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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Josh Keatley

2023 Buckeyes Wire Preseason All-Big Ten team: Defensive Linemen

The 2023 college football season is right around the corner and the Big Ten is loaded with top-notch talent. Predicting who will end up on the All-Big Ten has proven challenging. Not only was it hard to choose one player over another, but it was also hard to admit that some of Ohio State’s most prominent rivals have some serious dogs on their squad.

This list dives into the defensive linemen — and as expected — the Big Ten has some dominant defensive linemen that make it very hard to narrow it down to just four. This list may appear biased considering the number of Buckeyes who made the list, but it would be hard for the most objective fan to deny the insane talent Ohio State has on the front four.

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In the age of the transfer portal, it is possible for a dark horse to rise as a front-runner, but we do our best to provide the most educated guess based on previous performances and situations.

Defensive Line: J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State

Ohio Stadium.

Why the Pick

J.T. Tuimoloau has all of the upside to be a first-round draft selection next year and likely will be, but his play and production need to finally match his elite physical traits. This is the year. With only six sacks in two years with the Buckeyes, Tuimoloau is primed to surpass that number in just one season in 2023.

Defensive Line: Jack Sawyer, Ohio State

Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch

Why the Pick

Jack Sawyer has 7.5 career sacks at Ohio State, but like Tuimoloau above, he is expected to play much closer to his five-star ceiling in 2023. My money is on Sawyer becoming a star this season with his unique ability to play in space.

Defensive Lineman: Michael Hall Jr.

Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch

Why the Pick

Michael Hall is going to be the leader and most dangerous threat for a much improved interior defensive line unit at Ohio State. Rumor has it Hall was the fast defensive lineman during spring at 285 pounds.

Defensive Lineman: Chop Robinson, Penn State

Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

Why the Pick

Chop Robinson had 5.5 sacks last season as well as 10 tackles for a loss and is primed to increase those numbers in 2023. Last season was Robinson’s first as a Nittany Lion after transferring in from Maryland, and it is reasonable to expect a huge increase in production for his second season on campus.

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Josh Keatley on Twitter.

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