Ohio State’s Triumph in the College Football Playoffs: A Testament to the Depth of Its Core

The College Football Playoff (CFP) has become the ultimate stage for the nation’s premier college football programs, a forum where legacies are built and dynasties are solidified. The 2024-2025 season provided a perfect example of a championship team that exemplified excellence not just in star power, but in depth—an intangible factor that distinguished Ohio State from its competitors. In this year’s CFP, Ohio State stood head and shoulders above other teams, not simply due to standout performances by elite players but because of the sheer depth of its core, from top-tier talent to its unsung heroes.

In a season rife with unpredictability, where traditional powerhouses and emerging programs clashed for supremacy, Ohio State emerged victorious. Their success was not only the result of a few dominant performances but was a manifestation of the program’s deep roster, impressive coaching staff, and the culture of excellence they’ve cultivated over the years.

Depth Across the Board

One of the most defining characteristics of Ohio State’s 2024-2025 championship run was the depth across nearly every position group. While many teams rely heavily on a few standout players, Ohio State had a unique ability to rotate multiple players in and out, never sacrificing quality for quantity. This depth allowed them to wear down opponents, maintain peak performance throughout four quarters, and adjust to the demands of the grueling playoff format.

Quarterback Play and the Backup Impact

At the center of any great football team is the quarterback, and Ohio State’s performance at the position was a microcosm of their depth. While starting quarterback, Kyle McCord, was the team’s unquestioned leader, Ohio State was never in a vulnerable position if he was injured or needed a breather. Devin Brown, McCord’s backup, was a highly touted prospect who could step in and deliver as a starter if called upon. Brown’s readiness meant that the coaching staff had confidence in the entire quarterback room. The depth at quarterback was crucial for Ohio State’s playoff run, as it ensured consistency under center, a vital component for any team aiming for national glory.

Offensive Line: The Foundation of Success

The offensive line was another position where Ohio State’s depth truly shone. A team’s offensive line is often considered the unsung hero, as it typically doesn’t receive the limelight despite being integral to both the running and passing game. Ohio State’s offensive line was elite not just in terms of starting talent but in terms of its rotation. With multiple players capable of starting across the line, Ohio State could provide fresh legs for its running backs and protect the quarterback throughout a long, physically demanding season.

In the College Football Playoff, Ohio State’s offensive line came up big, consistently providing McCord with ample time to make critical throws while creating sizable holes for the running backs. When the starters needed rest, capable backups were able to step in without the offense missing a beat. This depth helped maintain an aggressive offensive pace that kept opponents on their heels.

Running Back Rotation: Keeping Fresh Legs in a Physical Game

Running back is another position where Ohio State’s depth was showcased. The Buckeyes boasted an incredibly talented and deep running back room, with Travion Henderson leading the charge. Henderson was a dynamic playmaker capable of breaking through defenses, but what set Ohio State apart was the number of capable backs behind him. Miyan Williams and Evan Pryor both provided quality depth at the position, ensuring the team could rotate fresh legs into the backfield without a drop in productivity.

This rotation of fresh running backs proved invaluable in the Playoffs, as Ohio State faced elite defenses that had a tendency to wear down in the later stages of games. By being able to give Henderson a breather and bring in capable backups, the Buckeyes maintained a relentless running game that consistently moved the chains and ate up precious clock time.

Wide Receivers: Depth and Versatility

At wide receiver, Ohio State’s depth and versatility allowed them to diversify their offense, making it difficult for any defense to key in on one player or one style of play. While Marvin Harrison Jr. is arguably the best wide receiver in the nation, Ohio State’s receiving corps extended far beyond him. Emeka Egbuka, Julian Fleming, and Xavier Johnson were all capable of stepping up and making crucial plays in big moments, providing McCord with a wide range of targets at every level of the field.

Ohio State’s ability to rotate receivers meant that defensive backs were constantly facing fresh legs, which wore them down as games progressed. This depth not only allowed Ohio State to stretch the field but also gave them the flexibility to execute multiple schemes and attacking strategies. Whether it was a deep shot downfield, a quick slant, or a screen pass, Ohio State’s receiving unit was equipped to execute at a high level no matter the situation.

Defensive Line and Linebackers: Dominating the Trenches

On defense, Ohio State’s success was driven by an equally deep and versatile front seven. The defensive line, featuring standout talents like JT Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, and Michael Hall Jr., was a force to be reckoned with. The defensive front’s depth allowed the Buckeyes to rotate players frequently, keeping fresh legs on the field and maximizing the pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The defensive line’s relentless pursuit of the ball-carrier, combined with the linebackers’ ability to read and react, was a key factor in Ohio State’s defensive success.

The Buckeyes were able to bring constant pressure on quarterbacks, which disrupted passing lanes and forced turnovers. The depth of the defensive line also allowed Ohio State to contain powerful running backs and prevent long gains. With a deep rotation, Ohio State could stay aggressive and force the issue without risking exhaustion or giving up big plays due to fatigue.

The linebackers were a similarly strong unit. Led by Tommy Eichenberg, the linebackers were tasked with not only plugging gaps in the running game but also covering in pass protection. Ohio State’s linebacking core, featuring a mix of experienced seniors and talented underclassmen, was able to execute at a high level throughout the playoffs. Depth in this position meant that the Buckeyes had no issues rotating players in without sacrificing defensive integrity.

Defensive Backs: A Deep Secondary

Ohio State’s secondary was another area where the depth was apparent. While standout players like Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock received most of the attention, the Buckeyes had a deep pool of talented defensive backs who contributed throughout the season. Whether it was at cornerback or safety, Ohio State’s secondary was able to rotate players in and out, ensuring that no one player was overexerted or targeted excessively.

The depth of the secondary allowed Ohio State to match up with various offensive schemes in the College Football Playoff. Against high-flying passing offenses, Ohio State had the ability to rotate fresh bodies into the game, ensuring their defensive backs maintained sharpness and athleticism. This depth was key in shutting down potent passing attacks and making timely interceptions.

Special Teams: An Underestimated Factor

Special teams often go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of a playoff run, but Ohio State’s depth at this position helped maintain balance across all three phases of the game. The Buckeyes had a talented kicker in Noah Ruggles, who nailed key field goals in clutch moments, as well as a potent return game that gave the offense favorable field position. The depth of talent on special teams allowed Ohio State to win field position battles, a crucial factor in tight playoff games.

Coaching and Scheme Flexibility

The brilliance of Ohio State’s depth was magnified by their coaching staff’s ability to develop players and deploy them in ways that maximized their potential. Head coach Ryan Day and his staff did an outstanding job of rotating players in various positions, ensuring that their depth was not just used to rest starters, but also to maximize matchups.

From defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ ability to disguise blitzes and create confusion for opposing quarterbacks to offensive coordinator Brian Hartline’s ability to keep the defense guessing with a dynamic, fast-paced offense, Ohio State’s coaching staff harnessed the power of depth to perfection. The staff’s ability to mix up personnel and schemes kept opposing coaches on edge, unable to predict what would come next.