Raekwon McMillan

Ohio State middle linebacker Raekwon McMillan will slide in as a full-time starter as a sophomore next season.

(Marvin Fong, The Plain Dealer)

COLUMBUS -- Ohio State has some holes to fill, but frankly, they aren't as large as the ones with which the 2014 Buckeyes had to deal.

Going into last season, the Buckeyes had to replace two first-round NFL Draft picks at linebacker and cornerback (Ryan Shazier and Bradley Roby), their leading rusher and receiver (Carlos Hyde and Philly Brown) and four offensive linemen, three of whom wound up making starts in the NFL (Jack Mewhort, Corey Linsley, Andrew Norewell and Marcus Hall.)

That was a lot. And the Buckeyes got it done.

So while the 2014 OSU seniors led the way to a national title, there aren't any places where you'd look and say that the Buckeyes just can't replace that guy.

Raekwon McMillan, who earned signifcant playing time as a freshman, will slide right in for Curtis Grant at middle linebacker. And Nick Vannett, as a senior, will just as easily take all the tight end snaps with Jeff Heuerman gone. Darryl Baldwin leaves just one hole on the offensive line this time, and there are multiple options, both veterans and young guys.

While replacing Michael Bennett and Steve Miller on the defensive line, Doran Grant at corner and Evan Spencer and Devin Smith at receiver, the Buckeyes should have some interesting position battles.

But when the opener arrives with a roadtrip to Virginia Tech in primetime on Labor Day, Sept. 7, the Buckeyes should be ready.

Over the next week, we'll break down the entire depth chart, including interviews with Buckeyes who could be ready to step in as starters for those departed seniors. For now, here's a quick guess at the 2015 two-deep with some comments on the possibilities ahead.

There are 14 starters returning on offense and defense, as well as all the key players back on special teams. Returning starters are in bold, with players listed by the year of eligibility they will be next season.

OFFENSE

QB - J.T Barrett, So.; Cardale Jones, Jr.; Braxton Miller, Sr.

RB - Ezekiel Elliott, Jr.; Curtis Samuel, So.

TE - Nick Vannett, Sr.; Marcus Baugh, So.

LT - Taylor Decker, Sr; Brady Taylor, R-Fr.

LG - Billy Price, So; Evan Lisle, So.

C - Jacoby Boren, Sr.; Marcelys Jones, So.

RG - Pat Elflein, Jr.; Demetrius Knox, R-Fr.

RT - Chase Farris, Sr.; Jamarco Jones, R-Fr.

H-back - Jalin Marshall, So.; Dontre Wilson, Jr.

WR - Michael Thomas, Jr.; James Clark. So.

WR - Johnnie Dixon, So.; Corey Smith, Sr.

Notes: Farris and Jones could wage a nice veteran-newbie battle at right tackle. ... Replacing two senior receivers will be interesting. Both Dixon and Clark have dealt with injuries but have great potential. Terry McLaurin, Parris Campbell and Jeff Greene are also options, and watch to see if Marshall can become an outside receiver, meaning he and Wilson could play at the same time ... The quarterback depth chart goes far beyond listing three names, and we'll get into that this week.

DEFENSE

DE - Joey Bosa, Jr.; Tyquan Lewis, So.

DT - Adolphus Washington, Sr.; Donovan Munger, So.

DT - Michael Hill, So; Tommy Schutt, Sr.

DE - Jalyn Holmes, So.; Sam Hubbard, R-Fr.

MLB - Raekwon McMillan, So.; Camren Williams, Sr.

WLB - Joshua Perry, Sr.; Dante Booker, So.

SLB - Darron Lee, So.; Chris Worley, So.

CB - Eli Apple, So.; Marshon Lattimore, R-Fr.

CB - Damon Webb, So.; Gareon Conley, So.

S - Vonn Bell, Jr.; Cam Burrows, Jr.

S - Tyvis Powell, Jr.; Erick Smith, So.

Notes: Conley started a game this year when Apple was hurt, but he didn't show very well. A young guy like Webb or Lattimore could jump in there. ... Holmes and Hubbard are both exceptional athletes who may just need a chance. Breakout potential at the end spot. ... Schutt could very well start as a senior, but Hill is determined and Munger has a shot, too.

SPECIAL TEAMS

P - Cam Johnston, Jr.

K - Sean Nuernberger, So.

LS - Bryce Haynes, Sr.