Ohio State Football: Biggest Storylines so Far This Offseason

At this time last year, Ohio State was in the midst of a busy offseason that included the surprising return of quarterback Cardale Jones and a trip to the White House to meet President Obama.

The 2016 offseason has been the polar opposite, though, as the Buckeyes are set to send an unprecedented number of underclassmen to the NFL, and instead of a trip to Washington D.C., Urban Meyer's team has been quietly going through winter workouts and the start of spring practice.

That, at a glance, signifies the difference between the the 2015 and 2016 Ohio State teams.

With superstars at almost every level, last year's Buckeyes were the runaway favorites to repeat as national champions. This year's team, however, is looking for 16 new starters and to build around quarterback J.T. Barrett.

Despite the relative quietness, here are the biggest storylines from Ohio State's 2016 offseason.

9 Underclassmen Burn Remaining Eligibility for NFL

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Most figured that guys such as Ezekiel Elliott, Joey Bosa, Cardale Jones, Vonn Bell and Michael Thomas were playing their last football with the Buckeyes in 2015, but no one anticipated an incredible nine underclassmen declaring for the NFL draft.

Linebacker Darron Lee and cornerback Eli Apple were fringe players who, after showing out at the NFL Scouting Combine, proved they were worthy of making the early jump.

But Austin Ward of ESPN.com wrote that the defections of so many, such as wide receiver Jalin Marshall and safety Tyvis Powell, surprised Meyer and the Buckeyes coaching staff.

Those nine will join a talented group of seniors, highlighted by wide receiver Braxton Miller and offensive tackle Taylor Decker, in a Buckeyes draft class that could make history this May.

Urban Meyer Signs Nation's No. 4-Ranked Recruiting Class

Jay LaPrete/Associated Press

That mass exodus of talent to the NFL created a huge void in Ohio State's roster, but Meyer made a big push to replace that talent by signing one of the nation's best recruiting classes in February.

Headlined by 5-star defensive end Nick Bosa—the younger brother of Joey Bosa—Ohio State's 25-member class ranked fourth nationally behind Alabama, Florida State and LSU. The Buckeyes addressed a number of huge needs at offensive line and cornerback, but the biggest boost came at the wide receiver position.

Ohio State lost all three of its starting perimeter playmakers with the graduation of Miller and the early departures of Thomas and Marshall.

However, Meyer went out and got pledges from Austin Mack (No. 10 wide receiver for the Class of 2016) and Binjimen Victor (No. 12) in addition to Demario McCall, the No. 2 all-purpose back who can make an instant impact at H-back.

Despite a late surge from Michigan, which signed the country's No. 1 overall player in Rashan Gary, Jim Harbaugh's class came up short by finishing fifth nationally.

With Michigan coming up just short, Ohio State secured the Big Ten's top recruiting class for the fifth year in a row.

Ohio State's Dominant NFL Combine and Pro Day

The Buckeyes were the headlining school at the NFL combine, sending a college-best 14 former players to Indianapolis for the high-profile event.

Elliott kicked things off by running a blazing 4.47-second 40-yard dash, tying for the fifth-fastest time among running backs. He was one of seven Buckeyes who graded out as a first-round prospect after a dominant combine showing, according to Matt Miller of Bleacher Report.

Joey Bosa secured his top-10 status, Darron Lee surged with his outing, and Eli Apple and Taylor Decker cemented their status as first-round picks.

A few weeks later, Ohio State's pro day drew interest from every team in the league.

Hampered by a hamstring injury that prevented him from participating at the combine, Jones was able to showcase his arm strength with an extended throwing session in front of NFL scouts. The afternoon went very well for Jones.

"That's an elite arm," one NFC scout said, according to Austin Ward of ESPN.com. "Incredible arm strength."

All recruiting rankings and information courtesy of 247Sports.

David Regimbal is the lead Ohio State football writer for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @davidreg412.