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Ohio State Dynasty? Why the Buckeyes Should Actually Change How We View the College Football Playoff

Ohio State University, located in the heart of the Midwest, has long been a powerhouse in college football. Known for its rich history, passionate fanbase, and perennial talent, the Ohio State Buckeyes have become synonymous with excellence. Yet, despite consistently being one of the top programs in the nation, the Buckeyes’ place in College Football Playoff (CFP) discussions often feels overshadowed by other programs such as Alabama, Clemson, and Georgia.

But what if Ohio State were to change how we view the College Football Playoff altogether? What if the Buckeyes could redefine what it means to be a dynasty in the modern era of college football? In this analysis, we will explore why Ohio State’s sustained success, potential for growth, and unique position in the college football landscape deserve a reevaluation of how the CFP is approached, both by the selection committee and by college football fans across the country.

A Rich History of Success

Ohio State’s pedigree in college football is unmatched by most. The program has been a dominant force in the Big Ten Conference, winning numerous conference championships and consistently appearing in major bowl games. The Buckeyes’ tradition of excellence began long before the CFP system was even created, with coaches like Woody Hayes, Earle Bruce, and Jim Tressel carving out a culture of winning. With national championships in 1942, 1954, 1957, 1968, 2002, and 2014, Ohio State has shown an ability to win at the highest level for decades.

Under the stewardship of Urban Meyer and later Ryan Day, Ohio State’s level of play has remained elite. Meyer’s tenure solidified the Buckeyes as a national contender year in and year out, culminating in the 2014 national title and several trips to the CFP. Even with Day at the helm, Ohio State has remained a fixture in the playoff picture, regularly finishing in the top 5 and competing at the highest level.

Consistency in Playoff Appearances

While some programs have had spikes of success followed by down years, Ohio State has maintained a level of consistency that sets it apart. The Buckeyes have made the CFP five times in the short history of the playoff format, more than any other Big Ten school and more than most programs outside the SEC. They are one of the few teams in the playoff era to make it to the postseason every year they’ve had a legitimate chance, and their track record has been impressive.

One of Ohio State’s defining characteristics is their ability to reload, rather than rebuild, each year. Despite key players leaving for the NFL or graduating, the program continuously recruits at an elite level, ensuring they are never more than a year or two away from competing for a championship. This consistency is something that should be valued when discussing the future of the CFP, as Ohio State has proven they can compete with anyone, regardless of the era or changes in coaching.

Ohio State’s Unique Advantage: The Big Ten

While the SEC has long been considered the gold standard for college football, the Big Ten, and specifically Ohio State, has the potential to shift the balance of power. The Big Ten has always been an influential conference, but with the recent addition of teams like USC and UCLA, the conference is evolving. Ohio State’s place as the dominant force in the Big Ten gives them an opportunity to reshape the college football playoff discussion.

The SEC’s dominance in the CFP era has raised questions about the strength of other conferences, but the addition of USC and UCLA to the Big Ten provides a potential new narrative. With top-tier teams now in the conference, Ohio State may find itself at the head of a more competitive group, further legitimizing its dominance and potentially opening new doors for future playoff appearances. By changing the way we think about conference strength, Ohio State could play a pivotal role in challenging the current narrative about the CFP.

The Case for Ohio State as a Dynasty

The concept of a dynasty in college football is often linked to teams that win multiple championships in a short span, with Alabama and Clemson frequently mentioned as examples of such programs. However, Ohio State’s sustained excellence over the years should not be discounted. When evaluating the potential for a program to create a lasting dynasty, the number of championships is only one factor. A truly dominant program must also show resilience, depth, and a consistent ability to contend for titles over an extended period.

In the modern era of college football, it is more difficult than ever to maintain a dynasty. The increase in player movement, changes in NCAA rules, and the rising level of competition from across the country have made it harder for any one team to dominate the way Alabama or USC did in years past. In this environment, Ohio State’s consistency stands out. While they may not have won as many titles as Alabama, they have still managed to build a program that is nearly always in the hunt for a championship. Their ability to win 11 or 12 games every season, make the CFP on a regular basis, and develop NFL-ready talent is a testament to their dynasty potential.

The Need for Change in the CFP Structure

While Ohio State has proven itself as one of the elite programs in the country, the current College Football Playoff system does not always reward sustained excellence as much as it should. With only four teams allowed in the playoff, many deserving teams, including Ohio State, find themselves on the outside looking in during years when they are not crowned conference champions. This narrow selection process leads to the exclusion of teams that may have just as strong a case for a spot in the final four, especially in years when other conferences have a down year.

Expanding the playoff system would allow teams like Ohio State to continue to compete at the highest level while also recognizing the value of consistent performance. In an expanded playoff, Ohio State’s repeated appearances would not be seen as mere flukes or one-off performances; rather, they would be a reflection of the team’s continued dominance and the importance of regular-season excellence. For a program like Ohio State, which has been a staple in the playoff conversation, such a shift in the CFP structure would be a natural evolution.

Ohio State and the Future of the CFP

As the CFP moves forward, Ohio State is well-positioned to shape the future of college football’s postseason. The Buckeyes’ deep roster of talent, coaching stability under Ryan Day, and historical track record ensure they will remain a perennial contender for years to come. If college football truly wants to create a more inclusive and competitive playoff system, Ohio State’s legacy and future success must be taken into account.

The Buckeyes should be viewed not just as a contender for the national championship, but as a team that has consistently proven it deserves a spot in the playoff, regardless of the circumstances. With the likely expansion of the playoff in the coming years, Ohio State should be seen as one of the key programs driving that change, representing the new wave of college football that values sustained excellence above all else.