Ohio State has some key pieces it must replace if it has designs of competing for a fifth straight Big Ten Championship and third straight College Football Playoff appearance. As they say though, they don’t rebuild at a place like OSU, they reload with talent already chomping at the bit to get its turn.

Despite losing key members like quarterback Justin Fields, running back Trey Sermon, and offensive linemen Wyatt Davis and Josh Myers, there’s still a lot of talent returning, and Pro Football Focus graded all of those players at the end of last year.

Based on those grades, and how each performed on the field, we’re here to let you know who the top ten returning Ohio State football players are. Some you’ll know, others might be a bit of a surprise.

10 Running Back Master Teague III

Ohio State Football: An early look ahead at the 2021 schedule Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

PFF Grade: 73.0

What the Grade Means

Teague ran 104 times for 514 yards (4.9 avg) and eight touchdowns in 2020. He also caught five passes for 46 yards.

9 Offensive Tackle Max Wray

(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

PFF Grade: 75.1

What the Grade Means

Wray filled in with spot duty in 2020, but showed that he can get the job done if called upon. He’ll compete for more playing time this fall.

8 Offensive Guard Enokk Vimahi

PFF Grade: 75.1

What the Grade Means

Vimahi didn’t get a ton of time upfront last season but handled himself well when pushed into duty. He’ll be looking to break into the rotation on the offensive line this fall.

7 Offensive Tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere

Ohio State's Harry Miller, Nicholas Petit-Frere names O-line starters USA TODAY Sports

PFF Grade: 77.8

What the Grade Means

Petit-Frere won the starting job at right tackle and never looked back. He’s starting to show all that promise he had as a five-star prospect. He’ll be one of the key cogs in the trenches in 2021.

6 Wide Receiver Garrett Wilson

Watch: Ohio State quick strike for touchdown to pull within two scores Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

PFF Grade: 78.8

What the Grade Means

Wilson’s talent goes without saying. He’s got top-end speed, runs great routes, and adjusts to the ball well in the air. He’s going to be a problem for teams this coming season. He caught 43 passes for 723 yards (16.8 avg.) and six touchdowns last year.

5 Offensive Lineman Paris Johnson, Jr.

Ohio State lineman Paris Johnson has article published - Buckeyes Wire Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

PFF Grade: 79.7

What the Grade Means

Paris Johnson filled in as a young player this past fall and showed flashes of what he’s expected to become as a dominant run blocker and high-end pass protector. He’ll be vying for a starting spot on the line this fall.

4 Wide Receiver Chris Olave

Watch: Chris Olave haul in a bomb from Justin Fields in the Sugar Bowl USA TODAY Sports

PFF Grade: 83.3

What the Grade Means

Olave’s abilities are evident. He’s the biggest explosive play threat Ohio State has, but also runs smooth routes and is a consummate leader. The Buckeyes are happy to have him back for one more year. In 2020, Olave caught 50 passes for 729 yards (14.6 avg.) and seven touchdowns.

3 Quarterback C.J. Stroud

USA TODAY Sports

PFF Grade: 83.7

What the Grade Means

Obviously, Stroud’s grade is the result of a very small sample size and we have to see more with more time on the field. Still, there’s reason to believe he’s the front-runner to take over for Justin Fields, and he could be the next fun one to watch under center in Columbus.

2 Running Back Miyan Williams

Ohio State running back Miyan Williams didn't make trip to Miami (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

PFF Grade: 91.6

What the Grade Means

Williams is another one that we’ll have to see more from, but when he got opportunities he looked much more explosive than the afterthought a lot of people assumed he was as the last commitment to the 2020 class. He might surprise next season after rushing ten times for 64 yards (6.4 avg.) last year.

1 Left Tackle Thayer Munford

Ohio State offensive lineman Thayer Munford to return for 2021 season Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

PFF Grade: 91.8

What the Grade Means

Ohio State got a huge boost when Munford decided to take advantage of the extra year of eligibility because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He’s literally the most experienced offensive lineman in the Big Ten and is going to be playing on Sundays. He’ll be a luxury to have when it comes to anchoring the offensive line this fall.