College football is no longer a game where defenses rule the day. As things ebb and flow with the times, it’s now the offensive side of the ball that more or less moves the needle and separates teams.

1. Top College Football Slot Receivers Predictions
2. Top College Football Slot Receivers 2019
3. Top College Football Programs

Top College Football Slot Receivers Predictions

It’s no different at Ohio State. A program that used to be built on a running game and defense now has one of the best offensive cultures out there. The Buckeyes have almost had a lock on the Big Ten quarterback position, has skill players to burn and can put up points with the best of them. Having Ryan Day as a head coach doesn’t hurt.

So then, it should be no surprise that OSU has attracted some of the best wide receivers as of late. With some of the most dynamic playmakers under center in recent years, coming to the banks of the Olentangy has become awfully appealing for guys that can get open and make plays in space. Add that to one of the young, rising assistant coaches directing the wide-receiver room in Brian Hartline, and Ohio State might be on its way to being known as wide receiver U.

College football is no longer a game where defenses rule the day. As things ebb and flow with the times, it’s now the offensive side of the ball that more or less moves the needle and separates teams. It’s no different at Ohio State. A program that used to be built on a running game and defense now has one of the best offensive cultures out.

1. Top 5 wide receivers in college football for 2019. College Football Playoff National Championship Presented By AT&T - Alabama v Clemson. Line up in the slot or even as the number three receiver.
2. For most of college football's history, receivers were considered split ends who just blocked and caught a few passes all season. Around the 1980s, the job description changed as more offenses.

That brings us to the depth chart at the position for this fall. The receiver position is one stocked with youth and unbelievable skill, but where will the pieces fit with so many options out there?

Below is our look at the depth chart of the wide receivers at Ohio State in 2020.

More WR depth charts from the College Wires:

Auburn / Bama / Florida / LSU / Tenn. / UGA // Mich. / Mich St. / Wisc. // Okla. / Texas // ND // USC

Wide Receiver (X) starter - Garrett Wilson

Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

6 feet, 193 pounds

39 receptions for 432 yards (14.4 avg.) and 5 TDs

Wilson had a breakout end of the season last year. He came in with a ton of hype and showed speed, game-breaking ability and an uncanny knack for high-pointing the ball in traffic. He’ll take over one of the starting spots on the outside without question, and could push for being the top target for Fields. He’s a highlight-reel waiting to happen.

Wide Receiver (Y) starter - Chris Olave

Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

6 feet, 1 inch, 188 pounds

49 receptions for 849 yards (17.3 avg.) and 12 TDs
2 rushes for 5 yards (2.5 avg.)

Olave led the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in 2019 and figures to pick up where he left off. He’s a smooth route runner, can run past the opposition with his breakout speed, and has unbelievable hands. He has Fields’ ultimate trust and figures to attract the opposition’s top corner every week. He’ll most likely be playing football on Sundays in 2021.

Wide Receiver (Slot) starter - Demario McCall

(Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

5 feet, 9 inches, 195 pounds

4 receptions for 28 yards (7.0 avg.)
18 rushes for 122 yards (6.8 avg.), 2 TDs

Now a senior, McCall has been like a toy that nobody has figured out how to use. He has special skills that can wiggle free when given the chance, but he’s been unable to elbow his way up the depth chart. We’re banking on this being the year, especially with Jaelen Gill transferring and leaving a hole at the slot position. Look for the coaching staff to use McCall more like Curtis Samuel with spread run and pass options as opposed to shots down the field.

Wide Receiver (X) backup - Julian Fleming

Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

6 feet, 2 inches, 200 pounds

N/A – Freshman

One of the jewels of the 2020 class as the country’s top receiving prospect, Fleming has too much talent to keep off the field. He’s unlikely to become a starter in Year 1, but he should be able to work his way into the lineup in the two-deep. He’s tall, strong and has underrated speed to gain separation. He could be the next great wide receiver in Columbus, but there is other competition as well.

Wide Receiver (Y) backup - Jaxon Smith-Njigba

6 feet, 196 pounds

N/A – Freshman

Fleming might have gotten all the hype from the 2020 class, but Njigba is a physical and talented receiver that was also a five-star recruit and top-30 overall prospect. He is technically sound and has an ability to separate and make plays on the ball in flight. He has the potential to develop into a star sooner rather than later and could figure in next season as well.

Wide Receiver (Slot) backup - Jameson Williams

Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

6 feet, 2 inches, 188 pounds

6 receptions for 112 yards (18.7 avg.), 1 TD

Williams might be the fastest player on the team. He’s still a little raw, but he could develop into a Ted Ginn type when he figures it all out. He has the ability to lineup on the outside, too, but we like his speed and playmaking from the slot position.

Wide Receiver (X) No. 3 - Gee Scott, Jr.

Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

6 feet, 3 inches, 210 pounds

Top College Football Slot Receivers 2019

N/A – Freshman

Scott is another talented freshman that comes to Columbus ready to play right out the package. He has strength and a physical presence beyond his years, with a relentless work ethic. For now, we’ll slot him as a reserve, but he could surprise with his ability and break into the two-deep rotation.

Wide Receiver (Y) No. 3 - Kamryn Babb

6 feet, 197 pounds

N/A

Top College Football Programs

Babb is a relative unknown to Ohio State fans largely because of injury, but also because he has been buried on the depth chart. Out of St. Louis, Missouri, Babb came to the Buckeyes as a top-100 recruit and could be a dark horse to get playing time. He may not break into the top of the rotation, but if he can stay healthy, there’s a chance he flashes to be a weapon.

Wide Receiver (Slot) No. 3 - Mookie Cooper

Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

5 feet, 10 inches, 195 pounds

N/A – Freshman

Did we mention this freshman receiver class is special? Cooper is another kid that could find some playing time very early in his career. If there’s a guy made for the slot position, it’s him. He’s got some wiggle to his game and can create mismatches on the outside with screens and quick hitches. He may not be penciled in as the guy there just yet, but might be the future of the position.