Ohio State returned more talent than anyone in the country following the 2023 season.
Quite a few players who would have been NFL Draft prospects decided to come back to Columbus to take care of unfinished business.
Losing a third straight game to Michigan, as well as other things impacted some players’ decisions to return. Denzel Burke was believed to be an early-round cornerback, but he is back at Ohio State thanks to NIL and what he believes they can accomplish.
“The other part was coming back with all my brothers and actually winning the Big Ten and a natty for the state of Ohio,” Burke said on Thursday during media availability. “I had a first or second-round grade, but I had no gold pants, no Big Ten title, no natty. So just being able to come back with my brothers and doing it for the state of Ohio. I’m trying to finish the job this year, that’s the plan.”
Along with Burke, players like Emeka Egbuka, Jack Sawyer, J.T. Tuimoloau, TreVeyon Henderson, Lathan Ransom, and a few others opted to return to Columbus. With all of the returning players, expectations are as high as ever in Columbus and the belief should be that they can win a national title.
“Diamonds are built under pressure,” Burke said. “We’re not worried about a thing. We trust in our technique, ourselves, our team, and our coaches. No excuses man, we’ve got to win it all. We’ve been trying to preach that every single day.”
Ohio State added S Caleb Downs, QB Will Howard, QB Julian Sayin, and RB Quinshon Jedkins to the transfer portal. At least three of the four will have an impact on the Buckeyes in 2024.
After coming up short the last few years, it appears the players know how high the pressure will be in 2024 if Burke’s comments mean anything. There are a lot of seniors on the team that want to beat Michigan for the first time.
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