Ohio State's Tommy Eichenberg Listed Among Top-10 Returning Linebackers for 2023 Season

Ohio State's top tackler will be returning for his final season, providing a foundation for the Buckeyes' defensive unit next year that lost a few key players to the NFL draft.

After a game-winning field goal by the Georgia Bulldogs during the 2023 CFP semifinal rang in the new year for Ohio State and ended its season short of a national title appearance, coming back stronger in the fall became that much more important for the Buckeyes.

Whether that involves putting coach Ryan Day on the hot seat or discussing the next guy in line to replace star quarterback CJ Stroud, the Buckeyes have their work cut out for them. 

But one thing is for sure for Ohio State: utilizing returning players will be vital to its success. 

One of those players is a familiar face for the program, rising senior linebacker Tommy Eichenberg. 

According to Pro Football Focus, Eichenberg is the third-best returning player at his position for next season, ranking behind Clemson's Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and LSU's Harold Perkins.

Top 10 returning Linebackers for the 2023 season, via @Chad_Maxwick pic.twitter.com/cT90ED0xiU

— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 15, 2023

Last season, the Ohio native more than proved his worth for the Buckeyes, leading his team in tackles with 120 total, which placed him third in the conference.

Eichenberg also got to the quarterback a handful of times, recording 2.5 sacks to go along with five quarterback hits - the second most on the team

However, the icing on the cake came in week seven against Iowa when the redshirt junior recorded his first career interception touchdown during the Buckeyes' 54-10 rout of the Hawkeyes. 

Eichenberg proved himself as a team leader as well, which will only become more apparent in his final year as a Buckeye. 

Next season, he will have the opportunity to mentor his younger teammates, including the Buckeyes' highest-recruited linebacker of the 2023 class, incoming freshman Arvell Reese.

Though Eichenberg's return was to Ohio State was unexpected, as many analysts had already grouped him with the extensive number of Buckeyes who declared for the 2023 NFL draft, it was certainly welcome.

And Ohio State fans can expect the Buckeyes to use his veteran experience in the locker room and on the field to their every advantage.

---

Be sure to stay locked into BuckeyesNow all the time!

Join the BuckeyesNow community!

Subscribe to the BuckeyesNow YouTube channel

You can follow Matt Guzman on Twitter

Follow BuckeyesNow on Twitter: @BuckeyesNow_FN

Follow BuckeyesNow on Instagram: @BuckeyesNow_FN

Like and follow BuckeyesNow on Facebook!