That is the massive one. There is perhaps extra necessary video games later within the season in opposition to convention rivals Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Nebraska, however no staff on Iowa’s schedule is extra gifted than this Buckeyes squad. To be truthful, you’ll be able to say the identical for just about any staff making ready for a dance with Ohio State this yr.

For the Hawkeyes, that is simply their hardest stretch of the season. Whereas they shouldn’t overlook Rutgers, the schedule actually ramps up halfway by means of with appearances from the Large Ten’s elite.

A 3-week stretch that features Michigan in an emotionally Large Ten championship recreation rematch, and a visit to Ohio State can be noteworthy for any staff within the nation. The Hawkeyes even have to fret about pesky Illinois sandwiched between these two behemoths as properly. We’ll all know after this gauntlet simply how a lot of a contender Iowa plans on being in 2022.

Rose Bowl champions in 2021, Ohio State returns a ton of expertise, together with probably the most effective participant within the nation at a couple of positions. It’s nationwide championship or bust for Ryan Day’s squad. They won’t be in the identical recruiting neighborhood or have the identical nationwide consideration, however Iowa can be a particularly powerful check for the Buckeyes with their robust protection.

Iowa isn’t the one staff with one thing to show this yr. Ohio State as soon as once more seems to be to have a nationwide championship-winning offense on paper, however don’t overlook they misplaced some expertise. Vast receivers Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson had been each 2022 NFL draft first-round picks and tight finish Jeremey Ruckert was a third-rounder. The Buckeyes additionally misplaced two gifted offensive linemen to the NFL in Nicholas Petit-Frere and Thayer Munford. Listed here are the names to look at for a little bit of a new-look Buckeyes.

C.J. Stroud, Quarterback

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Any dialog about this Ohio State staff has to start out with quarterback C.J. Stroud. Simply the most effective quarterback within the convention, there’s a robust argument that Stroud is the most effective passer within the nation.

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He actually is within the operating for the primary general decide within the 2023 NFL draft. Stroud was sensational in his sophomore season regardless of some rookie rising pains early on, throwing for 4,435 yards and 44 touchdowns to distinction with solely six interceptions. He actually discovered his recreation because the season went on and may make throws within the tightest of home windows. He’ll check a really sturdy Iowa protection.

TreVeyon Henderson, Operating Again

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Ohio State having an amazing again is only a given at this level. The record of operating backs within the scarlet and gray learn off like an inventory of future NFL gamers. Carlos Hyde, Ezekiel Elliot, Mike Weber, J.Okay Dobbins, Trey Sermon, and now TreVeyon Henderson.

Henderson was one of many nation’s greatest as a freshman, scoring 19 complete touchdowns and amassing 1,560 yards from scrimmage. A speedy again, Henderson’s solely going to get higher over the subsequent two years with expertise.

The broad receivers

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Which broad receiver? ALL OF THEM. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is definitely the title to look at in fact. After a 1,606-yard, 9 landing season, he would possibly simply be the most effective receiver within the nation (sensing a theme right here on this offense?). The sophomore outshined two first-round receivers.

Marvin Harrison Jr. is the opposite pass-catcher to regulate. Son of Corridor of Famer Marvin Harrison, Harrison Jr. has a ton of buzz coming into his redshirt sophomore season. He scored 3 times final yr together with his 11 catches. He’s greater than his dad ever was and is tremendous explosive. Don’t be shocked if Ohio State has at the least two extra first-round receivers on the roster.

Paris Johnson, Offensive Sort out

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Paris Johnson is somebody I’ve heard a ton about within the draft media. He seems to be to be one of many high tackles within the 2023 NFL draft. He can be making an enormous adjustment from proper guard to left sort out, however he has the scale and athleticism to be an elite sort out. He’ll bookend the Buckeyes’ line with huge 6-foot-8, 360 pound proper sort out Dawand Jones.

Zach Harrison, EDGE Rusher

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Zach Harrison has seemingly been in Columbus without end, despite the fact that it’s simply his senior yr. A 3-year starter, Harrison’s affect goes far past the stat sheet. Whereas the sack numbers aren’t fairly nearly as good as you’d count on, he’s a lot environment friendly as a cross rusher and is extraordinarily disruptive. Harrison can also be a pressure within the run recreation as properly. Harrison can be an enormous check for an Iowa offensive line trying to go away their rising pains in 2021.

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