The 2016 Ohio State football roster stands as one of the most talent-dense collections of players in modern college football history. Led by head coach Urban Meyer, this squad navigated a brutal Big Ten schedule, earned a spot in the College Football Playoff, and ultimately sent a staggering number of players to the National Football League. If you look back at that team, you're not just looking at a single college season; you're looking at an NFL nursery that shaped Sunday afternoons for the next decade.
Knowing who starred on this team requires looking past the basic participation charts and examining the specific impact players who defined the offensive and defensive schemes. Let's break down the key figures, the breakout stars, and the lasting legacy of the 2016 Ohio State Buckeyes.
The Offensive Engine
The offensive identity of the 2016 Buckeyes relied on dual-threat capability, explosive playmakers on the perimeter, and a bruising rushing attack.
At the controls was redshirt sophomore quarterback J.T. Barrett. Barrett wasn't just a passer; he was the emotional heartbeat of the offense. While his arm numbers didn't break records that specific year, his leadership and decision-making kept the chains moving. He rushed for 845 yards and nine touchdowns while throwing for 2,555 yards and 24 scores.
Supporting Barrett in the backfield was a dynamic one-two punch at running back. Mike Weber, a redshirt freshman, shouldered the primary early-down load, rushing for 1,096 yards and nine touchdowns. Meanwhile, versatile weapon Curtis Samuel served as the ultimate mismatch nightmare. Samuel became the only player in the Big Ten to rush for over 700 yards (771) and catch for over 800 yards (865), scoring 15 total touchdowns. His performance in the regular-season finale against Michigan—including the game-winning touchdown run in double overtime—cemented his status on the roster.
Out wide, the receiving corps featured future NFL starters who were still refining their craft. Noah Brown grabbed prominence with a memorable four-touchdown game against Oklahoma, while Terry McLaurin and Parris Campbell flashed the speed and blocking tenacity that later made them high draft picks and long-term professionals.
The Defensive Dominance
While the offense moved the ball, the 2016 Ohio State defense wreaked absolute havoc. Defensive coordinator Greg Schiano oversaw a unit that ranked among the best in the country, pitching shutouts and scoring defensive touchdowns with alarming frequency.
The defensive line generated pressure from every angle. Defensive end Tyquan Lewis won Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year honors with 8 sacks, while a young sophomore named Nick Bosa terrorized opposing tackles as part of a vicious rotation that also included Sam Hubbard and jalyn Holmes.
Behind them, the linebacker corps featured Raekwon McMillan, a classic sideline-to-sideline tackler who led the team with 102 stops.
The secondary, however, was where the historic NFL talent truly lived. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore locked down his side of the field, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors. Opposite him, true freshman Kendall Sheffield and veteran Damon Webb provided reliable coverage. Safety Malik Hooker played center field with unmatched instincts, intercepting seven passes—three of which he returned for touchdowns.
Special Teams and Depth
Special teams contributed significantly to the team's success. Punter Cameron Johnston pinned opponents inside the twenty-yard line consistently, winning the Hayes-Cleveland award as the team's MVP. Kicker Tyler Durbin provided steady scoring, converting 17 of 21 field goal attempts during the regular season.
Depth pieces on this roster didn't just warm the bench; many went on to star in later seasons or carve out professional careers. Players like defensive tackle Dre'Mont Jones and offensive lineman Billy Price anchored the trenches, ensuring the program's standard of excellence remained high.
The NFL Legacy
The true measure of the 2016 Ohio State roster became clear during subsequent NFL drafts. That single team eventually produced over a dozen future NFL draft picks, including multiple first-round selections.
- Marshon Lattimore went 11th overall in 2017 to the New Orleans Saints.
- Malik Hooker followed closely at 15th overall to the Indianapolis Colts.
- Curtis Samuel and Raekwon McMillan heard their names called on Day 2 of the same draft.
- A year later, players like Denzel Ward, Billy Price, and Tyquan Lewis moved to the professional ranks, proving the sheer volume of elite talent concentrated in Columbus that autumn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final record of the 2016 Ohio State football team?
The Buckeyes finished the 2016 season with an 11-2 overall record and an 8-1 mark in Big Ten play, earning a berth in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl.
Who was the leading rusher for Ohio State in 2016?
Mike Weber led the team with 1,096 rushing yards on 182 carries, averaging 6.0 yards per attempt. Curtis Samuel closely followed as a dual-threat weapon with 771 rushing yards.
How many players from the 2016 roster were drafted into the NFL?
More than a dozen players from this specific roster were selected in the NFL drafts spanning 2017 through 2019, with several earning Pro Bowl nods at the professional level.
Who coached the 2016 Ohio State Buckeyes?
The team was led by head coach Urban Meyer, who was in his fifth season at the helm in Columbus, supported by an elite coaching staff that included assistants Greg Schiano and Tim Beck.
