The Ohio State Buckeyes lost an absurd amount of talent this year, but still have more than enough to spare for 2016. That's why they're viewed as one of the favorites in the Big Ten this year. Urban Meyer has recruited with the best since taking over and it's time for the next set of stars to step up in Columbus. With that in mind, we've put together the six best Ohio State Football players for 2016. And yes, several worthy athletes just missed out.
6. OG Billy Price
Whether it's right or left guard, Price will be among the best guards in the nation this year. OSU lost some key players on the offensive line (along with basically every other position), but having Price back is big for the offensive line. He's a future NFL player, although he's not the best lineman on this list.
5. CB Gareon Conley
Three of the four starters in the secondary are gone, but Conley is back. He had two picks last year, second most on the team. He's now the Buckeyes' clear-cut No. 1 CB and they'll be counting on him. Ohio State is banking on him taking another leap forward in his junior year.
4. DE Tyquan Lewis
Joey Bosa (rightfully) got all the hype and love, but Lewis had more sacks (eight) and tackles (54). While playing across from Bosa (who got all the attention) helped those numbers, Lewis is a gifted DE. Another year of development should only help the junior. He has the makings of yet another early Buckeyes draft pick. By the way, don't sleep on Sam Hubbard. A former Lacrosse star in high school who was going to play that sport at Notre Dame, he's primed for a massive season replacing Joey Bosa. He has a strong claim for a spot on this list and could easily finish as one of the team's top players.
3. OL Pat Elflein
Elflein's NFL future might be at guard, but he's starting at center this year for OSU. One of the best interior linemen in the nation, Elflein could have been another OSU draft selection last year. Instead, he's returning for his senior year. There's an argument that he's actually the best player on OSU.
2. QB J.T. Barrett
Barrett will be a Heisman threat this year, as he'll be tasked with taking on a bigger role in the offense. The Buckeyes started Cardale Jones to begin the year, and even after Barrett took over the starting gig, options A, B, and C were Ezekiel Elliott. That changes this year and Barrett should look more like the player who finished fifth in the Heisman voting in 2014. Barrett is good enough to lead this list, but I like one other player more.
1. LB Raekwon McMillan
McMillan is among the best LBs in the country, right alongside Anthony Walker of Northwestern, Jarrad Davis of Florida and a personal favorite, Texas' Malik Jefferson. Had he been draft eligible, McMillan might have been a first round pick. At 6-foot-2, 240-pounds, McMillan led a loaded OSU defense with 119 tackles, including four for loss. He's an ideal MLB and should be the first OSU player drafted next year. Barrett might be more important by virtue of position, but McMillan is the better player.
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