The Ohio State football team has done its best to stack the roster for a national championship run in 2024. They have added players from the transfer portal and added new coaches. Everyone around the program believes that the pieces they have added should result in them winning a Big Ten and a national championship.
When you look at the roster, it’s hard to argue. They return a ton of players from a defense that was one of the best in the country a season ago. Their offense has some of the best skill position players of any team out there. Still, they lack something that is critically important once the later part of the season approaches.
Something the Buckeyes don’t have is championship experience. No one on the team has won a Big Ten title since 2020. Will Howard, who will probably be the quarterback, has played in a Big 12 Championship Game, but that’s about it offensively. No one else who will start has any experience playing in a game of that magnitude.
Championship experience matters when the season comes to a close. It won’t just help them win a Big Ten title, but also against Michigan. They haven’t beaten Michigan since 2019. That’s a mental hurdle that this entire team needs to get over. It’s the biggest thing standing between them and all of the goals that they want to hit.
The Ohio State football team is hoping that the experience doesn’t matter to win big this season. They have a talented offensive and defensive roster. Along with good coaching, that should be enough to make the College Football Playoff and give them a chance to achieve all of their goals.
Ryan Day knows this season is critical for his future. What will he do with that knowledge this year.