It’s the college football offseason folks, and that means there are a ton of lists and rankings out there. Heck, we’re not throwing any shade because we’ve also gotten into the act and will continue to do so.
However, we’ve been following ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg and his future power rankings pieces that try to project ahead for the next three years (2022, 2023, and 2024). He already had Ohio State extremely high in his future quarterback rankings and his future offense rankings, and now he’s back to take a look at the defensive side of the ball.
If you are interested in what Rittenberg says about the entire 25-team list, you can get a peek at it yourself by heading on over to ESPN (subscription required), but we’re just going to focus on the rankings and what he says about YOUR Ohio State Buckeyes.
So, where does Rittenberg think Ohio State will be over the next three years when it comes to stopping the opponent, something that has to get much better from the last couple of seasons? Pretty much where the Buckeyes have been for a while. Here’s what Rittenberg has to say and where OSU is ranked in his assessment.
As usual, we unveil things by saving the best for the last.
Boise State Broncos
Boise State running back Andrew Van Buren (21) leads the team onto the field carrying the Dan Paul Hammer before an NCAA college football game against New Mexico Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 37-0. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
ESPN’s Previous Ranking
2021 Future Defense Ranking: Not Ranked
Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma helmets are seen before a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the West Virginia Mountaineers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021. Credit: USA TODAY Sports
ESPN’s Previous Ranking
2021 Future Defense Ranking: No. 19
Auburn defensive lineman Caleb Johnson (45) lays out Mississippi State running back Kylin Hill (8) at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn,…