Ohio State’s All-In Offseason: Motivated by Michigan Rivalry
The 2023 offseason for Ohio State football was one of reflection, change, and intense preparation. With the sting of a third consecutive loss to Michigan still fresh in the minds of players, coaches, and fans, the Buckeyes entered the offseason with a singular focus: ending their losing streak to their biggest rival and returning to the pinnacle of college football.
Ohio State’s 2022 season ended with a gut-wrenching 45-23 loss to Michigan in the Big Ten Championship Game, which followed a similar defeat in Ann Arbor a year earlier. For the Buckeyes, losing to the Wolverines for the second straight season—especially after nearly winning a national championship in 2021—was unthinkable. As the 2023 season approached, a sense of urgency permeated the entire program, with Ohio State aiming to reclaim its dominance in the Big Ten and reassert itself as a national contender.
The Return of Ryan Day’s Aggressive Philosophy
Head coach Ryan Day, who had already enjoyed considerable success at Ohio State, faced increased scrutiny after the back-to-back losses to Michigan. While the Buckeyes have regularly been among the nation’s elite under Day’s leadership, the inability to solve Michigan was casting a shadow over the program. In the offseason, Day and his staff doubled down on a more aggressive approach, hoping to reignite the fire within the team.
One of the most significant changes came on the offensive side of the ball. Ohio State had previously relied heavily on their high-powered passing attack and star quarterback play. But with the departure of star quarterback C.J. Stroud to the NFL, the coaching staff reworked the offensive scheme to better suit the talent on the roster. The Buckeyes signed five-star quarterback Devin Brown, a highly touted dual-threat signal-caller who could bring balance and unpredictability to the offense.
While Stroud’s shoes were big to fill, the decision to lean into Brown’s skill set was seen as a nod to modern college football’s evolving trends. The move was also seen as a response to Michigan’s balanced and physically dominant style of play. Ohio State understood that in order to finally defeat the Wolverines, they needed to match their physicality and versatility, not just out-score them.
Defensive Adjustments
While offense often gets the spotlight at Ohio State, the defense also saw considerable changes. The Buckeyes’ defense, particularly in their losses to Michigan, had been criticized for lacking physicality and struggling to stop the run. After years of dominance, Ohio State’s defense, under former coordinator Jim Knowles, needed to become more consistent, especially in key matchups.
Day made sure to bring in new blood, emphasizing not just speed and skill but also toughness. Players like defensive linemen JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer were expected to take a leadership role, with the goal of disrupting opposing offenses. The addition of experienced defensive backs and more depth on the front line ensured that Ohio State could create more pressure, limit explosive plays, and win the battles in the trenches—an area that had often been dominated by Michigan in recent years.
Motivation: Michigan as the Measuring Stick
Above all, the Buckeyes’ offseason changes were motivated by their rivalry with Michigan. The Wolverines had won two straight games and were growing in confidence. Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, who had been under pressure for much of his tenure, finally got over the hump in 2021 and 2022, cementing the Wolverines’ status as the kings of the Big Ten. Harbaugh’s no-nonsense approach and physical style of play had begun to overshadow Ohio State’s once-dominant program, and Day knew that nothing less than victory over Michigan would suffice to restore Ohio State’s glory.
The importance of “The Game” was never lost on Day or the team, and it became the focus of their entire offseason. Even as Ohio State made changes on offense and defense, the coaching staff’s most crucial goal was to devise a plan that would finally neutralize Michigan’s strengths. From strength and conditioning to film study, every facet of Ohio State’s preparation was aimed at one team: Michigan.
Transfer Portal and Recruiting
While Ohio State had a stellar recruiting class heading into 2023, the program didn’t hesitate to dip into the transfer portal to strengthen its roster. The Buckeyes added experienced players at key positions, including a top-tier wide receiver, which could help bridge the gap left by the departure of key playmakers like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. The infusion of talent was a sign that Ohio State was determined to not leave any stone unturned in its pursuit of greatness.
Perhaps the most symbolic transfer acquisition was the addition of linebacker Ernest Hausmann from Nebraska. Hausmann was seen as a physical, hard-hitting player who could help combat Michigan’s power running game. His presence on the field signaled that Ohio State was making tangible efforts to improve its toughness, the one quality that had eluded them in recent years.
Looking Ahead: The 2023 Season
As the 2023 season dawned, Ohio State was poised for a major breakthrough. The Buckeyes’ coaching staff had embraced the challenge of rebuilding and retooling in ways that would allow them to compete with the likes of Michigan, Georgia, and Alabama. Yet, the true measure of Ohio State’s success would be determined in the final weeks of the season—when they would once again meet Michigan.
For Ohio State, 2023 was more than just another college football season. It was an all-in bet—one driven by a single, undeniable truth: the Buckeyes must conquer Michigan to restore their rightful place atop college football. Every move, every decision, and every practice was made with that one goal in mind. Only then would Ohio State’s offseason gamble be considered a success.