Ohio State has announced that six captains will lead the team in 2022, with wide receiver Kamryn Babb, linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, defensive end Tyler Friday, tight end Cade Stover, quarterback C.J. Stroud and safety Kourt Williams II voted as captains for the Buckeyes.
Babb is the only returning captain for Ohio State, and is now a two-time captain after being named one last season. Eichenberg, Friday, Stover, Stroud and Williams are all first-time captains for the Buckeyes.
Defensive end Zach Harrison and linebacker Teradja Mitchell were named captains last season but not for this upcoming season, while Haskell Garrett, Thayer Munford and Chris Olave were named captains in their final seasons at Ohio State.
Babb is entering his fifth season with the program and was named Ohio State’s Block “O” jersey recipient earlier on Saturday. He will look to made an impact on offense after recovering from several season-ending injuries in his time with the Buckeyes.
Eichenberg is set to start at linebacker this season after a strong finish to his 2021 campaign, including a 17-tackle performance in Ohio State’s Rose Bowl win.
Friday is entering his fifth season with Ohio State and returns to the field after missing last season due to a torn ACL. He has appeared in 26 games for the Buckeyes, accounting for 18 tackles (four for loss) and three sacks.
After changing between several positions over the last few years, Stover appears finally settled at tight end entering his fourth season with the Buckeyes. In total, he has appeared in 21 games, with 15 at tight end and six on defense (four at defensive end, two at linebacker).
Stroud will look to build off his outstanding redshirt freshman campaign and help return Ohio State to the Big Ten Championship and the College Football Playoff. With one of the country’s top receiving corps and a star running back in TreVeyon Henderson, as well as a reworked offensive line for the Buckeyes, the sky is the limit for Stroud entering his sophomore season.
The final captain, Williams, is entering his third season at Ohio State. He played in 11 games last season and earned the first start of his career in the Rose Bowl against Utah, finishing with six tackles and one sack. Though not projected as one of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ three starters at safety, Williams is expected to be a major contributor as part of the rotation in the secondary.
In total, Ohio State’s six captains bring 98 games worth of experience as the Buckeyes look for more leadership this season.
