I’m really looking forward to the Cotton Bowl and what it means for Ohio State in 2024

The atmosphere around the Ohio State football program has shifted considerably in recent weeks.

After Ohio State lost to Michigan on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and then more than a dozen players entered the transfer portal, I essentially resigned myself to the fact that the Buckeyes would lose the Cotton Bowl, and that the only good thing that would come out of the exhibition game would be the opportunity to see young players who had been blocked by older starters finally get extended time on the field.

However, that projection was predicated on the idea that, in addition to the primarily depth players that entered the portal, the Buckeyes would be missing a large number of key contributors who would opt out of the game to prepare for the NFL Draft. But something strange happened on the route to Arlington: nearly no one opted out, and what’s more shocking is that almost everyone who might depart for the professionals is still reportedly mulling a return in 2024.

Should I Stay or Should I Go Now?

Despite the fact that no one has officially stated that Marvin Harrison Jr. would not participate in the bowl game, all indications (and common logic) indicate that he will sit out and protect his over $30 million guaranteed contract for being one of the first few players taken in April’s draft. Aside from that, every Buckeye who is healthy is expected to play against the Missouri Tigers on Friday.