5 Ohio State stars who won’t be back and their replacements for 2023

With Ohio State now out of the College Football Playoff, expect for these five stars to move on.

Ohio State gave Georgia all it had in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, but came up one point shy of stunning the Bulldogs in Atlanta.

Many people suggested that the Buckeyes did not even belong in the College Football Playoff after losing so badly at home to arch rival Michigan in The Horseshoe. Well, Ohio State proved everyone and their brother wrong on New Year’s Eve. Frankly, Ohio State played more than well enough to win their national semifinal game. But for now, they must turn the page and focus on next season.

Sadly, we have probably seen the last of these five college stars play a game for the Buckeyes.

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Ohio State football: 5 stars who won’t be back in 2023 and who replaces them

Zach Harrison could return for one more season, but should be a day-two pick

Ohio State has had a tremendous run of great pass-rushers over the last decade. While Zach Harrison is not a Bosa Brother or Chase Young, the senior edge rusher projects as a high day-two pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He returned for his senior season this past year, and could potentially return to Columbus for one last ride, assuming he wants to use his COVID year of eligibility left…

Frankly, it all really comes down to if he thinks he can improve his draft stock. It would be a huge gamble to return to school for truly one final season. However, Ohio State should be one of the better teams in the country again next year. A return trip to the College Football Playoff could be appealing, but so could having one’s bank account hit seven figures for the first time in their life.

Ultimately, the financial implications of not turning pro are too strong for Harrison to pass up here.

Ohio State replacement for Zach Harrison: Jack Sawyer

The good news for Ohio State is if Harrison were to turn pro, they have a former five-star ready for an increased role on the Buckeyes defense. Jack Sawyer already led the team in sacks as a redshirt sophomore. To be quite honest, this is the guy who will be the next Bosa Brother or Chase Young for the Buckeyes. Look for Sawyer to absolutely explode playing alongside J.T. Tuimoloau in 2023.

If this is the last we have seen out of Harrison, Ohio State will still have an electrifying pass rush.