We're counting down the days to kickoff with “99 Warriors,” the greatest Ohio State Buckeyes by jersey number, as voted by the staff of Eleven Warriors.
No. 16 J.T. Barrett
What is there to say, really. This is probably the easiest choice of our entire countdown.
QB J.T. Barrett
2013-17
b. Jan. 23, 1995 (Wichita Falls, TX)
- Three-time captain
- First-Team All Big Ten (2014, 16, 17)
- Big Ten Champion (2017)
Barrett came in as a four-star quarterback, and quickly lived up to the hype. In his redshirt freshman season, Barrett threw for 2,834 yards and rushed for 938 more, leading the Buckeyes to an 11-1 record, before getting injured in the second half of the win over Michigan. Of course, we all know how that season ended.
After splitting time with Cardale Jones during the 2015 campaign, Barrett regained the job full-time beginning the 2016 season. Barrett threw for 2,555 yards en route to his first and only College Football Playoff Appearance.
Last season, Ohio State was led by Barrett in his swan song, as a redshirt senior. Barrett once again put up gaudy numbers, as he threw for a career-high 3,053 yards and rushed for 798 more. The Buckeyes just missed on a College Football Playoff appearance, but trounced USC in the Cotton Bowl. Naturally, in his last ever appearance as a Buckeye, Barrett rushed for two touchdowns.
Barrett is the owner of over 25 Ohio State records, including the most total yards in a single season (3,851), most touchdowns in a season (47) and most career passing yards (9,434). He is also the Big Ten all-time leader in career offensive yards with 12,697. Most importantly, perhaps, is Barrett's mark against the rivals. With Barrett at the helm, Ohio State went 4-0 against Michigan.
Off the field, however, Barrett's presence in the program was just as valuable. He is the first player in Ohio State history to be a three-time captain.
After going undrafted, Barrett signed a three-year non-guaranteed rookie contract with the New Orleans Saints.
