The Ohio State Buckeyes lost a lot of talent this year, but plan on keeping their spot at the top of the Big Ten and college football. The Buckeyes have recruited well, but many of those players have limited playing time at the college level. The Buckeyes plan on making another run at the College Football Playoff this season, but they'll need a few players to have breakout seasons for that to happen. Here are three players who must step up for the Buckeyes in 2018:
1) Dwayne Haskins/Tate Martell, QB
It may be cheating to have these two players in one spot, but whoever wins the starting quarterback battle is going to be tasked with leading the offense now that J.T. Barrett has graduated. Barrett was one of the most productive players in Big Ten history but struggled throwing the ball down the field. Ohio State may have a run-heavy offense with J.K. Dobbins and Mike Weber in the backfield, but however is under center will need to be an efficient passer and be able to stretch opposing defenses. That's the only way the Buckeyes will be able to produce enough to return to the College Football Playoff.
2) Malik Harrison, LB
Harrison will be tasked with replacing Jerome Baker, who left for the NFL, and the Buckeyes are counting on him to become a star right away. He started against Michigan State last season and played incredibly well, giving the coaching staff hope that he can become that star player. In fact, they're relying on him to turn into that.
3) Binjimen Victor, WR
Victor was productive last season (especially in the red zone) with seven touchdown catches, but he only finished sixth on the team in receptions. He has the size, speed, and physical tools to be a star but needs to become more consistent. Whoever takes over at quarterback will need a go-to man and Victor is expected to be that guy. On the flip side, a new quarterback will likely help Victor's production.
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