Ohio State 2024 projections: Ryan Day could stumble against two Big Ten rivals in 2024

Ohio State has been the second-best team in the Big Ten for a number of years. In 2023, the Buckeyes had a near-perfect season, only for it to be ruined in the final game against rival Michigan.

In 2023 OSU finished with an 11-2 record, the second loss coming from a bowl game defeat to the Missouri Tigers. But what can Ryan Day and his team accomplish in 2024?

How many wins could the Ohio State Buckeyes have this season?

Both Fan Duel and Pro Football Focus (PFF) have predicted that Ohio State will have a 10-win season.

However, the Buckeyes are the favorites to win the Big Ten this year, and come into the season ranked number two in the country.

This is partly due to the numerous transfers brought in, like Quinshon Judkins and Caleb Downs. In addition, Michigan's team has been depleted, many players who were instrumental in the success over the last few years have moved on.

This season appears to be the best chance that coach Ryan Day has to lead the Ohio State Buckeyes to a national championship.

Who are the Ohio State Buckeyes playing this season

The Ohio State Buckeyes will play the following teams this season:

• Akron Zips
• Western Michigan Broncos
• Marshall Thundering Herd
• Michigan State Spartans
• Iowa Hawkeyes
• Oregon Ducks
• Nebraska Cornhuskers
• Penn State Nittany Lions
• Purdue Boilermakers
• Northwestern Wildcats
• Indiana Hoosiers
• Michigan Wolverines

Which Big Ten programs may the Ohio State Buckeyes struggle against?

Ohio State has a relatively simple schedule this season. There's an easy start against Akron, Western Michigan, and Marshall, and then the normal lineup of Big Ten opponents that OSU defeats on a regular basis.

However, there are two games in which the Buckeyes might struggle.

The first of these is against the Oregon Ducks. The Ducks have moved from the PAC-12 conference to the Big Ten this season, and the team is very strong. Gone is long time quarterback Bo Nix; he has been replaced with former Oklahoma Sooners QB Dillion Gabriel. Gabriel has been given many weapons downfield, including Evan Stewart, a transfer from Texas A&M.

Oregon comes into the season as the second-favorite to win the Big Ten, and could overpower an Ohio State offense with questions surrounding the effectiveness of new quarterback, Will Howard. Whatever happens in this regular season meeting, it is likely to be the warm-up game for a conference championship rematch.

Ohio State could also struggle with the final game of the season against the Michigan Wolverines.

This is an intense rivalry, and a game that both teams want to win. While the Wolverines are likely to not be as strong as in recent seasons, there will still be an all-out effort against Ohio State.

A strong performance could take the Buckeyes by suprise, leading to what would be an iconic victory for the Wolverines.