Cardale Jones builds his all-time Ohio State offense around C.J. Stroud and other former Buckeye stars
How would you build your all-time Ohio State offense? Fans of every decade would surely have a different answer than the next. Leaving off players like Eddie George, Cris Carter, Archie Griffin, and David Boston would seem impossible for some, but not others. Former Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones took his best shot at building […]
How would you build your all-time Ohio State offense? Fans of every decade would surely have a different answer than the next. Leaving off players like Eddie George, Cris Carter, Archie Griffin, and David Boston would seem impossible for some, but not others.
Former Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones took his best shot at building his own dream all-time Buckeyes offense. He included one quarterback, one running back, one tight end, and three wide receivers.
Here's Jones' full roster:
- QB: C.J. Stroud
- RB Ezekiel Elliott
- WR Ted Ginn Jr.
- WR Garrett Wilson
- WR Michael Thomas
- TE Marcus Baugh
Jones certainly favored players he spent time with during his three years in Columbus. He played with Elliott all three years he was in school, and Baugh was on the Buckeyes' magical 2014 team. Thomas came to Ohio State in 2012 and eventually left after the 2015 season.
That 2014 team was the last Ohio State national title-winning team.
Stroud, now the Houston Texans' star quarterback, came to the Buckeyes in 2020 and left after his redshirt sophomore season in 2022. He was electric throughout his Buckeyes stint, throwing for 8,123 yards, 85 touchdowns, and only 12 interceptions while completing 69.3 percent of his throws.
Most Ohio State fans felt as though the team would have won the title in 2023 had Stroud returned to the Buckeyes instead of becoming the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. It's hard to fault Stroud for that decision.
Wilson's time with Stroud was brief, as the two connected for 1,058 yards and 12 scores in 2021. The current New York Jets receiver came to the program in 2019 and was an immediate playmaker. There aren't many better athletes in the history of the team, and Wilson has been excellent in his opportunities in the NFL.
Ted Ginn Jr. was the only throwback name on the list. Ginn had an electrifying career at Ohio State from 2004 to 2006. Known for his blazing speed and playmaking ability, Ginn quickly became a standout wide receiver and return specialist.
He recorded 135 receptions for 1,943 yards and 15 touchdowns over his three seasons. However, he was perhaps even more dangerous on special teams, returning six punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns, making him one of the most feared return men in college football.
Ginn’s versatility and explosiveness helped the Buckeyes reach the 2006 BCS National Championship Game, cementing his legacy as a Buckeye legend.
While opting for Baugh over Cade Stover or Jeremy Ruckert is a little confusing based on production, there was clearly a bond there. There's no fighting from me on picking Wilson, Elliott, and Thomas, though. Those were elite playmakers during the team's golden era, and Jones won with each.
