If you’re anything like me, I’m sure you’re still emotionally recovering from the Rose Bowl that took over the NY6 weekend with all its fireworks. Jaxon Smith-Njigba shattered a number of records on his way to a 347 yard (FBS bowl record) and three touchdown performance. Somewhat overlooked was CJ Stroud’s performance, amassing 572 yards passing (OSU single game record) and six touchdowns. The offense was spectacular in every sense of the word, and they’re just getting started.

Both players mentioned will of course be returning in 2022, along with number of starters on both sides of the ball (Harrison Jr, Egbuka, Henderson, Chambers, Burke etc). This should come as no surprise as the Buckeyes were a historically young team this year, which makes one wonder what exactly this team could do with some experience…

With that being said, 2022 is set to be an enormous year for coaches and personnel. Ryan Day knows a year like 2021 doesn’t meet expectations in Columbus year in and year out and the new hire, Jim Knowles, will be under a microscope in his debut as the Buckeyes defensive coordinator. They will have to show their experience quickly as well since OSU will square off against Notre Dame in week one, as part of one of the more challenging schedules in recent memory.

The offense, as mentioned, is really only getting started. The skill players Ohio State has on the roster will be unmatched by pretty much anyone in the country. As long as the line can hold up, there shouldn’t be issues on that side of the ball. That, of course, brings us to the defense.

Pretty much anything is better than this year. Improvement shouldn’t be a difficult task by any means. That being said, Jim Knowles is going to bring a very different look to this defense, but most importantly he’s going to instill a new attitude. Knowles is a noted tape junkie. It doesn’t matter the players he has or the team he’s up against, he prides himself on finding and exploiting any weakness an opponent has. His defenses have historically improved consistently every year he’s in charge. With Ohio State talent and resources, the sky seems to be the limit for Knowles and his defense and will make for a very intriguing storyline week-to-week.

There’s no doubt at the loss in Ann Arbor is something that will be on their minds all year and come the third weekend in November, that will be evident. However, If this team can build on what they did this year and take care of business leading up to The Game, there’s no doubt that they are poised to make a title run.