Ohio State will be better prepared to deal with weaker quarterback play in 2024 with Henderson and Judkins in the backfield. Following a surge of excellent quarterback play that precedes Day’s coaching career, the Buckeyes saw a dip down in 2023 when Kyle McCord took over.
McCord threw for 3,170 yards and 24 touchdowns, but fell short of the exceptional standard set by CJ Stroud and Justin Fields. After the regular season, he transferred to Syracuse. Even with Kansas State transfer Will Howard at quarterback, the Buckeyes are unlikely to have the same powerful passing game they have had for much of the last decade in 2024.
However, with Henderson and Judkins on the field, they can transition to a more run-oriented style that leans more heavily on an ever-improving defense. Judkins, who stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 210 pounds, has a similar profile to Henderson, who stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 212 pounds. Judkins surpassed 1,000 yards rushing each of the previous two seasons at Ole Miss and is regarded as the cycle’s No. 5 overall transfer by 247Sports.Both are punishing runners and capable pass catchers who can switch plays or possessions without disrupting the game plan significantly.
LSU and Alabama went 28-0 and won national championships in 2019 and 2020, respectively, thanks to high-flying passing assaults. However, the balance of power in college football has shifted back toward grinding, physical play over the last three seasons.Georgia won crowns in 2021 and 2022 because to outstanding defenses and a former walk-on quarterback in Stetson Bennett IV.Michigan won the national championship in 2023 thanks to a strong defense and a strong running offense.
Ohio State has now dropped three consecutive games to Michigan. However, the Buckeyes’ 2024 roster is shaping up to have the physicality and force required to match the Wolverines’ formula for success. Henderson’s announcement simply serves to emphasize that point.
Good news on defense
Henderson’s statement wasn’t Ohio State’s only piece of good news on Friday, as star defensive end JT Tuimoloau also confirmed his return. In a social media statement, the former five-star prospect cited “a sense of unfinished business, and an unbreakable bond with my Buckeye brothers” as reasons for his choice.
Tuimoloau is back to help anchor a defense that is shaping up to be nasty in 2024, despite ranking as the No. 4 EDGE and No. 23 overall player in the 2023 CBS Sports NFL Draft Prospect Rankings. With Tuimoloau, Tyleik Williams, Jack Sawyer, Ty Hamilton, and others back, the Buckeyes should be able to continue creating one of the nation’s most formidable defenses under coordinator Jim Knowles, who has significantly improved the unit in his first two seasons on the job.
