Needing to replace nearly a dozen starters including quarterback J.T. Barrett, a host of studs along the defensive line and its leading tackler from a 2017 squad that went 12-2 including a win over USC in the Cotton Bowl, Ohio State is counting on more than a handful of players to make big leaps this fall.
The good news is Urban Meyer recruits for such situations and while a host of guys are largely unproven at the collegiate level there's reason to believe their talent will translate into legit production.
With that, here are five guys who absolutely have to realize huge jumps in both role and production this season if the Buckeyes want to play for a Big Ten title and potentially a College Football Playoff bid.