Wisconsin outside linebacker Zack Baun stood against a wall inside the lower level of the McClain Center and answered questions from reporters about the difficult challenge the Badgers would face against Ohio State. The first query focused on the problems presented by quarterback Justin Fields because of his playmaking ability and physicality. The next question referenced how opponents also had to deal with J.K. Dobbins, an All-America-caliber running back in the Buckeyes’ backfield.
“They’re all like 4 and 5 stars, right?” Baun said, referencing their high school recruiting rankings. “So they’re athletic dudes. They’re athletic, and their whole team is like that.”
Fields, a former 5-star high school prospect who transferred to Ohio State from Georgia, has thrown for 22 touchdowns with one interception and is a Heisman Trophy candidate. Dobbins, a 4-star high school player, ranks fourth in the FBS in rushing yards per game at 135.4. They represent just a small fraction of the elite-level talent bubbling over on Ohio State’s roster.
During the five recruiting classes from 2015-19, Ohio State signed 13 5-star players (which excludes Fields) and 74 4-star prospects, according to the 247Sports Composite. In that same stretch, Wisconsin signed one 5-star player and nine 4-star prospects. Ohio State’s average national ranking in those five classes was 5.8; Wisconsin’s average ranking was 37.6. Ohio State’s average composite score was .9308; Wisconsin’s was .8612.