It’s been a whirlwind of an end to the 2023 college football season already. The early signing period has come and gone, there’s been a lot of movement in and out of the transfer portal during the first wave, and there’s only more to come.
In addition to that, there are several players that still have to make decisions between returning to college ball for one more season or entering the NFL draft. And — at a place like Ohio State, that’s an annual event in and of itself with so many going on to play at the next level.
Fear not, because we are here to keep track of it all for you. All told, there are fourteen key Ohio State football players that have or had decisions to make, and we’re updating what each decides as the news becomes available.
There have been rumors that a significant contingent of the loaded junior class may decide to come back to the banks of the Olentangy for one more run, but we’ll just have to wait and see.
Here is where things stand with each as we soldier on through the “offseason.”
Denzel Burke, Cornerback
Eligibility
Junior
Where Things Stand
There have been rumors, and even squishy reports that Burke is leaning on coming back, but he has been mum, and in fact discredited those reports. We’ll just have to wait and see what he decides because he is obviously wrestling with the decision at this point. He had a bounce back year in 2023 and showed great coverage and on-ball skills that will be coveted at the next level.
Status
Decision Pending
Steele Chambers, Linebacker
Eligibility
Senior
Where Things Stand
It was always thought that Chambers would head off to the NFL this offseason but he could have come back and provided some much-needed experience at the position for a sixth-year. In the end, he announced that he is indeed declaring for April’s NFL draft.
Status
Declaring for the NFL
Emeka Egbuka, Wide Receiver
Eligibility
Junior
Where Things Stand
Egbuka was thought to be a sure fire first-round NFL draft pick before the season but struggled with an injury for much of the year. Because of that, he could use some more film to show what he can do coming back from injury. There are rumors that he is leaning on coming back to Columbus, but we have to hear from him before we completely believe it.
Status
Decision Pending
Jordan Hancock, Cornerback
Eligibility
Junior
Where Things Stand
Hancock has stated that he is undecided about his future. On a positive note, he played in the Cotton Bowl. However, he did post on social media after a celebration penalty that he had to because it was the “last one in the Shoe.” Take for that what you will but remember that minds can always change.
Status
Decision Pending
Mike Hall, Defensive Tackle
Eligibility
Junior
Where Things Stand
Hall was, at times, a dominant force in the middle of the defensive line. The drama is over with him because he has already announced that he is moving on to the NFL.
Status
Marvin Harrison Jr., Wide Receiver
Eligibility
Junior
Where Things Stand
Despite some earlier comments that got Buckeye Nation excited about having some unfinished business, all signs point to Harrison Jr. heading off to the NFL. He opted out of the Cotton Bowl and is most likely going to be a top-five pick in the upcoming draft. He’s yet to officially announce, but it would be shocking if it went any other way.
Status
Decision Pending
TreVeyon Henderson, Running Back
Eligibility
Junior
Where Things Stand
Henderson’s skill set is one of the absolute best in all of college football, but he has been besieged by injury throughout his career. There have been rumblings about an NIL package that might keep him in Columbus for one more season, but there’s only so many miles on a running back. There’s reason to come back and show that he can remain healthy for an entire season and improve his draft stock, but only he knows what he’s thinking right now. Getting him back would be massive for the offense in 2024.
Status
Decision Pending
Donovan Jackson, Left Guard
Eligibility
Junior
Where Things Stand
Jackson has all of the measurables and attributes as a former five-star recruit, but the Buckeyes’ struggles on the offensive line have done him no favors when looking to make the jump to the next level. He too has been rumored to be leaning on coming back to anchor the line and improve his draft stock next season, but at this point, that’s all they are, rumors.
Status
Decision Pending
Matthew Jones, Right Guard
Eligibility
Senior
Where Things Stand
Jones was one of the anchors as the right guard of a struggling offensive line in 2023. He has the experience and ability to be a big part of things in 2024 but he has already announced that he is declaring for the NFL draft.
Status
Declaring for the NFL
Lathan Ransom, Safety
Eligibility
Senior
Where Things Stand
Ransom has had some bad luck with injuries during his Ohio State career as well, but when he was on the field this season, he was a difference maker that continues to develop. He will be coveted when he comes out at the next level, but in some fantastic news for Buckeye fans, he has already announced his intentions to come back to OSU for a fifth-year.
Status
Jack Sawyer, Defensive End
Eligibility
Junior
Where Things Stand
Sawyer, in some regards, has been one of the ring-leaders in pushing for many of the OSU players with draft decisions to make to come back for one more season. He confirmed that he was leaning on coming back next year and made good on that with an announcement that he would be in the Scarlet and Gray in 2024. He began to show the explosiveness and playmaking ability we’ve all been waiting for at the tail-end of the year, and getting him back is going to pay huge dividends for the OSU defense next season.
Status
Cody Simon, Linebacker
Eligibility
Senior
Where Things Stand
Though Simon didn’t start in a scheme that utilizes two linebackers most of the time, he was a key part of the rotation and capped things off with a 12-tackle performance against Missouri in the Cotton Bowl. He has already announced his decision to return to Columbus and he should be an immediate candidate to start and build off of his experience and momentum.
Status
Returning to Ohio State
J.T. Tuimoloau, Defensive End
Eligibility
Junior
Where Things Stand
Like Sawyer, Tuimoloau has been rumored to leaning significantly toward returning to Ohio State in 2024. He’s most likely not a first-rounder as many thought before at this point, but somewhere in the second to third round at this point. His decision to stay may come down to what kind of NIL package can be put together for him. It’s one of the most pivotal decisions we’re waiting on, and it will come very soon so stay tuned.
Status
Decision Pending
Tyleik Williams, Defensive Line
Eligibility
Junior
Where Things Stand
While Ohio State is losing Hall to the NFL draft, the Buckeyes are getting Tyleik Williams back on the interior. He’s already announced that he’s going to run it back for one more year. His return will give OSU a veteran and often times explosive player in the middle of the defensive line.
Status
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