5 Ohio State players key to flip Ryan Day's record against Michigan ft. Will Howard

Ohio State, eternally a preseason national title hopeful, is back in its usual position as the 2024 college football season approaches. But the big question for the Buckeyes is how can they turn their streak against Michigan around. The Wolverines have won the last three in the series and did so as the underdogs in 2021 and 2022.

However, the Wolverines are down a bit, while Ohio State has gone all in with a superb incoming class. Freshmen and transfer portal stars give the Buckeyes an early talent advantage. Here are five Ohio State standouts who Day will need to flip the series.

---

Five Ohio State players key to flipping OSU's record with Michigan

Former Alabama safety Caleb Downs could help flip the script on Ohio State's struggles with Michigan. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

#1 Will Howard

Passing hasn't really been an issue in Ohio State's struggles with Michigan. The Buckeyes passed for 394, 349 and 271 yards in those losses but threw a pair of interceptions in each of the last two seasons.

Howard needs to avoid the kind of mistakes that could doom an Ohio State team that will likely be a hefty favorite at home against Michigan.

#2 Quinshon Judkins

The ground game has been a massive problem for the Buckeyes in the recent series, rushing for 64, 143 and 107 yards. Not awful, but it hasn't kept up with the 297, 252 and 156 yards Michigan has picked up on the ground.

Enter Judkins, who promises to be one of the most impressive rushers in the series. Again, Ohio State is a likely favorite, so if Judkins can help control the ball and clock, OSU will benefit.

#3 Tyleik Williams

Like the point above, the Michigan rushing game has controlled these recent matchups. This season, UM figures to be developing a new QB and will likely need to lean even more heavily on the rushing attack.

Enter the 327-pound Williams, a solid run stuffer, who will be key to OSU's attempts to slow the UM ground attack.

#4 JT Tuimoloau

Ohio State's pass rush should be impressive, but Tuimoloau is the kind of player who can take his game to another level. Last year against Penn State, Tuimoloau had six tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a touchdown.

Now, Tuimoloau isn't the most consistent player in the world. But in a battle of assignment football, having a guy who can single-handedly explode the game could be a series-shifter for OSU.

#5 Caleb Downs

If you can't beat them, join them. No, the Buckeyes didn't take a star from Michigan - although they probably wouldn't mind. But Downs is an oustanding free safety nabbed from the SEC - more particularly, Alabama.

The UM passing game is vulnerable this year. Much like Tuimoloau, Downs could take over things with a couple of well-timed plays. He doesn't have the history with Michigan that most of the Buckeyes do. He has a history of expecting to dominate the Big Ten, and that won't hurt anything either.

---

Which Ohio State players do you think could key a win over Michigan in 2024? Share your thoughts below in our comment section: