ESPN published a new piece breaking down the “biggest spring question” for each top-25 team entering spring ball on Wednesday morning.

Ohio State, who rose to No. 2 in ESPN’s latest way-too-early top-25 update, has massive expectations as it enters next season. The Buckeyes have not won the Big Ten since 2020 but will be favored to win the league — and perhaps earn a bye in the College Football Playoff — in 2024.

One big question surrounding Ohio State will be the play of transfer quarterback Will Howard. That’s what ESPN’s Blake Baumgartner chose to focus on for this piece by asking: How will quarterback Will Howard adjust to a new offense? Here’s Baumgartner’s analysis:

Howard comes from Kansas State with the pressure to build off what Kyle McCord, who transferred to Syracuse, did for the first 11 games of last season before a third straight defeat to Michigan. How the versatile Howard (2,490 total yards and 28 total touchdowns for Kansas State in 2023) fits and adapts to the offense for coach Ryan Day and new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly will be the biggest factor in determining how different things will be in Columbus in 2024.

Ohio State has already signed one of the nation’s top transfer classes and could add to its haul in the spring when the transfer window re-opens. Howard headlines a class that also includes former Alabama safety Caleb Downs and ex-Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins.

Ohio State is in the midst of a 3-year drought where it has not defeated Michigan or won the Big Ten title. However, the Buckeyes — given their additions so far this offseason — will likely be favored to snap that streak this fall when Ohio State hosts the Wolverines.

Fans who are interested in betting on Ohio State futures or the Buckeyes’ regular season win total can do so through one of the best Ohio betting apps on the market.

Ohio State will hold its annual spring game on April 13.