College Football Network recently released their top 100 college football players for the 2024 season, with 11 Ohio State Buckeyes players receiving national attention — the most of any FBS school (next closest is Alabama with seven). Which standouts from Columbus were singled out for significant praise ahead of the 2024 college football campaign? Let’s find out!
Which Ohio State Players Were Included in the CFN Top 100 College Football Players?
With four more top 100 players than any other FBS school in 2024, Ohio State should enter every game on its schedule with a talent advantage over its opponents.
While games are not won on this fact alone, it does factor into why the Buckeyes have +360 odds to win the College Football National Championship, according to Caesars Sportsbook, the second-shortest odds of any team behind only the Georgia Bulldogs (+320).
MORE: 2024 Ohio State Buckeyes Depth Chart
With each of their top two players on this list in the secondary – including Alabama transfer Caleb Downs at safety, the Buckeyes defense should be a problem for Big Ten offenses this season.
Here’s what CFN College Football Analyst James Fragoza had to say about Ohio State’s best players:
Caleb Downs, S (16th)
Caleb Downs stepped off the plane and immediately earned Alabama’s starting safety spot as a true freshman. He became the first Alabama freshman to lead the team in tackles (107) and also recorded two INTs, three PBUs, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
His addition to an Ohio State defense already loaded with front-seven talent should translate to dominance in the Big Ten.
Denzel Burke, CB (29th)
Denzel Burke’s sophomore slump after an impressive one-INT, 12-PBU true freshman campaign left a bad taste in the mouths of fans. However, the long, explosive CB bounced back in 2023, breaking up eight passes and intercepting one pass. He has to come to balance as a tackler to crack down on YAC allowed, but Burke is also a tenacious support defender against the run.
Donovan Jackson, G (42nd)
Donovan Jackson was born to play on the offensive line at 6’4″, 320 pounds, with 36″ arms. He is still refining his technique, but he has the movement skills to thrive in Chip Kelly’s offense.
Full List of Ohio State Players Included in the CFN Top 100 College Football Players
- Caleb Downs, S (16th)
- Denzel Burke, CB (29th)
- Donovan Jackson, G (42nd)
- Emeka Egbuka, WR (51st)
- Quinshon Judkins, RB (59th)
- Jack Sawyer, EDGE (63rd)
- Tyleik Williams, DT (64th)
- Sonny Styles, LB/S (65th)
- TreVeyon Henderson, RB (66th)
- J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE (69th)
- Jeremiah Smith, WR (98th)
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