{"id":43543,"date":"2022-01-28T09:00:29","date_gmt":"2022-01-28T14:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/?p=43543"},"modified":"2022-01-27T00:00:04","modified_gmt":"2022-01-27T05:00:04","slug":"ohio-state-starting-lineup-in-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/2022\/01\/28\/ohio-state-starting-lineup-in-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ohio State Starting Lineup Projections for 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Ohio State starting lineup in 2022 has yet to be established or even considered by Ryan Day<\/strong> and the coaching staff. Yet, based on 2021 performances, we have a good idea of who it may include.<\/p>\n

Ohio State is bringing in a slew of new coaches<\/a>, and the new coaches haven’t come close to deciding the starting lineup in 2022 yet. In fact, there are still some undeclared draft-eligible players that are still taking their time with their decisions.<\/p>\n

To add to the complications, the defense is going through a major overhaul. Jim Knowles<\/strong> will be instituting a new system, so some returning players from the Kerry Coombs<\/strong> regime might not make it back into the starting lineup.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, here is the way-too-early projection of the Ohio State starting lineup in 2022.<\/p>\n

The Ohio State Starting Lineup Projections for 2022<\/h2>\n

Quarterback: C.J. Stroud<\/h3>\n

This will be a no-brainer. C.J. Stroud<\/a> was a Heisman Trophy finalist last season and put together one of the most productive seasons for a quarterback ever at Ohio State.<\/p>\n

Running Back: TreVeyon Henderson<\/h3>\n

TreVeyon Henderson<\/a> was one of the best true freshmen in the nation last year. He was also one of the best true freshmen in Ohio State history.<\/p>\n

Wide Receiver: Marvin Harrison Jr., Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Julian Fleming<\/h3>\n

This was the starting lineup in the Rose Bowl<\/a>, and will likely remain the arrangement against Notre Dame in Week 1. Marvin Harrison Jr.<\/a> will play X-receiver, Julian Fleming<\/a> will play Z-receiver, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba<\/a> will resume slot duties.<\/p>\n

Emeka Egbuka<\/a> will also get a lot of reps as a sophomore, playing out of either the Z position or the slot.<\/p>\n

Tight End: Gee Scott Jr.<\/h3>\n

The tight end position is wide open, but Gee Scott Jr.<\/strong> is the most talented in the room. He will play the Y-tight end, while Mitch Rossi<\/a> will be the H-tight end.<\/p>\n

Offensive Line: Paris Johnson Jr., Dawand Jones, Matthew Jones, Harry Miller, Luke Wypler<\/h3>\n

It’s a sure thing that Paris Johnson Jr.<\/a> kicks back out to tackle, with Dawand Jones<\/a> returning to play opposite him. The messy part is the interior of the line, with Harry Miller<\/a> coming back after missing most of 2021 with an injury. Will he play center like he was planning in 2021, or will he stay at guard while Luke Wypler<\/a> remains at center?<\/p>\n

Either way, Matthew Jones<\/a> will start at guard after being the sixth lineman last year. Donovan Jackson<\/a> will take over Jones’ old role, being the first lineman off the bench in 2022.<\/p>\n

Defensive Line: Zach Harrison, Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Taron Vincent, Tyleik Williams<\/h3>\n

Another group that is messy on the interior while draft declarations are still incoming.<\/p>\n

At end, the designation of starter is likely an arbitrary distinction, as players will get cycled in and out. Zach Harrison<\/a> and Javontae Jean-Baptiste<\/a> will get the starts at end, while J.T. Tuimoloau<\/a> and Jack Sawyer<\/a> will get a nearly even split behind them.<\/p>\n

The lineup on the interior will depend on who stays and who goes. Jerron Cage<\/strong> is a senior but could choose to use the fifth year of eligibility. If he goes, Taron Vincent<\/a> will take over at nose, while Tyleik Williams<\/a> will start at 3-tech after his astounding true freshman season in 2021.<\/p>\n

Linebacker: Tommy Eichenberg, Steele Chambers<\/h3>\n

This was the most confusing position group from last year, and Knowles’ taking over only muddies it further.<\/p>\n

Teradja Mitchell<\/a> could return, but he likely decides he has more to lose than gain by staying. If he goes, and perhaps even if he stays, Steele Chambers<\/a> starts at WILL, and Tommy Eichenberg<\/a> starts at MIKE.<\/p>\n

Bullet: Ronnie Hickman<\/h3>\n

Ronnie Hickman<\/a> was one of the most productive players on the defense last year, so he’s staying right where he is.<\/p>\n

Secondary: Sevyn Banks, Denzel Burke, Tanner McCalister, Josh Proctor<\/h3>\n

Though he is eligible for the draft, Sevyn Banks<\/a> has more to prove to the NFL. He and Denzel Burke<\/a> will start on the boundaries, with Cameron Brown<\/a> being the first corner off the bench.<\/p>\n

Tanner McCalister<\/a> is coming over from Oklahoma State, so his knowledge of Knowles’ system will likely land him a starting role at cover safety. Josh Proctor<\/a>‘s presence at strong safety was deeply missed in 2021, and he will get back to starting at that spot in 2021.<\/p>\n

Specialists: Dominic DiMaccio, Jesse Mirco, Bradley Robinson, Emeka Egbuka, Jaxon Smith-Njigba<\/h3>\n

Noah Ruggles<\/a> was the most accurate kicker in college football last year, so he seems like a shoo-in for the NFL. Dominic DiMaccio<\/a> will take over placekicking duties in 2022.<\/p>\n

Bradley Robinson<\/a> is returning for his sixth year, and Jesse Mirco<\/a> will return to punting duties in 2022.<\/p>\n

Egbuka was one of the most dynamic kick returners in the country last year, so he will continue to run back kickoffs. Smith-Njigba was the second-leading punt returner on the team behind Garrett Wilson<\/a> in 2021, so his role there will be expanded this year.<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n