Knox took over the starting right guard position last season when Brandon Bowen went down with an injury.įor what it’s worth, Taylor and Cupp are home-grown players. Taylor has been the backup center for three years and competing for the starting spot. He only has one year of eligibility remaining. Malcolm Pridgeon was a highly ranked JUCO transfer who was injured in 2016 and has yet to start. So if Cupp is in the two deep this year, he may be the frontrunner to move into the starting spot in 2019. There is a possibility Jordan could leave for the NFL next year leaving the left guard spot up for grabs. Michael Jordan is a two year starter at left guard and Gavin Cupp is in a battle to be his backup. For whatever reason, there has been more attrition in this unit than when Jim Tressel was the head coach of the Buckeyes.
The focus here will be on players from the 20 Ohio State recruiting classes still on the roster as some may have to make a decision after spring practices have ended. That isn’t always the case though as offensive lineman Kevin Feder recently announced he is transferring after graduating in only three years, so I’ll look at one who falls into that category too. He can also transfer to an FCS program and play immediately.Ī player who has graduated is usually on his last year of eligibility and may not want to stand on the sidelines once again. The younger player can transfer to an FBS school sit for a year and still have two years of eligibility. They are getting ready for their third year of college ball, or they will have a degree in hand before the next season begins. But most players who transfer from the Ohio State football program fall into one of two categories.
But sometimes they are simply in a loaded unit and are having a difficult time moving up in the depth chart.Ī player may choose to transfer at any stage of their career, or unfortunately be medically disqualified like linebacker Nick Conner was recently. The probability a player will opt for greener pastures can differ by the position they play, some units have a higher attrition rate. However, it’s usually pretty much set after spring practices have concluded as some players see the writing on the wall. Whatever the official count is, the roster must be reduced to 85 before the 2018 season begins. I haven’t found the exact total from another source so I could be off by one. The Buckeyes are at 89 scholarship players at the moment, or at least that’s my count. It also gives an indication of which players may be on the Ohio State football roster next season. Spring football is always interesting because of the competition for spots on the depth chart in the various position units. ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 29: The Ohio State Buckeyes celebrate after winning the Goodyear Cotton Bowl against the USC Trojans at AT Every spring the Buckeyes have outstanding position battles which ensures the Ohio State football roster will be trimmed to 85 scholarship players.