Sep 26, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer celebrates with his team following the game against the Western Michigan Broncos at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 38-12. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Despite a record-setting career at Ohio State, J.T. Barrett’s legacy will be defined by his accomplishments next season.

Ohio State coach Urban Meyer was forced to play J.T. Barrett in 2014 after Braxton Miller re-injured his shoulder in fall camp. Thrust into the spotlight sooner than expected, Barrett grabbed the reins and delivered beyond expectations finishing the season with 2834 yards passing with 34 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Two seasons later, Barrett owns almost every significant passing record at Ohio State. By the end of September, there is a strong possibility that he will pass Art Schlichter’s 7547 career-passing yards. If Barrett wins 11 games, he will become the all-time wins leader too.

That’s an impressive resume. One that will endear him to Buckeyes’ fans forever.

What he does not have yet is the hardware. No Big Ten titles, no College Football Championships and no Heisman. That’s how he will cement his legacy.

Maybe I should put an asterisk next the hardware as he certainly led the team in 2014, but it was Cardale Jones’ arm and Ezekiel Elliott’s legs that won the championship.

As the team enters year four of Barrett’s career, the pressure is on him to finally bring home a Big Ten and National Championship. Anything less would be a major disappointment.

It is a little ridiculous, but the pressure is on Meyer too to deliver. Barrett’s his guy and both have come up empty two-straight seasons. For some programs that would be fine. Not at Ohio State.

It is strange that Meyer is entering his sixth season and has just one Big Ten title. Of course he has the 2014 National Championship which trumps everything else, but given the talent level, he should have more titles.

Last season was understandable given the inexperience. 2015 was inexcusable.

Will they both turn the corner this year?

They will. With Barrett, three head coaches on the sidelines and arguably the best defensive line and defensive line coach in college football, this team is built to make the run. it is hard to imagine the them underperforming this season.

Kevin Wilson will be the difference maker. He’ll maximize Barrett’s talent and get him close to Sam Bradford’s 2008 season when he won the Heisman Trophy after passing for 4720 yards and 50 touchdowns.

It also helps that the schedule is tough, but manageable. There are no back-to-back road night games against Top 10 teams and they get Penn State at home after a bye.

Barrett’s detractors grew louder after the loss to Clemson. There are plenty of fans that want to see him benched to let one of the young backups get a shot. That will not and should not happen.

Not that he needs it, but I suspect their criticism will fuel his competitiveness this fall. When he and Meyer lift that championship trophy in January, all they will hear are cheers anyway.