Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes are the favorites for many college football insiders to win the 2024 College Football Playoff, despite Georgia entering the season as the top-ranked team in the country.

On paper, Ohio State’s roster is loaded and — after falling to Michigan the last three seasons —Day might have the most pressure of any coach in the nation to win in 2024.

While there have been several position battles to keep an eye on throughout the offseason, Day met with the media on Tuesday as the Buckeyes prepare for the season opener against Akron on Saturday and revealed starters in key positions for the first game of the year.

First and foremost, Day said Sonny Styles separated himself at the Will Linebacker position.

“Sonny has separated himself for sure,” Day said. “He will start at Will linebacker for us. He has done a nice job in this transition from safety.” Behind Styles, Day mentioned C.J. Hicks, Arvell Reese and Gabe Powers will also get reps.

 

Styles made the switch to linebacker full-time in the spring of 2024 and enters the season with experience playing in 25 games with 12 starts. The junior recorded 62 tackles and 4.5 tackles-for-loss in 2023 where he saw 12 games at safety. He finished last season ranked fifth on the team with 53 tackles and ranked fourth with 32 solo tackles.

On the offensive side of the ball, there’s been a position battle at right guard. Day named Tegra Tshabola as the starter heading into the Akron game.

“Tegra will start at right guard for us,” Day said. “He’s earned the right to start in this game.. he’s been consistent. Now, he’s got to put it on the field.”

Day reiterated that Ohio State will still “roll reps” at the spot.

A third-year Buckeye, Tshabola will make his first career start when Ohio State opens its season against Akron on Saturday. He played in all 13 games as a backup offensive lineman last season for a total of 32 offensive snaps. While unproven, the 6-foot-6, 327-pound redshirt sophomore is the Buckeyes’ biggest offensive linemen, and has rare athleticism for his size.

The Ohio State head coach didn’t lock in starters for the entire season, but fans now know who will get the first shot against Akron on Saturday.