When OSU first announced all of their big time 2024 signings, I was non-plussed as, at the time I felt that many of the players were overhyped.
Going back to tke a closer look:
1. QB- Will Howard. When he signed (as many on here have posted) most resonable Michigan fans were relieved that it was Howard and not Cam Ward (who ended up at Miami). Howard was a solid but not spectacular QB for a fair-to-middling KSU team. I felt that coming from KSU to the Big 12 was a huge leap, and his rushing ability was greatly decreased, dropping from 351 yards and 9 TDs on 80 carries in 2023 to 131 yards and 7 TDs on 71 carries this season. I cited lack of big game expereince as a weakness that came out to be true- He choked away the end of a probable Oregon win, and then sucked vs Michigan. The cheerleading routine he performed after being knocked into the dust by Makari Paige was as cringy and on-brand for the recent OSU program as anything I've seen. Leaves OSU 0-1 vs Michigan.
2. Sawyer and J.T.T.- The overhyped bookend DEs- Twin 5 -star signess, both ranked in the top 12 recruits in the nation who "decided to pass up being a first round pick" and take a bunch of $ to return for revenge vs Michigan...To me this was ALWAYS just media hype. J.T.T and Sawyer weren't locks as first-round picks with their lack of pass-rushing numbers- Both were eclipsed by Jalen Harrell last season, and Josiah Stewart this season. Heck even backup DE T.J. Guy with 5.5 sacks has more than Jack Sawyer...Both guys returned to lose and right now Sawyer appears in some first round projections but J.T.T, who OSU fans are still waiting to emerge as dominant, looks like a second day pick. Both leave 0-4 vs Michigan.
3. Caleb Downs- Very impressive season for OSU and will be great goiing forward, if he doesn't put his name in the draft. His run-stopping ability, however was not enough to stop Michigan when it was needed. Currently 0-2 vs Michigan with a Rose Bowl loss while at Bama.
4. Quinshon Judkins- Great on-paper pick up who had a very good season for OSU. However, considering the money spent, they could've just rolled with Trayanum on the cheap. As for Judkins himself, this was his least productive season: 805 yards and 8 TDs. He has had at least 1K yards and 15 TDs in each of his least two seasons at Ole Miss, the place he left due to losing his starting position to a freshman. He went to OSU to get around 125 less carries for 300 plus less yards? I'm sure that 12 carries for 46 yards vs their #1 rival at home wasn't what OSU shelled out all of that cash for, as Trayanum actually had far better performances vs Michigan the previous two seasons: 6 carries 37 yards (2023) and 14 carries 83 yards (2022). Waste for both parties IMO: Waste of $ for OSU and waste of time (a year of eligibility) for Judkins. Currently 0-1 vs Michigan, and it would be no surprise to see his name in the portal, since he left Ole Miss due to being underused.
5. Seth McGlaugthlin- I am "laughlin" at this one: He was terrible vs Michigan with Bama in the Rose Bowl but was hurt before The Game this season. I just picture him hiding under the bed in fear of Grant and Graham. Worth it? No. 0-2 vs Michigan with a Rose Bowl loss while at Bama.
6. Julian Sayin- Went 5-11 for 84 yards and a TD in garbage time...This minimal use really shouldn't give him an advantage over Tavien St. Clair, a more highly -touted prospect who will be coming in as a true freshman in December. So Sayin, and his 5-star 2024 QB recruit compadre Air Noland could both be beat out by St. Clair, which would render both a waste of $. 0-1 vs Michigan and if he falls behind St Clair on the depth chart, portal.
7. Treveon Henderson- Still Treveon Henderson. Still getting the vast majority of his yards on one or two big gains. Still not good between the tackles. Still without a win over Michigan. 0-4 vs Michigan.
8. The Other Returnees: Cody Simon & Lathan Ransom (5th years) and Ty Hamilton, Denzel Burke & Tyleik Williams (4th seasons). All of these guys returned and could've been drafted last season. They all played well, and will be drafted. They all lost to Michigan...a lot. All 0-4 vs Michigan
9. BONUS-Davison Igbinosun- I clearly remember when this kid chose OSU over Michigan when transferring from Ole Miss in 2022. Led the nation in PI penalties 😆 and actually did not improve as his years continued with OSU (Creer-low 18 soslo tackles this year). 0-3 vs Michigan.
Reminds me of the old Detroit Zoo commercial: "Wrong way guys! Nice going Melvin". Lots of mistakes made in retrospect by both OSU and the kids who committed to them.
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