Ohio State QB battle, one freshman is rising, and a breakout star coming about on defense highlight early camp overreactions
A few days of camp down for the Buckeyes and plenty has happened.
The Ohio State Buckeyes have a few days of fall camp under their belts as things continue to ramp up.
Ryan Day’s team opens the season with a banger —facing off against the Texas Longhorns on August 30.
There will be plenty of new faces on this year’s Buckeye squad after 14 players were drafted in April. While stars like Caleb Downs and Jeremiah Smith remain, fresh names are stepping up, as is tradition in Columbus.
As Ohio State enters a new week of practice, let’s dive into a few reactions—or maybe even overreactions.
Quarterbacks Still Battling It Out—Is That a Good Thing?
Ohio State is a few practices in, and the quarterback competition between Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz is still ongoing. The favorite remains the former five-star Sayin, but he hasn’t secured the job just yet.
Some might be concerned that Sayin—an Elite 11 winner with plenty of hype—hasn’t pulled away. But Kienholz is pushing hard and won’t go down easily. Both quarterbacks have had their share of ups and downs early in camp, which makes for a competitive but unsettled situation.
Bo Jackson Is Going to Play as a Freshman
James Peoples and CJ Donaldson are expected to be Ohio State’s top two running backs to start the season, but the Buckeyes need a reliable third option. My bet is on freshman Bo Jackson, who’s been turning heads since he arrived on campus.
Jackson could emerge ahead of second-year back Sam Williams-Dixon. If it weren’t for injuries in high school, Jackson may have been a five-star recruit. He might just be the most talented back on the roster—it’s easy to see.
C.J. Hicks Breakout Incoming
C.J. Hicks has added 10 pounds this offseason and is now a full-time pass rusher for the Buckeyes heading into his senior year. It’s a pivotal season for him, with real NFL Draft buzz on the horizon if he makes the leap.
He’s already making his presence felt—frustrating offensive linemen in camp and showing signs that the position switch is paying off. His burst off the edge brings something different to Ohio State’s defense and could make him a real problem for opposing offenses on passing downs.
Justin Frye’s Mailbox Should Be Full of Apology Letters
Ohio State addressed the offensive line in the offseason by adding several key pieces—and one of them, Ethan Onianwa, is likely to start. Offensive line coach Justin Frye took criticism for his recruiting, and in some cases, it was warranted. But his ability to develop players is showing through in this camp.
Austin Siereveld looks like a future team captain and is set to start. Luke Montgomery and Tegra Tshabola are expected to hold down the guard spots, with Carson Hinzman at center. Depth-wise, names like Ian Moore, Gabe VanSickle, and Josh Padilla are stepping up as reliable backups. That’s not even counting transfer tackle Phillip Daniels, whom Frye didn’t recruit but will certainly benefit from.
