Due to the usual mass exodus of NFL talent and attrition at certain positions, Ohio State was bound to have a few breakout players this season — stars even. The Buckeyes lost the likes of Justin Fields and Trey Sermon on offense, as well as Shaun Wade and every linebacker that has played since the Bush administration on defense. At a program like OSU, the expectation is to reload and simply carry on with your winning ways. Sometimes the transition is seamless, other times it can be a bit rocky. I think it’s fair to describe the early stages of 2021 as “rocky”.
Ohio State’s midseason breakout stars, offense: Jaxon Smith-Njigba
