If you need more proof college football season is nigh, go to your local magazine rack and see how many season preview issues you can spot. Hitting newsstands this week is the annual Sports Illustrated college football preview. One of four regional covers features Ohio State Heisman hopeful quarterback J.T. Barrett and comes adorned with a proclamation of the Buckeyes returning to the playoffs as a No. 3 seed. Other issues feature USC quarterback Sam Darnold, Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph, and Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts. Here is the player to know entering the season, according to Sports Illustrated’s experts: The Buckeyes are replacing three starting defensive backs for the second straight season. Expect junior cornerback Denzel Ward to take full advantage of his newfound playing time and set the tone for the secondary. Ward thrived in a rotational role last fall, when he flashed the closing speed and impeccable timing to make up for a…
Continue Reading: Ohio State Quarterback J.T. Barrett on a Regional Sports Illustrated College Football Preview Cover
