COLUMBUS, Ohio — The question of how different the Ohio State football team might have been if Nick Bosa had remained healthy during the 2018 season sparked an intense discussion among Buckeye Talk hosts Stephen Means, Stefan Krajisnik, and Andrew Gillis. This hypothetical revolves around Bosa’s injury-shortened year and its potential effects on the team’s defensive performance and overall success.
Debating Bosa’s Potential Dominance and Defensive Influence
During a segment where the hosts conducted a fantasy draft of former Buckeyes who could aid the 2026 squad, Krajisnik immediately highlighted Nick Bosa’s unrealized promise. He emphasized Bosa’s potential to challenge Ohio State’s sack records if he had completed the 2018 season uninjured.
I’ll address my pass rush concerns with Nick Bosa,
Krajisnik said.
A guy who, had he stayed healthy in 2018, was on pace to have 14-15 sacks — not far off the Chase Young record.
Comparing Bosa to Chase Young, who achieved 16.5 sacks in 2019, the hosts speculated that Bosa’s limit might have surpassed even that mark with more consistent playing time.
I think if you would have given Nick Bosa the same workload that Chase Young got in 2019 and 2018, I think Nick Bosa might have had 20 sacks that year,
Means stated.
Ohio State’s defense in 2018 was horrid… Would it still have been that bad of a defense if Nick Bosa has 18 sacks? Probably not.
This discussion suggests that one dominant player on defense could have altered the team’s dynamics significantly. Despite a generally struggling unit that year, Ohio State lost only once—to Purdue—with Bosa participating in just three games.
Assessing Championship Prospects With Bosa Healthy
The conversation naturally turned to broader speculation about what might have been if Bosa had remained on the field. His presence could have changed Ohio State’s trajectory and opened doors to greater postseason success.
In a world where as bad as that defense was, Purdue is still the only team that managed to beat it,
Means reflected.
… If you have Nick Bosa, I don’t think it’s crazy to think Ohio State is undefeated and they get to the national championship game.
Beyond statistics, the hosts emphasized the importance of a defining moment in shaping a player’s legacy within the program. Krajisnik pointed out how such moments frame careers, especially noting Young’s prominence thanks to memorable highlights.
You talk about Chase (Young) kind of having that moment. I mean, if Nick stays healthy and he has, you know, 17 sacks and makes it to New York, that’s a moment.
Significance of Bosa’s Career and Future Discussions
The hypothetical scenario surrounding Nick Bosa healthy 2018 season continues to captivate Ohio State fans and analysts alike. Considering how his sustained presence could have influenced defensive stats, team morale, and championship opportunities underscores the fragile nature of sports legacies.
As Buckeye Talk’s discussion demonstrates, envisioning alternative histories like this can deepen appreciation for both player potential and the unpredictable challenges teams face. Fans interested in the full analysis, including additional former Buckees choices for the 2026 roster, are encouraged to listen to the entire podcast episode.
