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. 

READ: No. 1 Michigan ‘couldn’t be in a better spot’ after winning College Football Playoff National Championship

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. 

READ: Former Ole Miss RB Quinshon Judkins commits to Ohio State

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. 

The post Denzel Burke, Donovan Jackson among returners to Ohio State in 2024  appeared first on Saturday Glory.