For the first time in program history, Ohio State saw no players selected in the NFL Draft. That meant a boatload of talent returned for the 1998 season.
A total of 17 starters returned for John Cooper's 11th team, which voters chose as the nation's No. 1 team in the preseason. David Boston, Joe Germaine, Andy Katzenmoyer, Dee Miller and Antoine Winfield all re-entered the lineup as key players.
Such a loaded squad expected to finish the season where it began: on top.
| The 1998 Buckeyes | |
|---|---|
| Record | 11–1 |
| B1G Record | 7–1, 1st |
| Coach | John Cooper (11th year, 97–33–4) |
| CaptainS | Joe Germaine, Jerry Rudzinski, Antoine Winfield September 5th • #11 West Virginia • Mountaineer Field |