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Joel Klatt compares Ohio State’s 2024 outlook to 2023 Michigan
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Joel Klatt is bullish on Ryan Day’s squad heading into 2024. In fact, he believes Ohio State’s trajectory for 2024 could be similar to Michigan’s national championship run.
“I don’t sense people are understanding what this team is bringing back. Don’t sense clearly what this team is doing from a chemistry and culture standpoint,” Klatt said about the Buckeyes while revealing his early top 10 for 2024. “When you get a lot of guys that pound the table and say ‘We’re coming back for one goal,’ watch out. Watch out for that team, that’s Ohio State.”
Klatt currently has Ohio State as his No. 2 team in the country entering 2024, trailing only Kirby Smart’s Georgia program now that Nick Saban is retired. Meanwhile, Michigan No. 7 on Klatt’s list following some key departures and the uncertainty surrounding Jim Harbaugh.
Overall, Klatt believes how the Buckeyes finished the season mirrors the end to Michigan’s run in 2022. He also pointed to a veteran group confirming plans to run it back in Columbus, including Emeka Egbuka, TreVeyon Henderson, Donovan Jackson and a host of talented defenders.
“In so many ways, they remind me at this point last year of Michigan. Michigan: a disappointing end to their season, get beat by TCU, and everybody came back,” explained Klatt. “And it was an unfinished business mentality… That’s the comparison because that’s what Michigan did.
“They brought back a ton of guys who were older which provided a ton of depth on both sides of the ball. They were very good at the line of scrimmage. And then that depth, culture, maturity: All of it paid off.”
Along with the veteran pieces returning, Ohio State has hit the transfer portal for some significant pieces with running back Quinshon Judkins from Ole Miss and veteran quarterback Will Howard from Kansas State. There is some uncertainty with new faces coming on board, but Ohio State has a shot to be lethal in the trenches, a formula that paved the path to Michigan’s title.
Can Ohio State follow a similar path to success in 2024?
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.