Ohio State is set to contend for the national championship once again in 2024.

The Buckeyes have had a massive offseason, especially in the transfer portal. This week, ESPN’s Blake Baumgartner and Tom VanHaaren broke down the top newcomer at each program that was included in the network’s way-too-early top 25.

Ohio State is at No. 2 in that ranking and new quarterback Will Howard earned the nod as Ohio State’s “most important” addition. Here’s some analysis from Baumgartner on Howard’s arrival:

Howard should come in and replace Kyle McCord, who transferred to Syracuse. Ohio State’s passing game averaged 269.1 yards per game (30th in the FBS) and its total offense (407.9 YPG) sat 47th nationally during an 11-win season; Howard will be asked to help improve that. He was 7-3 as a starter last season after leading K-State to the Big 12 title the prior season. Howard threw for 2,190 yards and 21 touchdowns while running for 300 yards and seven scores last season. He could be a multidimensional playmaker in new playcaller Chip Kelly’s offense which also features running backs TreVeyon Henderson, Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins and five-star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (No. 7 overall in 2024).

There were plenty of options for this honor in Columbus this season. Ohio State’s transfer class includes proven stars such as Caleb Downs and Quinshon Judkins as well as Howard. There’s also Jeremiah Smith, who was the No. 1 overall prospect in the class of 2024.

Ohio State is building toward a big campaign in 2024. The Buckeyes have lost to Michigan — and thus the Big Ten title — in their last 3 consecutive seasons.

Want to get a head start on the 2024 season? You can already bet on college football futures at several sportsbooks, including Ohio State’s regular season win total for 2024. Here’s more info on how you can get signed up with one of the top Ohio sports betting apps.