Ohio State football: Projected 2018 two-deep depth chart

Quarterback

Starter: Dwayne Haskins

Backup: Tate Martell

The final position on our list is probably the most important piece for this team’s success. After an illustrious four years as the starter, J.T. Barrett is finally gone. That means that for the first time since Barrett filled in for an injured Braxton Miller in 2014, the Buckeyes are entering the season without an experienced quarterback.

We did see a preview of the future, however, when Dwayne Haskins entered the game against Michigan after Barrett suffered a leg injury. Haskins proceeded to lead Ohio State to a victory, torching a Michigan defense that wasn’t prepared to face a passing attack.

Haskins is the most talented pure passer at Ohio State since Troy Smith rolled through town. He has an extremely talented group of receivers. The line should be as solid as ever. Everything about this team is set to contend for a title. If Haskins is as good as advertised, they’ll be in the playoff, and perhaps the title game.

If Haskins goes down, that may be it for Ohio State. Martell is talented but young and doesn’t seem ready to run an offense this year. He’s had issues passing the ball, and while he’s a capable runner, the offense may get a bit stale under him. The loss of Joe Burrow to LSU hurt Ohio State’s depth here quite a bit, but they knew the loser of the battle between Haskins and Burrow would be transferring.