Ohio State Football: 5 reasons Buckeyes will win 2017 national title

1. JT Barrett returns to Heisman form

The pressure is on J.T. Barrett to perform and a Heisman-like performance wins the Ohio State Buckeyes a national title. Truth be told, 2016 was Barrett’s first full season returning as full-time starter.

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

Barrett originally earned the starting job back in 2014 when Braxton Miller injured his shoulder. He split time with former quarterback Cardale Jones in 2015 as a sophomore.

He threw for 2,834 passing yards and 34 passing touchdowns back in 2014, leading Ohio State to a 14-1 record and a national title. Barrett also ran for 938 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns that year.

The Buckeyes upset the Alabama Crimson Tide 42-35 in the Sugar Bowl as the playoffs’ fourth overall seed that season. However, Barrett didn’t appear in the game.

Things could change for Barrett in 2017 as the Buckeyes look to return to their 2014 form. Barrett was a bit more accurate back in 2014 with a 64.6 passing completion percentage. Last season, he threw for 61.5 percent as a passer.

Barrett will have a new offensive coordinator and the opportunity to use wide receivers Parris Campbell, Terry McLaurin and Demario McCall in the passing game this season.

The trio combined for just 28 catches for 319 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 2016. One, if not all three receivers could emerge as breakout candidates in 2017.

Next: College Football: Top 50 breakout candidates for 2017

As a dual-threat guy, everybody knows what Barrett can do with his legs. His arm is the biggest question mark for him but with changes afoot, he’s prime to have a better season throwing the ball.