Ohio State: The Current College Football Playoff Favorite – Deal with It
As the 2024-2025 college football season inches toward its conclusion, one thing has become abundantly clear: Ohio State University (OSU) is not just a contender for the College Football Playoff (CFP)—they are the team to beat. Their dominant performances, seasoned coaching staff, and deep roster full of elite athletes have established them as the current favorite to secure a spot in the inaugural College Football Playoff expansion, and possibly to claim their first national championship since 2014. In this piece, we explore what makes Ohio State the current favorite, how they got here, and why they deserve to be considered the most dangerous team in college football.
1. The Rise of Ohio State in 2024
The journey to becoming the College Football Playoff favorite didn’t happen overnight for Ohio State. Since Ryan Day took over as head coach in 2018, the Buckeyes have been a perennial powerhouse, consistently appearing in the top ranks of college football. OSU’s history in the Big Ten, their strong recruiting classes, and their ability to develop NFL-level talent have placed them at the top of the college football hierarchy. However, the 2024-2025 season represents a culmination of these years of development, with everything coming together for Ohio State.
After a 2023 season that was marred by some unfortunate playoff miss-ups and a loss to Michigan, the Buckeyes were determined not to repeat the same mistakes. They rebounded strongly in 2024 with a vengeance, showcasing a new level of discipline and cohesion on both sides of the ball. Their aggressive play calling, combined with elite athletes across the field, made them a formidable force. By early December, as the regular season wrapped up, Ohio State had clearly established itself as a top team, if not the favorite.
2. The Power of Ohio State’s Offense
One of the most obvious reasons why Ohio State is considered the favorite in the College Football Playoff race is the strength of their offense. The Buckeyes have one of the most explosive offenses in the nation, with a talented mix of skill players that can execute at the highest level. At the heart of this offense is quarterback Kyle McCord, who has shown exceptional poise and precision in his development as a starter.
McCord’s ability to read defenses and make quick decisions has been instrumental in Ohio State’s rise this season. With his arm strength and accuracy, McCord has been able to exploit weaknesses in opposing defenses with regularity, showcasing both his talent and the coaching prowess of Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline.
In addition to McCord, Ohio State has an embarrassment of riches at the skill positions. The Buckeyes have one of the best wide receiver groups in the country, led by Marvin Harrison Jr. Harrison, widely considered one of the top prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft, has been a nightmare for defenses with his size, speed, and precise route running. Complementing Harrison is a deep group of talented receivers, including Emeka Egbuka and Julian Fleming, all of whom are capable of making big plays at any given moment.
Behind McCord is a well-rounded running back room, highlighted by Treyvon Henderson, whose explosive running style keeps opposing defenses on edge. Henderson’s ability to break tackles and make big plays in the open field makes him a perfect balance to the passing game, creating a multidimensional offense that is hard to stop. This balanced attack, with the ability to strike from anywhere on the field, gives Ohio State one of the most potent offensive units in the country.
3. The Dominance of Ohio State’s Defense
While Ohio State’s offense is unquestionably elite, it’s their defense that truly sets them apart as the CFP favorite. The Buckeyes have an excellent defensive coordinator in Jim Knowles, who has brought a high-pressure, aggressive scheme that has made it difficult for any offense to establish a rhythm against Ohio State. The Buckeyes’ defense has been suffocating this season, consistently stopping the run and applying relentless pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The defensive line, anchored by players like J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, is among the most feared in college football. Tuimoloau, in particular, has become a game-changer. His ability to disrupt passing lanes, sack the quarterback, and set the tone in the trenches has made him one of the most exciting players in college football this season. Alongside him, Sawyer provides a strong edge presence that adds depth to Ohio State’s defensive front.
In the secondary, Ohio State is equally formidable, with defensive backs like Denzel Burke and Josh Proctor consistently shutting down passing attacks. Burke, a cornerback, has been locking down opposing wide receivers with remarkable ease, while Proctor, a safety, has shown an uncanny ability to make game-changing interceptions and deflect passes. Together, these players form the backbone of a defense that has consistently ranked in the top 5 for both scoring defense and total yards allowed.
Moreover, Ohio State’s defense is built on the fundamentals of discipline and toughness. The Buckeyes rarely make mistakes, and they have shown an ability to adapt and adjust to any offensive scheme. Whether facing a high-powered passing attack or a physical ground game, Ohio State’s defense has been able to make key stops and keep their opponents in check.
4. The Intangibles: Coaching and Culture
In addition to their talent, Ohio State also benefits from one of the best coaching staffs in college football. Ryan Day, now in his sixth season as head coach, has demonstrated an ability to lead and motivate his team with a focus on discipline and excellence. Day’s offensive ingenuity has been well-documented, but it’s his leadership ability and calm under pressure that make him a standout among the coaching elite.
Day’s experience in big games—both as a coordinator and head coach—gives him an edge when preparing for playoff-level competition. His strategic thinking and ability to adjust in-game are key reasons why Ohio State is able to compete with the best of the best.
Equally important is Ohio State’s winning culture, which has been established through years of consistent success. The Buckeyes have built a culture of accountability, discipline, and hard work, which permeates every level of the program. This strong foundation has led to a cohesive unit that works together to achieve their common goals. The team’s focus on excellence and commitment to preparation has translated into a sense of confidence that no other program currently possesses.
5. The College Football Playoff Landscape
Looking at the overall landscape of college football, Ohio State’s position as the CFP favorite is well-earned. While programs like Georgia, Michigan, and Alabama are perennial contenders, Ohio State’s combination of offense, defense, coaching, and culture gives them a leg up in the playoff race.
The Big Ten, once considered a conference that lacked national title contenders, is now one of the most powerful leagues in college football. Ohio State’s recent dominance in the conference, coupled with their success against top-tier programs outside of the Big Ten, makes them a serious contender for the championship. Moreover, their recent wins over rivals like Michigan have given them an additional boost in terms of playoff positioning and momentum heading into the postseason.
Ohio State’s balanced attack and elite defense make them uniquely prepared to handle the challenges of the expanded College Football Playoff format. With more teams in the tournament, the competition is going to be fiercer than ever, but Ohio State’s depth, both in terms of talent and experience, gives them the upper hand over many other programs.
