In a highly anticipated matchup, the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up to kick off their 2024 season by facing off against in-state rival Akron. This will be the first meeting between the two teams since 2021, with the Buckeyes holding a perfect 4-0 series advantage since 2001.

The Buckeyes have set their sights on a Big Ten Championship Game appearance and are considered one of the early favorites to secure a spot in the prestigious College Football Playoff National Championship. A transformative offseason marked by vital changes has reinvigorated their aspirations. After three consecutive losses to their top rival, Michigan, which prevented them from contending for the Big Ten title, head coach Ryan Day has made significant moves to bolster the team.

Day left no stone unturned, orchestrating the No. 9 transfer class according to 247Sports Team Transfer rankings. Additionally, he brought in esteemed offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who departed from his role as head coach at UCLA to join Day's coaching staff. With these vital additions, the Buckeyes are eager to make a resounding statement against the Akron Zips.

The Zips, on the other hand, have endured a tough streak, posting a 7-47 record since 2019. Under the guidance of coach Joe Moorhead, Akron has struggled to find consistency, with a 4-20 record over the past two seasons. Their last winning season dates back to 2015, making them the clear underdogs in this confrontational matchup against the dominant Ohio State.

Fans can witness this thrilling encounter at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The Buckeyes are well-prepared with a quality over quantity approach in their 2024 transfer class, which ranks among the best in the nation. The team will welcome seven transfers making their debut, including star safety Caleb Downs, standout running back Quinshon Judkins, and former Kansas State starting quarterback Will Howard. However, all eyes will be on the highly touted freshman wide receiver, Jeremiah Smith, who is set to make an immediate impact.

One of the most significant changes for the Buckeyes lies within their offense, as coach Chip Kelly brings a wealth of experience as both an NFL and college head coach. Known for his expertise on the offensive side of the ball, Kelly's arrival promises to shape a new identity for Ohio State's offense, placing emphasis on physicality and a strong inside-run scheme. With the towering presence of quarterback Will Howard, standing at 6 feet 5 inches, and the tenacity of running back Quinshon Judkins, adept at navigating between tackles, the Buckeyes' offense is poised to deliver exciting and innovative strategies on the field.

The dominance of the Buckeyes against in-state competitors is unmatched. Their last defeat against an Ohio team dates all the way back to 1921, when they narrowly lost 7-6 to Oberlin, a team they had previously outscored 211-0. Since then, Ohio State has compiled an incredible 52-game winning streak against in-state opponents. Furthermore, they haven't come close to losing to an Ohio team by a single score since their 2011 nail-biter victory of 27-22 against Toledo.

As the stage is set for a thrilling clash, the Ohio State Buckeyes are eager to prove their mettle and commence their season with a commanding performance against Akron. The fans can expect a display of talent, determination, and a team hungry for victory. Only time will tell if the Buckeyes can make a successful bid for the much-coveted Big Ten Championship and a subsequent appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship.