Welcome to Glass Slipper! I refuse to give up on Trey Lance; please enjoy the show.

- Jacob Rhee

**NOTICE: Glass Slipper will arrive on Tuesday and Friday next week.

I recently unveiled the 13 college football teams that have a chance of winning the national title. It’s time we break down each of those squads. Let’s discuss my beloved Ohio State Buckeyes, who slot in at No. 5.

Offense

For the third consecutive season, Ryan Day is being awfully coy about his quarterback situation. It has always felt certain that Julian Sayin will jog out with the starters against Texas. Thus, the delay in naming him as the guy can be spun in whichever direction you want. Positive thinkers argue that leaving the competition open is a brilliant strategic decision; let the intense battle be a catalyst for Julian’s daily improvement. Others find it concerning that the former five-star hasn’t been able to officially put Lincoln Kienholz away. In any scenario, I’d urge Buckeye Nation to have a little faith in the staff here. Day didn’t give Will Howard the keys until August 15th last summer, and they were prancing around under the confetti in Atlanta five months later.

Whoever ultimately wins the job is living the dream. A once-in-a-lifetime superstar is your X. Future All-Pro Carnell Tate is your Z. Max Klare - the most productive returning tight end in the Power Four - just transferred in. Quincy Porter would be the first receiving option on 15 of 18 Big Ten teams, and he’s probably seventh in OSU’s pecking order. It’s an embarrassment of riches, and I sincerely hope the fan base doesn’t take it for granted.

Few humans in the facility have a larger responsibility than new offensive line coach Tyler Bowen. I feel okay about the interior trio. Can he develop Ethan Onianwa and Austin Siereveld into quality tackles? If not, the Bucks could be in for a long year. Colin Simmons comes to town in Week 1, with Dani Dennis-Sutton and Derrick Moore on the schedule in November. It’s an intimidating slate, to say the least.

I’m extremely excited to watch James Peoples shine; that hungry running style is about to win the hearts of a lot of folks in Columbus. CJ Donaldson has tallied 30 career rushing touchdowns, and should thrive in short-yardage scenarios. Perhaps I’m still riding the wave of championship-induced optimism, but it’s fairly difficult for me to imagine a world in which this isn’t a top-25 scoring attack.

Defense

Though the defensive front is rather inexperienced, I’m pretty high on the personnel. Four-star Atlanta natives Eddrick Houston and Kayden McDonald step into the spotlight on the interior. Meanwhile, Kenyatta Jackson and Beau Atkinson will have to produce in order to hold onto their starting edge gigs. Caden Curry is an absolute menace on special teams, and CJ Hicks’ natural ability is jaw-dropping; I wouldn’t be stunned if those two force their way onto the first unit come postseason play.

Sonny Styles really began to blossom in the second half of last year, and is now teed up for a statement campaign. With the way he carries himself, that kid has earned all of the great things that are around the corner. The Bengals better be paying close attention.

Here’s a fascinating thought exercise for my readers wearing Scarlet and Gray. Go back through all of those tight Buckeye losses in your memory bank, and try to determine how many would flip to victories if Caleb Downs was in uniform. 2019 Clemson is a win. 2022 Georgia is a win. 2023 Michigan is a win. Alright, let’s actually stop. This is making me sad.

Life is easier for any defensive coordinator - especially one that hasn’t coached at the collegiate level in over two decades - when their unit features the best player in America. Suddenly, those monumental clashes feel a lot more winnable. Downs is going to become the highest-drafted safety of all-time for a reason; he’s sticky in coverage, a thumper in run support, and the football IQ is flat-out legendary. Let’s say that Ohio State beats Michigan and Caleb is a first-team All-American again. I want that No. 2 jersey hanging from the rafters in the Shoe, plain and simple.

Things get a bit dicey when we take a look at the rest of the secondary, however. I’m the self-appointed president of the Malik Hartford fan club, and I like Jermaine Mathews a lot. Every other potential contributor in this group feels like a massive question mark to me. So much hinges on the performance of Davison Igbinosun, and whether or not he’s learned that his ever-grabby technique is indeed visible to the refs. He did quietly save the season with that miraculous interception in Happy Valley, so I suppose I can’t complain too much. Let’s just try not to repeat as the most-penalized defender in the FBS.

I wouldn’t hit the panic button if Arch Manning comes in and posts a gaudy line 28 days from now. This is an untested crew, that I expect to progress on a weekly basis. As long as everything is clicking by November 29th, we’re okay.

Season Outlook

Pre-Bowl Record Prediction: 10-2

Selection Sunday Fan Mood: We will be insufferable beyond belief if the Bucks win another one. Like, the absolute worst. I’d advise doing everything in your power to prevent it from happening. We’re warning you now.

Pressroom

Spin It

“Feel So Lonely” by Hollyy. Exactly nine views on YouTube. Unbelievable nonetheless.