Cornerbacks Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock as well as offensive guard Donovan Jackson announced their returns to Ohio State for the 2024 season on Wednesday.
The announcements come at a critical time for the Buckeyes. Rival Michigan just captured the College Football Playoff National Championship.
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Head coach Ryan Day has already announced the departures of staff members and safeties coach Perry Eliano and special teams coordinator Parker Fleming.
Burke and Hancock’s returns will bolster a secondary that showed much improvement last season. Ohio State allowed 145.9 passing yards per game, best in college football.
Burke was a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award in 2023, given to the most outstanding defensive back. He had nine passes defended, a forced fumble and an interception during his junior campaign.
Hancock was thrust into a starting role in 2023, manning the nickelback position at slot corner. He recorded a career-high 41 tackles, six passes defended, two forced fumbles and two sacks.
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Along the Buckeyes offensive line will remain Jackson, who started at left guard each of the past two years.
Jackson was heralded as a five-star recruit from Bellaire, Texas, as part of the class of 2021. He earned a starting role as a sophomore in 2022, and it has blossomed into a full-time role for Jackson.
