Lathan Ransom Accepts Invitation to 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl: A Milestone in a Storied Career
Ohio State safety Lathan Ransom has officially accepted an invitation to participate in the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl, set to take place on Saturday, February 1, at 2:30 p.m. ET. The announcement, made late Monday night, adds another significant milestone to Ransom’s career and highlights his contributions to Ohio State’s defense, which has propelled the team into the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
Ransom, a fifth-year senior, has been a key figure for the Buckeyes’ defense since his arrival on campus in 2020. Alongside fellow safety Caleb Downs, Ransom has formed one of the most formidable safety tandems in all of college football. Together, they have helped solidify Ohio State’s defense, which has been crucial in their success this season.
With 61 tackles and an interception to his name in the 2024 season, Ransom’s production on the field speaks volumes about his versatility and ability to contribute in all aspects of the game. His leadership and consistent play have not only helped elevate the Buckeyes’ defense but have also made him one of the most respected players in the secondary. As a result, his invitation to the Senior Bowl comes as no surprise, marking an important recognition for the veteran safety as he looks ahead to his professional career.
A Memorable Return to the Rose Bowl
The 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl invitation is just one of many significant events in Ransom’s career, and he will have another opportunity for personal redemption in the very near future. On January 1, Ransom will return to the Rose Bowl, where he suffered a devastating leg injury during Ohio State’s thrilling 48-45 win over Utah in the 2022 Rose Bowl. That injury cut short what had been a promising performance, but it also became a turning point in his career. Since then, Ransom has worked tirelessly to return to his peak form, and now, two years later, he will take the field again in Pasadena with his eyes firmly set on a national championship.
The upcoming Rose Bowl against Oregon will undoubtedly be an emotional day for Ransom, as he makes his return to the site of such a personal setback. However, this time, the stakes are even higher. Instead of playing for a New Year’s Day bowl victory, Ransom and his Ohio State teammates will take the field with national title aspirations, aiming to prove that their redemption is complete.
After two years of hard work and overcoming adversity, Ransom’s resilience will be on full display as he competes in one of college football’s most prestigious games. The Rose Bowl, which holds a unique place in the hearts of Buckeyes fans, will provide the perfect backdrop for this symbolic return. Ransom’s leadership and experience will be critical for the Buckeyes as they look to advance to the national championship game and continue their pursuit of college football’s ultimate prize.
Ohio State Continues to Dominate in TV Ratings
While Ransom’s personal journey is an inspiring narrative, Ohio State’s success has also had a significant impact beyond the field, particularly in terms of TV ratings. In unsurprising news, Ohio State once again dominated the ratings during their College Football Playoff opener against Tennessee. The Buckeyes’ primetime matchup against the Volunteers on ESPN attracted a massive audience of 14.3 million viewers, making it the most-watched game of the weekend and the second-most watched game of the 2024 season to date.
This impressive viewership is a testament to Ohio State’s national appeal, drawing fans from across the country eager to watch one of the top teams in college football. The Buckeyes’ thrilling performance in the game, which saw them dominate Tennessee 42-17, certainly helped boost interest, as Ohio State’s offense and defense came together for a complete and compelling display. The game was also the most-watched contest of the College Football Playoff first round, cementing Ohio State’s place as one of the sport’s most storied programs.
In comparison, other key games around the country did not fare as well in the ratings. Notre Dame’s matchup against Indiana garnered 13.4 million viewers, with a peak of 14.8 million, while Texas-Clemson drew 8.6 million viewers and Penn State-SMU brought in 6.4 million. These numbers reinforce Ohio State’s dominance in TV ratings, which is no surprise given the Buckeyes’ massive fan base and the excitement surrounding their playoff run.
Key Dates for Ohio State Fans
As Ohio State fans gear up for the Rose Bowl and the continuation of their College Football Playoff journey, several key dates are fast approaching. The winter transfer portal window will close on December 28, which may have significant implications for Ohio State’s roster heading into the 2025 season. The transfer portal is often a time when players look to move to other programs or when programs look to strengthen their squads, so it will be interesting to see what moves the Buckeyes make in the coming days.
Following that, the Buckeyes will face off against Oregon in the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2025, with a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals on the line. The Rose Bowl has historically been one of the most prestigious bowl games, and with both teams hungry for national championship glory, this promises to be a thrilling showdown. The game will also mark the first meeting between Ohio State and Oregon since the two teams faced off in the 2021 season, a game in which Oregon shocked Ohio State with a 35-28 victory.
Beyond the Rose Bowl, the National Championship Game will take place on January 20, 2025, with the winner of the Rose Bowl and the other playoff games set to square off for the ultimate prize in college football. For Ohio State, this is the culmination of a season filled with ups and downs, but with their defense led by stars like Lathan Ransom and Caleb Downs, the Buckeyes are positioned to make a deep run into the postseason.
Looking even further ahead, Ohio State fans will already be thinking about the 2025 season. The Buckeyes’ season opener against Texas on August 30, 2025, is just 249 days away, and The Game against Michigan on November 29, 2025, is a mere 340 days from now. As always, expectations will be high for Ohio State as they look to continue their dominance in the Big Ten and on the national stage.
The Road Ahead for Lathan Ransom
For Lathan Ransom, the road ahead is filled with opportunities, both on and off the field. His invitation to the Reese’s Senior Bowl is a well-deserved recognition of his hard work, talent, and leadership. While the Senior Bowl will be an excellent opportunity for him to showcase his skills in front of NFL scouts, Ransom’s immediate focus will be on helping Ohio State achieve its championship dreams.
The Buckeyes’ defense, with Ransom anchoring the secondary, will be key to their success in the coming weeks. If Ransom can maintain his form and leadership, Ohio State will have a legitimate shot at winning the national championship. Whether in the Rose Bowl or on the biggest stage in college football, Lathan Ransom has proven time and again that he is ready for whatever challenge comes his way. The 2024 season, and beyond, promises to be a memorable chapter in his already impressive career.
