Mathews has worn No. 24 for two years mainly because the No. 7 wasn’t available. Jordan Hancock — who ironically also had to switch that number in Year 3 — wore it as OSU’s starting nickel in his final two seasons.

College Football Playoff changes are coming, but Ohio State coach Ryan Day offered an alteration this week that goes beyond the games and enhances the experience for the players. Day and the Buckeyes waltzed through the first year of the expanded playoff with multiple convincing wins as an at-large selection,