Is Ohio State’s National Championship to Lose? Analyzing Their 2025 Title Hopes

Ohio State University has long been a dominant force in college football, and their status as a powerhouse program only seems to grow with each passing season. With the 2025 season in full swing, the Buckeyes are once again in the conversation for the national title. As the season unfolds, many analysts and fans are wondering: is this Ohio State’s national championship to lose?

Let’s break down Ohio State’s current situation, including their roster, coaching staff, strengths, and potential weaknesses, to evaluate if they truly are the team to beat in the hunt for the College Football Playoff (CFP) title.

1. The Strength of Ohio State’s Roster

One of the first things that stands out about Ohio State’s national championship hopes is the sheer talent of their roster. The Buckeyes have consistently recruited at a high level under head coach Ryan Day, and the 2025 class is no exception. The combination of skill position players, a strong offensive line, and a stifling defense makes Ohio State a formidable team.

Offensive Firepower

At the heart of Ohio State’s offense is quarterback Kyle McCord, who has the tools to lead the Buckeyes to the promised land. McCord, who has proven himself in crucial games, has matured into one of the top quarterbacks in college football. His strong arm, quick release, and ability to make plays both in and out of the pocket have been on full display, and if he continues to develop, he could easily become a top pick in the NFL draft.

McCord’s success is complemented by a talented group of wide receivers, including Marvin Harrison Jr., one of the top wide receiver prospects in the nation. Harrison has the size, speed, and route-running ability to be a game-changer at the next level, but for now, he remains a key cog in Ohio State’s high-powered offense. In addition to Harrison, the Buckeyes boast a deep receiving corps, including the dynamic Emeka Egbuka and Julian Fleming, who can stretch the field and make plays on all levels.

Ohio State’s running game is also one of the best in the nation. With a stable of elite running backs, including TreVeyon Henderson, the Buckeyes can balance their offense and keep defenses on their toes. Henderson has the speed to break off long runs, while the offensive line, led by key returning veterans, provides the protection and push needed to establish the run.

Defensive Dominance

On defense, Ohio State remains just as strong, if not stronger, than on offense. The Buckeyes have consistently produced top-tier defensive players, and 2025 is no different. The defensive line, anchored by talented pass rushers like J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, presents a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. These players can disrupt the pocket and put immense pressure on offenses, a key factor in winning games at the highest level.

In the secondary, Ohio State’s defense is equally impressive. Cornerbacks like Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock provide lockdown coverage, while safeties like Lathan Ransom are capable of making big plays in the backfield. Ohio State’s defensive schemes, under the leadership of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, are aggressive and can stifle even the most potent offenses.

One of the Buckeyes’ biggest advantages this season has been their ability to shut down the run, which forces opposing offenses into predictable passing situations. This is where their pass rush and secondary come into play, allowing Ohio State to generate turnovers and create opportunities for their explosive offense.

2. Coaching and Leadership

The presence of Ryan Day at the helm is another key factor in evaluating Ohio State’s national championship chances. Day has proven himself to be one of the best coaches in college football. His ability to recruit, game-plan, and adapt to different styles of play has kept Ohio State among the elite in the sport.

Day’s leadership has been particularly important in high-pressure situations. Ohio State’s consistency in big games, including crucial matchups against rivals like Michigan, as well as in the College Football Playoff, can be attributed to his steady hand. His background as an offensive mastermind means that the Buckeyes’ offense is always innovative and difficult to stop. With Day, Ohio State has one of the most experienced and successful coaches in the country, making them even more dangerous in the national championship race.

Additionally, Day’s partnership with defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has proven successful in crafting one of the more balanced teams in the nation. Knowles’ schemes are designed to create confusion for opposing quarterbacks, while also keeping the defense stout against the run. This balance between offense and defense is what separates Ohio State from many other teams in the hunt for a national title.

3. Competitive Landscape and Challenges

While Ohio State is undoubtedly one of the top teams in the country, the path to the national championship is never easy. The Buckeyes face competition from other elite programs, including SEC juggernauts like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. These teams have their own star players and championship pedigree, making every matchup a potential challenge for Ohio State.

Michigan and the Big Ten Race

One of the biggest challenges Ohio State faces every season is Michigan. The rivalry between the Buckeyes and Wolverines has only grown in intensity in recent years, and with Michigan’s rise to prominence under head coach Jim Harbaugh, Ohio State can no longer take this game for granted. Michigan has proven itself to be a tough opponent, particularly with their defense and physicality at the line of scrimmage.

In 2025, Michigan’s roster is again loaded with talent, and with a potential playoff berth on the line in their annual matchup, Ohio State will need to come out prepared and focused. The Buckeyes will need to execute perfectly, especially on offense, to outpace Michigan’s defense and neutralize their physical play.

SEC Dominance

Looking beyond the Big Ten, Ohio State faces stiff competition from the SEC. Teams like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU have been at the top of college football for years, and 2025 is no different. Georgia, led by a stellar defense and a well-balanced offense, has the potential to be the top contender for the national title. Similarly, Alabama always seems to have the right mix of talent, coaching, and big-game experience to make a run for the championship.

The SEC has historically been known for its dominance in the postseason, and Ohio State will need to be prepared to face one of these teams in the College Football Playoff. Ohio State’s offense will need to be particularly efficient against these SEC defenses, and the defense will have to find a way to slow down high-powered offenses led by top-tier quarterbacks.

The CFP Picture

Ohio State’s national championship hopes are also tied to the expanded College Football Playoff format, which now allows more teams to make a run for the title. The Buckeyes will need to perform at a high level all season long to secure a spot in the top four, but assuming they do, they will face the best teams in the country, making every game a potential challenge.

Ohio State’s ability to win close games, play with poise under pressure, and execute in crucial moments will be key factors in determining whether they can navigate the playoff gauntlet and win it all. The road to the championship is often filled with pitfalls, and Ohio State’s resilience in high-stakes matchups will be tested.

4. Key Weaknesses and Areas for Improvement

While Ohio State’s roster and coaching staff are undoubtedly elite, no team is without its weaknesses. One area that could potentially limit Ohio State’s national championship hopes is their consistency in the trenches. The offensive line, while strong, has had moments where they’ve struggled to protect McCord and establish the run. In a high-stakes game, where every possession counts, Ohio State will need to maintain strong offensive line play to keep their offense balanced.

On the defensive side, while the Buckeyes’ pass rush is exceptional, their secondary has had moments of vulnerability, especially against fast, high-tempo offenses. Ohio State will need to tighten up their coverage and prevent big plays in the passing game to avoid being caught off guard in key situations.