Ohio State football is entering a different era with Dwayne Haskins under center. This new era is just what he Buckeyes need to get back to the playoff.
It’s what Ohio State deserves. After four years of up-and-down play from JT Barrett, although he was a great leader and a model Buckeye, Urban Meyer and Co. will have an opportunity to take another step forward with Dwayne Haskins running the offense.
In case you haven’t heard the news, Joe Burrow has announced his decision to transfer, which doesn’t come as much of a surprise with the emergence of Haskins. He held backup duties to Barrett in 2017, even helping to lead the Buckeyes to a big win in “The Game” against Michigan.
Haskins finished his redshirt freshman season with 565 passing yards and four touchdowns with just one interception, completing 70 percent of his throws. He also rushed for another 86 yards, showcasing the ability to tuck and run when under pressure, but not relying too much on his legs when he can produce with that strong arm.
Although Barrett was a great quarterback as a freshman, leading the Buckeyes to the Big Ten title game before his season-ending injury, he regressed slightly in the years to follow in some regards.
Haskins has a higher ceiling than his predecessor and has the look of an NFL prospect with a 6-3, 214-pound frame.
Ohio State missed out on the College Football Playoff in 2017, but with Haskins at the helm, the sky is the limit. He has developed a strong bond with his receivers, has plenty of running back depth behind him to take pressure off, is surrounded by strong tight ends and an elite offensive line and has the tools to be a superstar.
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We may see the Buckeyes’ offense take another step forward with Haskins now that Burrow is off the table. Ohio State’s Haskins era could be a scary one.