Ohio State football’s dominance in the 2023 College Football Playoff has been nothing short of spectacular. The Buckeyes have arrived in the most emphatic way possible, knocking out top-tier competition with seemingly little resistance. Their recent blowout of the No. 1 Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl was a perfect example of Ohio State’s current juggernaut status. The Buckeyes, closing as a slight favorite, jumped out to a staggering 31-0 lead in the first quarter and a half, ultimately cruising to a 41-21 victory that sent shockwaves across the college football landscape.
This wasn’t a game where Ohio State just survived or narrowly edged out a win. They obliterated Oregon, showcasing not only their offensive firepower but also their defensive prowess. Quarterback Will Howard, who has emerged as a star under center, orchestrated the offense with surgical precision, while wide receiver Jeremiah Smith turned in a performance that made a strong case for him being one of the best in the nation. The defense, often overlooked behind the offensive fireworks, stood tall, smothering Oregon’s high-powered offense at every turn. For Ohio State, the Rose Bowl was a statement: they were a team to be reckoned with on the national stage.
And it wasn’t just Oregon. The Buckeyes had already put the rest of the College Football Playoff on notice by crushing another top-ten opponent in Tennessee during the first round. If there were any lingering doubts about Ohio State’s credentials or their ability to handle the pressure of the Playoff, they were quickly erased. Against both Oregon and Tennessee, the Buckeyes had proved that they were more than just talented; they were a well-rounded, unstoppable force capable of steamrolling anyone in their path.
In the aftermath of these stunning victories, former Ohio State head coach and current analyst Urban Meyer gave his take on the 2023 Buckeyes, and his assessment was as blunt as it was confident. Speaking to Cole Sullivan of Athlon Sports, Meyer didn’t mince words when predicting the outcome of Ohio State’s upcoming College Football Playoff game against the Texas Longhorns.
“Yeah, if Team-A shows up, this will be a wrap. Ohio State will lift the gold trophy,” Meyer said. “If the best roster in the country plays like the best roster in the country, they’ll be national champs in a few weeks, and we’re witnessing it. Every skill player on Ohio State, I think, will be playing substantially in the National Football League. That’s how good they are.”
Meyer’s words were loaded with confidence, and rightfully so. Ohio State has been nothing short of spectacular this season. From top to bottom, this roster is filled with future NFL stars, and Meyer sees it as the most talented team in college football. The Buckeyes’ roster is packed with elite players at every position, from the quarterback to the wide receivers to the defensive line, and Meyer doesn’t hesitate to draw the comparison to an NFL roster, where this talent will soon be on display every Sunday.
The most noticeable difference for Ohio State in 2023, however, has been the development of quarterback Will Howard. The former highly-touted recruit had flashes of brilliance in previous seasons, but he’s now playing at a level that has propelled Ohio State’s offense to new heights. Howard’s ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver pinpoint throws has been a key factor in Ohio State’s offensive juggernaut. He has elite weapons at his disposal, most notably wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka, two players who have the talent to be early-round NFL draft picks.
Smith, in particular, has been a revelation. In the Rose Bowl against Oregon, he was virtually unstoppable, hauling in catches for big gains and making a number of plays that left defenders in his dust. Smith’s blend of speed, size, and athleticism makes him one of the most difficult matchups in the country, and he’s proven that he can take over a game at any moment. Egbuka, who has been Howard’s top target for most of the season, is equally dangerous and can stretch the field in ways few can. Together, they form a wide receiver duo that’s arguably the best in the nation.
But it’s not just the offensive side of the ball where Ohio State has been excelling. The defense, which has sometimes been the weak link for the Buckeyes in seasons past, has stepped up in a major way in 2023. Against Oregon and Tennessee, the defense did more than hold its ground; it imposed its will. The defensive line, led by standout pass rushers, consistently pressured opposing quarterbacks and disrupted offensive rhythm. The secondary, often criticized in previous years, was sound in coverage and made key stops in critical moments. This defense has shown it can complement the explosive offense, giving Ohio State a complete team capable of competing with the best in the country.
As Urban Meyer points out, the key for Ohio State will be consistency. If the Buckeyes continue to play at the high level they’ve displayed in the first two games of the Playoff, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t lift the national championship trophy. The question now is whether they can keep this level of play up against a team like Texas, which has its own impressive roster and a powerful offense led by quarterback Quinn Ewers. The Longhorns are no slouch, and they’ll present a tough challenge for Ohio State. But Meyer’s confidence in the Buckeyes speaks volumes, and it’s hard to argue with him given the team’s sheer talent and recent performance.
There’s little doubt that Ohio State has one of the best, if not the best, rosters in college football. The combination of offensive explosiveness, defensive strength, and coaching prowess has put the Buckeyes in prime position to win the national title. With players like Smith and Egbuka playing at an elite level, and Will Howard executing the offense with precision, Ohio State is as formidable as any team in the country.
As Ohio State prepares to take on Texas in the upcoming Playoff game, they do so as one of the most complete and dangerous teams in college football. The Buckeyes have already sent a message with their dominant performances against Oregon and Tennessee. Now, it’s time to prove they can keep that momentum rolling and finish the job. If they do, there’s no question that Urban Meyer’s prediction will come true: Ohio State will be lifting the gold trophy in a few weeks, cementing their place as the best team in college football for 2023.
