It may not be a playoff game, but Ohio State is treating it as such. The Buckeyes are playing for a Cotton Bowl win against Missouri as well as their first 12-win season since 2019.
It would be a much-needed win for Ryan Day, who has lost three straight seasons to rival Michigan. He’s not in the hot seat yet, but a bowl game win would surely keep him away from it. And he seems to have the power to do so this time, as no Buckeye has opted out of the game, aside from transfers.
Ohio State has been selected for a New Year’s Six bowl game for 10 straight seasons. It has the experience and confidence to take down a rising program like Missouri. It’ll have to do it without at least one crucial player.
MORE: Missouri vs. Ohio State odds, props, prediction for Cotton Bowl
Here’s everything you need to know about Ohio State’s roster for the Cotton Bowl.
Ohio State players skipping Cotton Bowl
The Buckeyes have yet to have a player opt out of the Cotton Bowl due to preparing for the NFL Draft. That doesn’t mean they’ll be up against the Tigers in full force.
Kyle McCord has transferred out of the program, meaning a new quarterback will have to step up for the first time since Oct. 21.
Marin Harrison Jr., who’s predicted as a top draft pick, has yet to declare for the upcoming draft. He’s traveled to Dallas with the team but has been practicing separately. That’s not to say he won’t play one final game as a Buckeye, but it would be shocking if he did.
For now, all the players not participating in the Cotton Bowl for Ohio State have transferred out of the program.
QBKyle McCord WRMarvin Harrison Jr.*Julian FlemingRBChip Trayanum Evan PryorOLJakob James Vic CutlerLBReid CarricoSKye StokesCameron MartinezCBJyaire BrownRyan TurnerDEOmari AborPKParker Lewis
*Predicted to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft
Ohio State depth chart for Cotton Bowl
With the regular season’s starter, McCord, transferring, Devin Brown gets the call up. The sophomore QB appeared in five games this season, but never started, and completed 12 of 22 passes for 197 yards. He threw for two touchdowns and one interception.
TreVeyon Henderson, another player who was expected to opt out of the game, looks like he’ll play. The running back is in Dallas practicing with the team, all but confirming he will play in the Cotton Bowl. With Harrison expected to sit out, Ohio State will rely more on Emeka Egbuka, a top pro-prospect who will be playing. Egbuka missed three three games this season with an ankle injury but still racked up four touchdowns and 452 yards.
Denzel Burke has announced he’ll put on the Buckeye jersey one last time.
Ohio State’s depth chart for the Cotton Bowl is projected as follows:
QBDevin Brown, Lincoln Keinholz, Tristan GebbiaRBTreVeyon Henderson, Dallan Hayden, Xavier JohnsonWRCarnell Tate, Jayden Ballard, Kojo AntwiWREmeka Egbuka, Noah Rogers, David AdolphWR Xavier Johnson, Brandon Inniss, Bryson RodgersTECade Stover, Gee Scott Jr., Patrick GurdLTJosh Simmons, Zen Michalski, George FitzpatrickLGDonovan Jackson, Tegra Tshabola, Austin SiereveldCCarson Hinzman, Matthew Jones, Joshua PadillaRGMatthew Jones, Enokk Vimahi, Toby WilsonRTJosh Fryar, Luke Montgomery, Trey LerouxDEJT Tuimoloau, Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Mitchell MeltonDEJack Sawyer, Caden Curry, Joshua MickensDTTyleik Williams, Hero Kanu, Jaden McKenzieDTTy Hamilton, Mike Hall Jr., Kayden McDonaldLBTommy Eichenberg, Cody Simon, Gabe PowersLBSteele Chambers, CJ Hicks, Arvell ReeseSJosh Proctor, Malik Hartford, Brenten JonesSSonny Styles, Ja’Had Carter, Jayden BonsuCBDenzel Burke, Calvin Simpson-Hunt, Lorenzo Styles Jr.CBDavison Igbinosun, Jermaine Mathews Jr., Jordan HancockCBJordan Hancock, Denzel Burke, Jermaine Mathews Jr.PKJayden Fielding, Austin Snyder, Casey MagyarPJesse Mirco, Joe McGuire, Austin SnyderLSJohn Ferlmann, Max Lomonico, Collin Johnson
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