The New York Jets are reshaping their offense with familiar faces from the 2020 Ohio State Buckeyes, aiming to turn past chemistry into present success. In 2024, the Jets’ offense tallied 5,333 total yards, including 1,561 rushing and 4,016 passing yards.
However, their ground game struggled, ranking 31st with an average of 91.8 rushing yards per game. With a new quarterback leading the charge, the team is determined to elevate these stats and compete in the AFC East. The addition of these former Buckeyes could provide the spark needed for a dynamic and more effective offensive unit.
Buckeyes to Broadway: Jets Revamp Roster with Ohio State Talent
The New York Jets are reshaping their offense, and a major part of this transformation comes from familiar faces out of Ohio State. The team now features four key players from the 2020 Buckeyes squad—quarterback Justin Fields, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, tight end Jeremy Ruckert, and center Josh Myers—each bringing their unique skills to the table.
The new-look #Jets offense features four players from the 2020 Ohio State squad:
— QB Justin Fields
— WR Garrett Wilson
— TE Jeremy Ruckert
— OL Josh Myers(📸 @fballforeverhq) pic.twitter.com/Qw2nJeS9v3
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 16, 2025
Justin Fields, who recently signed a two-year, $40 million contract, is set to lead the offense in 2025. Known for his dual-threat ability, Fields could be the catalyst the Jets need to elevate their performance.
His arrival reunites him with Wilson, a connection the receiver had hoped for since entering the NFL.
“If that would happen, that would be awesome,” Wilson said at the 2022 NFL scouting combine when asked about reuniting with Fields. “Definitely, to link back up with Justin—and to do that on the NFL level—would be a dream come true, for sure.”
Their history together speaks for itself. Between 2019 and 2020 at Ohio State, Fields and Wilson connected on 66 receptions for 1,031 yards and nine touchdowns over 22 games. Their chemistry was evident in moments like Wilson’s stunning mid-air grab against Clemson in the 2019 Fiesta Bowl.
However, Wilson’s most productive college season came in 2021 with C.J. Stroud at quarterback, posting 66 catches for 934 yards and 12 touchdowns in just 10 games. Despite the stats, Wilson has praised Fields’ leadership, particularly his ability to rally the team during the COVID-shortened 2020 season.
Meanwhile, Josh Myers joins the Jets on a one-year deal, adding experience and depth to the offensive line. His reliability as a starter in the NFL will be crucial in protecting Fields. Tight end Jeremy Ruckert, another Ohio State alum, has been working to carve out a bigger role in the offense.
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Though he has just 17 catches for 100 yards this season, he remains committed to making an impact.
“I just got to stick to my role and continue to produce in the way that I know I can,” Ruckert said.
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