⚡ CFB Dashboard

- QB/OL: Defensive line, QB pressures and run stoppages A close second would be the o-line and short yardage execution, especially in the red zone.

- Ohio State opens as the No. 1 team with two new coaches and 51 new players, making the Ball State game an evaluation point before the trip to Texas. - The Bucknuts staff expects Arthur Smith to produce a top-tier Ohio State offense built around Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith, a better offensive line, a stronger run game, and improved red-zone and short-yardage efficiency. - Ohio State's defense is expected to regress from last year's No. 1 unit after major NFL losses, but most staffers still project a top-10 to top-20 group under Matt Patricia with early personnel packaging. - The staff wants to see a clean operation, sustained drives, touchdowns, third-down stops, competent special teams, and health before Ohio State travels to Texas. - The consensus prediction is Ohio State 49, Ball State 5, with several staffers expecting extensive backup usage and at least 50 players seeing the field.

- LB: just as important is he's very strong and has size and not just incredible speed.

- Ryan Day identified Nate Roberts, Mason Williams and Bennett Christian as Ohio State's top three tight ends entering the opener, with Max LeBlanc next in the rotation and Northwestern transfer Hunter Welcing also expected to play. - Ohio State plans to rotate its defensive line extensively across base and nickel personnel, with Kenyatta Jackson, Zion Grady, James Smith, Eddrick Houston, John Walker and Beau Atkinson among the early participants. - Phillip Daniels earned Ohio State's opening opportunity at right tackle through improved practice consistency, but Day said sustaining that level in games remains his central challenge. - Brandon Inniss, Phil Bell and Devin McCuin are Ohio State's punt-return options, while converted quarterback Legend Bey is expected to take the first kickoff return if the week proceeds as planned. - Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is expected to work from the field, and Day said the new coordinator structure has freed him to spend more time with players while the staff tests its early schematic assumptions in games.

- Ryan Day expects Mason, Bennett and Nate Roberts to play at tight end, with Max LeBlanc positioned for a role as the season develops and additional young players still competing behind them. - Ohio State's offensive line says its practice work has exposed it to every front, blitz, pressure and stunt it expects to face, improving the unit's preparation for early-season defensive variation. - Wisconsin transfer Christian Alliegro has added veteran guidance and physicality to Ohio State's linebacker room and is expected to bring visible energy to the opener. - Ohio State players said Jay Timmons has earned substantial trust and is making a clear case to be on the field this season.

- Bucknuts projects Julian Sayin as Ohio State's starting quarterback, followed by Tavien St. Clair and freshman Luke Fahey. - The projected skill-position starters are Bo Jackson at running back, Jeremiah Smith, Devin McCuin and Brandon Inniss at receiver, and Nate Roberts at tight end, with freshman Chris Henry Jr. among the second-team receivers. - Ohio State's projected offensive line is Ian Moore, Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, Austin Siereveld and Phillip Daniels from left to right. - The projected defensive front starts Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Beau Atkinson at end, Eddrick Houston and Will Smith Jr. at tackle, and Payton Pierce and Christian Alliegro at linebacker. - Freshman Jay Timmons projects to start at nickel beside corners Devin Sanchez and Jermaine Mathews Jr. and safeties Jaylen McClain and Earl Little Jr., with Connor Hawkins and Joe McGuire retaining the projected kicking and punting jobs.

- OL/WR: After hearing from Ryan Day, Earl Little Jr and Carson Hinzman on Tuesday, talking Ohio State WR rotation, defensive line, offensive line and chemistry with @BillLandis25 on The Bill and Doug Show

- KICKER: I'm pretty sure I've never seen a defensive lineman consistently make plays on special teams like Caden Curry does.