Ohio State Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

Quarterback

Starting quarterback: J.T. Barrett
Backup: Joe Burrow

There have been doubts surrounding J.T. Barrett throughout his collegiate career. Coming in as a true freshman in 2014, Barrett assumed his role as backup to both Braxton Miller and Cardale Jones, or so it seemed. However, when Miller went down with a season-ending injury in fall camp, Meyer chose Barrett as the replacement.

The dual-threat freshman impressed right away and helped lead the Buckeyes to an 11-1 regular season record before getting injured himself. He gave way to Jones who won the team’s last three games (Big Ten Championship and two College Football Playoff contests). The Buckeyes were national champs and Jones got most of the recognition.

In fact, he began the next season as the starter despite many believing that Barrett was the more complete quarterback. He gave way in the middle of the season to Barrett and the then-sophomore led the way.

Entering the 2016 season, he was undoubtedly the starter and some even thought a top Heisman contender. He struggled to really regain that confidence he had as a freshman but still passed for 2,555 yards and 24 scores with seven picks. He added 845 rushing yards and nine more touchdowns.

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Barrett returns as the team’s starting quarterback as a senior and he’s expecting a bounce-back season. He will be backed up by sophomore Joe Burrow, but Dwayne Haskins and Tate Martell have brought extra hype to the backup race.