The Ohio State football 2020 roster powered through a shortened, pandemic-altered season to capture a Big Ten Championship and reach the College Football Playoff National Championship. Led by head coach Ryan Day, this squad featured an explosive offense anchored by future NFL stars and a defense that flew to the football.
Operating in an abbreviated eight-game schedule due to Big Ten scheduling adjustments, the Buckeyes finished with a 7-1 record. They claimed the conference crown and dominated Clemson 49-28 in the Sugar Bowl before falling to a historic Alabama team in the title game.
Offensive Core and Quarterback Play
Quarterback Justin Fields directed the attack with precision. In eight games, Fields completed 158 of 225 passes for 2,100 yards and 22 touchdowns against just six interceptions. He added 383 rushing yards and five scores on the ground, cementing his status as a Heisman Trophy finalist and elite NFL prospect.
Backing up Fields was a dynamic receiving corps that became a factory for first-round draft picks: If you want more about the context of this, Associated Press offers an informative breakdown.
- Chris Olave: Led the team with 50 receptions for 729 yards and 7 touchdowns in seven games.
- Garrett Wilson: Caught 43 passes for 723 yards and 6 touchdowns, averaging an explosive 16.8 yards per catch.
- Jameson Williams: Contributed 9 catches for 154 yards and 2 touchdowns before later transferring.
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Showcased early flashes as a freshman with 10 receptions for 49 yards and a score.
At tight end, Jeremy Ruckert served as a lethal red-zone weapon, pulling in 13 catches for 151 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Backfield Production and Offensive Line
The rushing attack evolved mid-season after Master Teague handled early-year duties. Graduate transfer Trey Sermon seized the feature role down the stretch, culminating in a legendary 331-yard performance in the Big Ten Championship Game against Northwestern.
- Trey Sermon: Rushed for 870 yards on 116 carries (7.5 yards per carry) with 4 touchdowns.
- Master Teague: Picked up 514 yards on 104 carries with a team-high 8 rushing touchdowns.
- Miyan Williams: Emerged as a tough freshman runner, gaining 64 yards on 10 carries.
The offensive line paved the way for 256.9 rushing yards per game. Guard Wyatt Davis won consensus All-American honors, anchoring a unit that also featured future NFL starters like center Josh Myers and tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere.
Defensive Front and Secondary Leaders
Coordinated by Kerry Coombs, the defense surrendered 25.8 points per game while creating timely stops. Linebacker Pete Werner led the team with 52 total tackles, earning first-team all-conference recognition.
- Tuf Borland: The veteran middle linebacker and team captain organized the front seven's assignments.
- Haskell Garrett: The defensive tackle overcame an offseason shooting incident to play at an All-American level, recording 2 sacks and an interception returned for a touchdown.
- Jonathon Cooper: Provided steady edge pressure with 4 sacks from his defensive end spot.
- Shaun Wade: Lined up primarily at slot corner and outside, winning Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year and intercepting two passes.
Freshman defensive backs like Lathan Ransom and safety Ronnie Hickman also saw critical rotational snaps that prepared them for future starting roles.
Special Teams Contributions
Special teams provided steady field position and reliable scoring. Kicker Blake Haubeil handled primary placekicking duties, while punter Drue Chrisman pinned opponents deep with directional punts and stellar holding skills. The coverage units minimized explosive returns, giving the offense favorable starting spots throughout the Big Ten conference schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final record of the 2020 Ohio State football team?
The Buckeyes finished the season with a 7-1 overall record, going 5-0 in regular-season Big Ten play before winning the conference title game and advancing to the national championship.
Who led the Buckeyes in passing yards in 2020?
Justin Fields led the passing attack, throwing for 2,100 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions across eight games.
Who was the leading rusher for Ohio State in 2020?
Trey Sermon led the team with 870 rushing yards on 116 carries, averaging 7.5 yards per attempt with 4 touchdowns.
Which 2020 Ohio State players were selected as team captains?
The 2020 squad was captained by Wyatt Davis, Tuf Borland, Shaun Wade, Justin Hilliard, Justin Fields, Jonathon Cooper, and Josh Myers.
