2016 will end where it began, in Glendale, Arizona, with Ohio State looking to capture another win in the Fiesta Bowl.
But let's not forget how we got here.
The Buckeyes sent 12 players to the National Football League in April, replaced 16 starters and then played arguably the toughest schedule in the country. And Eleven Warriors was there throughout, bringing you closer to it all with photography.
What's especially cool is how each photo tells a story — I may look at a picture and respond one way, while you may look at it in an entirely different manner. But as the person behind the lens for nearly every photo listed below, sometimes you just know when you have something special on your hands.
First, let's take a look at the images that just missed the Top 11:
- Noah Brown makes a spectacular catch against Bowling Green, giving fans a taste of things to come
- Branden Bowen celebrates with fans on the field after Ohio State's double-overtime win over Michigan
- Curtis Samuel turns on the jets for a 79-yard touchdown reception in the season opener against Bowling Green
- Urban Meyer whips his phone out of his pocket and pretends to make a phone call when he's informed Alabama used former players on its scout team
- Raekwon McMillan, donning Ohio State's 1916 throwback uniform, points toward the sky as the Buckeyes come out of the tunnel
- Ezekiel Elliott shows off his midriff on the NFL Draft red carpet. The Buckeyes set a record with 10 picks in the first three rounds
- A tearful Pat Elflein walks onto the field at Ohio Stadium one last time on Senior Day
- Marshon Lattimore awaits ruling from the official after making a diving interception at Oklahoma. The call was overturned, but the Buckeyes won 45-24.
- Micah Potter skies for the dunk during Ohio State's annual Buckeyes on the Blacktop event outside the RPAC
And without further ado, our choices for Eleven Warriors' top photos of 2016:
11. MEAN-MUGGING
Quarterback J.T. Barrett is asked a question at least once per week about the Buckeyes' supposed inability to throw the ball downfield, and this face is his response every time. Even though the Buckeyes made it to the College Football Playoff, the question was asked again at Fiesta Bowl media availability.
10. GOT BREAD?
Future Heisman Trophy-winning running back Demario McCall has quickly become a legend in Columbus thanks to his off-field antics. His legend only grew when he posed with bread as the rest of the team packed food boxes and made meals-on-wheels for those in need during Thanksgiving.
9. THE TASK AT HAND
Ohio State could have easily overlooked Northwestern earlier this year, but Urban Meyer had his team focused coming out of the tunnel. Having taken this photo for every game, I noticed this was the only one where the player's expressions matched their coach's.
8. WINTER WONDERLAND
I've always believed weather adds an extra special element to every photo, and the snow seemingly frozen in time around linebacker Raekwon McMillan speaks to that. You certainly didn't need to be in East Lansing to know it was cold during Ohio State's 17-16 win over Michigan State.
7. HURRICANE JALYN
It was 88 degrees and sunny at kickoff of Ohio State's game against Tulsa, but a massive thunderstorm rolled in just before halftime. The visiting fans pulled out their royal blue ponchos, which — coupled with the large drops of rain — give this photo amazing contrast.
6. GAME OF INCHES
Though it's not the controversial fourth-down play in the second overtime period, this photo serves as a reminder of how close this year's edition of The Game truly was. Ohio State and Michigan fought for every inch, but the Buckeyes got just enough to win their fifth-straight rivalry game.
5. LOOK OF RELIEF
Michigan State was looking to knock Ohio State from national title contention for the third time in four years when they met in late November, but Gareon Conley's fourth quarter interception allowed the Buckeyes to remain in the hunt. The look on his face while signing Carmen Ohio after the game says it all.
4. NO PRESSURE
Your stomach probably turns to knots when you think about Tyler Durbin lining up for the game-tying field goal with just seconds remaining against Michigan. He already missed two chip shots earlier in the game, so you can only imagine what he was thinking in this moment.
3. A LITTLE LIKE HEAVEN
Head coach Urban Meyer walked onto the field at Camp Randall Stadium and pulled out a pair of headphones. I instantly began to wonder what song he was listening to. My guess is Sister Hazel, but it's that thought which makes this photo so intriguing.
2. WELCOME TO THE LIGHT SHOW
I quickly snapped this photo of J.T. Barrett as I tried to get out of the way of the team running onto the field prior to the night game against Nebraska. The smoke in the background, the glow of lasers and fireworks and throwback uniforms make this an unforgettable shot.
1. ON HIS BACK
Really, what other photo did you expect? Wide receiver Noah Brown scored four times in Ohio State's win at Oklahoma, but his spectacular touchdown catch behind the defender's back topped them all. That, mixed with the faces of excitement and anguish in the background, make this Eleven Warriors' top photo for 2016.
