COLUMBUS, OH – As the Ohio State football team gears up for the 2023 season, all eyes are on the usual suspects:

COLUMBUS, OH – As the Ohio State football team gears up for the 2023 season, all eyes are on the usual suspects:

quarterback C.J. Stroud, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and defensive end Zach Harrison, among others.

 

But what about the players who fly under the radar? The ones who might not get as much attention from fans and media, but who could still make a significant impact on the team’s success?

 

Here are five under-the-radar players to watch this offseason for Ohio State football:

 

1. Defensive tackle Tyleik Williams

 

Williams, a redshirt freshman, was a highly touted recruit out of high school, but he didn’t see much playing time last season. However, with the departure of defensive tackles Haskell Garrett and Antwuan Jackson, Williams is in line for a bigger role this season.

 

At 6-foot-3 and 320 pounds, Williams has the size and strength to be a dominant force in the middle of the defensive line. He’s also shown flashes of athleticism and quickness, which could make him a valuable asset in Ohio State’s pass rush.

 

2. Wide receiver Jayden Ballard

 

Ballard, a redshirt freshman, was another highly touted recruit who didn’t see much playing time last season. However, with the departure of wide receivers Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, Ballard is in line for a bigger role this season.

 

At 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, Ballard has the size and speed to be a deep threat in Ohio State’s passing game. He’s also shown flashes of athleticism and ball skills, which could make him a valuable asset in the Buckeyes’ receiving corps.

 

3. Linebacker Cade Stover

 

Stover, a redshirt sophomore, was a highly touted recruit out of high school, but he’s struggled to find his footing in Ohio State’s linebacker corps. However, with the departure of linebackers Tuf Borland and Baron Browning, Stover is in line for a bigger role this season.

 

At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, Stover has the size and athleticism to be a dominant force in Ohio State’s linebacker corps. He’s also shown flashes of instincts and tackling ability, which could make him a valuable asset in the Buckeyes’ defense.

 

4. Safety Ronnie Hickman

 

Hickman, a redshirt sophomore, was a highly touted recruit out of high school, but he’s struggled to find his footing in Ohio State’s secondary. However, with the departure of safeties Shaun Wade and Marcus Hooker, Hickman is in line for a bigger role this season.

 

At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, Hickman has the size and athleticism to be a dominant force in Ohio State’s secondary. He’s also shown flashes of instincts and ball skills, which could make him a valuable asset in the Buckeyes’ defense.

 

5. Defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste

 

Jean-Baptiste, a redshirt freshman, was a highly touted recruit out of high school, but he didn’t see much playing time last season. However, with the departure of defensive ends Jonathon Cooper and Tyreke Smith, Jean-Baptiste is in line for a bigger role this season.

 

At 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, Jean-Baptiste has the size and athleticism to be a dominant force in Ohio State’s pass rush. He’s also shown flashes of quickness and agility, which could make him a valuable asset in the Buckeyes’ defense.

 

These five players may not be household names just yet, but they have the potential to make a significant impact on Ohio State’s success this season. As the Buckeyes gear up for the 2023 season, keep an eye on these under-the-radar players to see if they can emerge as key contributors.