2024 NFL Draft's Loss is Ohio State's Gain
The top college football programs in the country are used to seeing their best players leave early for the NFL, but Ohio State fans have gotten quite a few pleasant surprises over the last few days.
A long list of talented underclassmen Buckeyes were expected to declare early for the 2024 NFL Draft prior to next week's deadline, but that list shrunk considerably over the last few days.
While star wide receiver (and top overall prospect in this year's class) Marvin Harrison Jr. and defensive lineman Michael Hall Jr. did declare their intentions to leave early, the rest of OSU's top prospects have opted to return.
Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, running back TreVeyon Henderson, edge defender JT Tuimoloau, cornerback Denzel Burke, defensive lineman Tyleik Williams, edge defender Jack Sawyer, and offensive lineman Donovan Jackson have all decided to return to school for the 2024 season.
TreVeyon Henderson could have been the top running back prospect in this year's draft class.
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Henderson was arguably the top prospect in the class at his positio, while Burke, Tuimoloau and Egbuka likely would have been top-50 selections. Sawyer, Williams and Jackson could all have been Day 2 picks, as well.
Instead, they're all coming back for another year.
Those subtractions from this year's draft class will have an impact at their respective position groups, watering down the overall talent pool considerably for just one program. But the on-field impact for the Buckeyes as they prepare for next season can't be overstated.
After a disappointing end to their season that included yet another loss to rival Michigan that knocked them out of contention for the Big 12 title, and an even more embarrassing loss to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl that saw them score just three points, the Buckeyes are now poised to have a roster loaded with talent and experience.
They'll also be highly motivated to finish next season much stronger than they did this time around, with a trip to the College Football Playoff and a potential national title run under head coach Ryan Day.
