For the second-straight season, Ohio State will open the season as the top-ranked team in the country. The Buckeyes received all 11 first-place votes in the 2022 NCFA preseason rankings after capturing their second straight national championship in 2021.
Ohio State is set to open its season on the road for the second straight season, as the Buckeyes will travel to No. 11 Toledo for a Sunday night tilt in the historic Glass Bowl.
The Buckeyes return the majority of their offensive weapons from 2021, with seven returning starters set to line up again in 2022. Quarterback Kellyn Gerenstein and wide receiver Casey Scroggins headline an offense that averaged 43.9 points per game against NCFA opponents last season. Ohio State also returns four out of five starters along the offensive line, with newcomer Zach Davis rounding out the unit. The offensive line will once again look to pave the way for an explosive running game. Running backs Jalen Haley and Johnathan Thiele both return after combining to rush for 1,153 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2021, while Gerenstein returns as Ohio State’s career record holder for rushing yards.
Defensively, the Buckeyes return their leading tackler from 2021 in linebacker Colby Stahl, while welcoming an otherwise completely new front seven. In addition to his stellar play on offense, Scroggins headlines a defensive secondary that sees corners Jeremiah Croom and Spencer Newkirk return. Newcomers Christian Allen and Joseph Umba have flashed in camp and will surely make a big impact all season for Ohio State.
As for Toledo, the Rockets return a plethora of weapons from their inaugural squad in 2021. Tight end Jack Glowski and wide receiver Daniel Mensah figure to be the top targets of transfer quarterback Brandon Motter, who comes to the Glass City after a year at NCAA Div. III Trine University. Glowski accounted for one of Toledo’s two touchdowns against Ohio State last season, in a 51-14 Buckeye win. Running back Ajaye Cooper figures to be the featured running back for the Rockets while middle linebacker Kyle Storer returns to anchor the Toledo defense.
The Rockets enter their second year of existence following a 3-3 record in 2021 that saw them go 3-1 (including one forfeit) in home games a year ago. Toledo picked up impressive wins over conference opponents Michigan State (36-6) and Oakland (31-7) a season ago and figure to be one of the better teams in the Great Lakes Conference in 2022.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Glass Bowl. Gates open at 6:40. Tickets can be purchased ONLINE ONLY for $10 at toledofootballclub.com/schedule. For those unable to attend, the game will be televised on the BCSN Live App. Single-game streaming tickets can be purchased for $10 here the day of the game.
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