Urban Meyer considers whether Ohio State can take a step forward in 2023

Ohio State did a lot of things right in 2022 as they went 11-2 and made the College Football Playoff. With that said, Urban Meyer believes that the Buckeyes could take another step forward this upcoming season because of a few areas that are playing in their favor.

Meyer discussed Ohio State’s improvement during an episode of ‘Urban’s Take’ this week. He said that, first and foremost, the Buckeyes feel even better than they did last year on defense considering it’ll be the second campaign for DC Jim Knowles. While they finished Top-25 in the nation last season, he thinks they’ll feel even more comfortable and improve that number in his second go around in Columbus.

“They have a lot of confidence in Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator. And you should. He’s an experienced guy, first year out,” said Meyer. “At times, they played great. Other times, they gave up some big ones. I’m sure there’s been a lot of emphasis on a lack of explosive plays. Because that was what beat (them) last year. But they’re in a good position…They feel much better about the defense (with it) being year two in that system.”

Then, from there, Meyer said it’s easy to make the case for them considering he believes they have the sport’s best player in WR Marvin Harrison Jr.. He said his commitment to the program is going to give the Buckeyes a weapon that can help them achieve some pretty special things in 2023.

“They’ve got the best player in college football in Marvin Harrison Jr.,” Meyer stated. “I’m so anxious to watch him prepare and play because he’s different than most.”

“Someone asked, ‘Would he transfer for an NIL deal somewhere else?’ What I know about Marvin Harrison? Which I know a lot about him. I don’t know him but I know of him and I know people that know of him. And that family is incredible. (But) he’s all Buckeye. And I think he’s gonna give it all,” said Meyer. “People say, ‘Why should he play his third year?’ I mean they want to go beat that team up north, they want to go win a Big Ten Championship, and maybe more.”

Ohio State, just like every other team, still has plenty of things to finalize heading into next year. Naming a new quarterback and polishing off the offensive line are two examples of that. Still, with some of the pieces at play for them, Meyer expects yet another successful year for Ryan Day’s program this fall.