In Columbus, Ohio, it’s National Championship or bust, and the Buckeyes have loaded up a scary offense full of playmakers. The quarterback is one of the most significant question marks, but several talented players made their case in the spring game. The wide receiver corps is one of the deepest in the nation, and Ohio State always has dominant backs. Team Brutus defeated Team Buckeye 28-13, lead by redshirt freshman quarterback C.J. Stroud and freshman wide receiver Emeka Egbuka.
Quarterbacks
Jack Miller – rFr
Miller was a four-star prospect in the class of 2020 and was the first QB on the field for the Buckeyes. He completed 17 of 30 passes for 128 yards and was the least impressive of the trio listed here. Miller threw an ugly interception near the goal line (see clip below). Barring injury, he will likely be third on the depth chart.
CJ Stroud – rFr
The starting QB this season will likely be the redshirt freshman Stroud, another four-star in the same class. Stroud looked to have a good grasp of the offense, moves well in the pocket, and was getting through progressions decisively. He completed 16 of 22 passes for 185 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Kyle McCord – Fr
True freshman McCord certainly looked impressive and may push for the starting role. He is a five-star prospect and the third overall pro-style QB in the 2021 class. He has a cannon and made phenomenal throws while moving around and evading pressure on several plays. McCord completed 12 of his 17 attempts for 184 yards and two touchdowns. His first play was one of his most impressive plays as he hit Garrett Wilson for a huge gain.
Running Backs
Master Teague – rJr
Teague will likely be the lead back but didn’t play in the spring game.
Marcus Crowley – rSo
The most ‘productive’ back rushed for 29 yards on six carries, with one rush of 13 yards netting most of those yards. He also caught three passes for another 28 yards. Crowley is a solid backup and could see carries this season.
Miyan Williams – rFr
Williams, nicknamed “Meatball” because of his impressive build, rushed for 18 yards on five carries and will also see carries this season. He’s one of those players everyone loves to root for, and he’s built like a Mack truck with a crazy thick lower half of his body.
TreVeyon Henderson – Fr
I feel like I have been introducing the appetizers, and Henderson is the main dish. Henderson is who all eyes will be on, and the coaching staff didn’t give us much of a taste in the spring game. He ripped off a nice 14-yard gain en route to six carries for 26 yards, as well as five receptions for 29 yards. It was just a tease, and Henderson should figure in with the Buckeyes backfield sooner rarely than later.
Evan Pryor – Fr
The less-heralded of the pair of freshman RBs, Pryor didn’t see the ball much. He had three carries for one yard and caught a pass for 11 yards. He will definitely see playing time but likely not much in his freshman season.
Wide Receivers
Emeka Egbuka – Fr
The WR room in Columbus could have four or five future early draft picks, and freshman Egbuka arrived with a big splash. The top WR in the 2021 class was the leading receiver in this game and lost his black stripe this week. He caught seven passes for 123 yards, including this spectacular fingertip catch.
Garrett Wilson – Jr
One of the top WRs likely to enter the 2022 class, Wilson raked in four grabs and 85 yards, including a few phenomenal catches. Wilson will be the alpha receiver for this talented offense, and he is one of the best receivers in the nation.
Chris Olave – Sr
Olave may have something to say about that. He caught three passes for 57 yards and a touchdown in the scrimmage. Olave’s return surprised many, but he’s a veteran leader and capable of making some incredible catches as well.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba – So
Quite possibly the most electric of all the Buckeye receivers, Smith-Njigba routinely makes obscene catches like the one below and will be pushing the veterans for playing time and targets. He caught five passes for 50 yards and this touchdown on a beautiful throw from McCord.
Marvin Harrison Jr. – Fr
Yes, he has a famous name. But Harrison isn’t going to let his name be the only reason he sees the field; the kid can ball. He had seven grabs for 49 yards in this game. The path to playing time will be treacherous, but Harrison is full of potential and pedigree.
Other Notes
- Freshman Jack Sawyer, the overall fourth-ranked player in the 2021 class, was credited with four sacks in the game
- For the complete box score, click here
- To watch the game, click here
