drawing praise from coaches and players. He may not be ready for an expanded starting role to the likes of which Togiai had last season, but he’s on the way to bigger and better opportunities for the Buckeyes, maybe even this season in a rotational role.
Jaden McKenzie: After redshirting during his freshman year, which he described as ‘a really good thing,’ McKenzie has battled injuries during his two years at Ohio State. He has an uphill battle to having a significant role this season.
Jacolbe Cowan, Darrion Henry-Young: When Darrion Henry-Young and Jacolbe Cowan arrived at Ohio State, they were both raw and needed a year to develop. Henry-Young has had that, but Cowan has been injured for most of his time with the Buckeyes. Both players can contribute for the Buckeyes, but those chances may come farther down the road in their careers — and Henry-Young is still looking like a potential option more on the edge.
Tyleik Williams: A true freshman who enrolled early, Tyleik Williams has tremendous upside, but with the talent in front of him, it’s hard to see the 330-pounder become the go-to interior defensive lineman alongside Haskell Garrett.
