Ohio State Dynasty? Why Buckeyes Should Actually Change How We View the CFP
The College Football Playoff (CFP) has been the measuring stick for college football supremacy since its inception in 2014, and over the years, a few programs have separated themselves from the pack. One of those programs is undeniably the Ohio State Buckeyes. With their recent triumphs, consistent playoff appearances, and an elite level of talent on both sides of the ball, Ohio State is quickly becoming the defining dynasty of the CFP era. But what if we told you that the Buckeyes should change how we view the CFP altogether? What if Ohio State’s rise not only signifies sustained excellence for the program but also reshapes the entire narrative about what it means to be truly dominant in college football?
Ohio State’s track record in the CFP speaks for itself. Since the playoff’s formation, the Buckeyes have made numerous appearances, captured multiple Big Ten titles, and have consistently been a force in national title contention. But they haven’t just been participants—they’ve been a program that has raised the stakes and continuously adapted to the ever-evolving landscape of college football.
While Alabama, Clemson, and even Georgia have gotten the lion’s share of attention as the dynastic programs of the CFP era, Ohio State’s sustained success under head coach Ryan Day, along with the Buckeyes’ elite recruiting, depth, and talent development, should force us to reconsider our idea of what a modern-day dynasty looks like in college football. Here’s why Ohio State should change how we view the College Football Playoff and what makes the Buckeyes the team to watch in the next era of college football.
1. Consistent Playoff Appearances
One of the hallmarks of a true dynasty is consistency. While teams like Alabama and Clemson have earned their place in the national title conversation, Ohio State has matched that consistency over the years. Since the CFP’s creation in 2014, Ohio State has made the playoff on numerous occasions, proving that they are a fixture in the race for a national championship.
This level of regularity speaks to Ohio State’s ability to remain relevant despite roster turnover, coaching changes, and the dynamic nature of college football recruiting. The Buckeyes have become a perennial contender, entering the playoff in 2014, 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2025, each time bringing a talented roster capable of competing with the best teams in the country. Only a few programs have been able to boast such regularity at the top, and Ohio State has become a mainstay in the CFP field.
In comparison to others:
- Alabama has made 7 appearances, which is undeniably impressive, but Ohio State has been on the same level.
- Clemson has been similarly dominant but also operates within a slightly different context of ACC competition, making Ohio State’s multi-year playoff appearances in the Big Ten all the more impressive.
In terms of sheer consistency in the CFP era, Ohio State deserves recognition as a program that simply does not take a backseat to anyone. They may not have won every appearance, but their ability to stay relevant is unmatched in the era of ever-evolving playoff fields.
2. Unmatched Recruiting and Talent Pipeline
Another pillar of Ohio State’s success has been its exceptional recruiting. Year after year, Ohio State has ranked among the top recruiting classes in the country, competing head-to-head with Alabama, Georgia, and others for elite high school talent. What separates Ohio State from some of its competitors, however, is their ability to develop that talent into NFL-caliber players.
From quarterbacks to running backs, wide receivers to cornerbacks, Ohio State has consistently produced some of the best prospects in college football. Ryan Day, who took over the program in 2019 after Urban Meyer’s retirement, has continued the tradition of securing top-notch talent while also fostering a competitive and healthy team environment.
For instance, players like wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., quarterback Kyle McCord, and defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau are already among the elite in their positions, and their names will surely be etched in the NFL Draft’s first few rounds when their time comes. The Buckeyes’ recruiting and development have established a culture where no position is left underdeveloped, and it’s this strength in depth that sets Ohio State apart from many of their competitors in the CFP era.
Moreover, Ohio State’s ability to recruit and develop talent across all aspects of the game—offense, defense, and special teams—makes them unique. Whether it’s the explosive offenses led by Heisman-caliber quarterbacks or the defense stacked with future NFL stars, Ohio State’s talent pool is deep and relentless. This dynamic creates an environment where the Buckeyes are never truly out of the national title race, regardless of how the roster looks year after year.
3. Toughness in the Big Ten
Ohio State’s dominance isn’t just about recruiting or playoff appearances. It’s about performing in the Big Ten, which has evolved into one of the premier conferences in college football. Under Ryan Day, Ohio State has not only won multiple Big Ten championships but has also elevated the program to the point where the Buckeyes are able to handle any opponent—whether it be Michigan, Penn State, or Wisconsin—without taking a significant step back.
What truly sets Ohio State apart in the Big Ten is their ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. For example, in 2025, the Buckeyes faced a Michigan team that had been on an upward trajectory for the past several seasons, with the Wolverines boasting a powerful offense and an aggressive defense. Ohio State not only outclassed Michigan in key moments but also showed they could play physical, dominant football on both sides of the ball—just as they had done throughout their previous Big Ten matchups. This ability to stand strong in their conference only adds to their credibility as a legitimate national contender every season.
Furthermore, Ohio State’s ability to adapt to various teams’ styles in the Big Ten—whether it’s going toe-to-toe with high-powered offenses or stifling defensive squads—shows their versatility. As other programs in the conference try to build their own championship-caliber teams, Ohio State remains the model for success in the Big Ten.
4. The Ryan Day Factor
The significance of Ryan Day’s tenure at Ohio State cannot be overstated. In just a few years, Day has transformed Ohio State into one of the most feared programs in college football, and his ability to adapt the Buckeyes’ offensive system to modern trends has made the program incredibly difficult to stop.
Day’s high-powered offense, led by some of the best quarterbacks in the nation, has made Ohio State one of the most potent teams in college football. Under his leadership, the Buckeyes have produced numerous top-tier quarterbacks, including Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, both of whom have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL. Day’s ability to develop quarterbacks, recruit top-tier talent, and implement a pro-style offense while still maintaining a balanced and powerful running game has allowed Ohio State to remain relevant year in and year out.
Beyond the offense, Day has also shown that he can handle defensive adjustments and has brought in defensive minds capable of turning Ohio State into a well-rounded, championship-caliber team. His coaching staff’s emphasis on toughness, preparation, and skill development has propelled Ohio State to the top of the college football landscape.
As we reflect on the early years of the Ryan Day era, it’s easy to see how his leadership has elevated the Buckeyes into dynasty territory, proving that Ohio State’s excellence is sustainable for years to come.
5. A Legacy of Success in the CFP Era
While Alabama, Clemson, and Georgia may have been the face of the CFP’s first decade, Ohio State’s success has been just as profound. In fact, when you look back on the 2010s and early 2020s, you can argue that Ohio State has set the standard for what it means to dominate in the CFP era.
The Buckeyes’ first national title of the CFP era came in 2014 when Urban Meyer guided the program to victory with a victory over Oregon. Since then, Ohio State has consistently been in the mix, making the CFP several times, winning the Big Ten multiple times, and making several playoff appearances where they were within striking distance of winning it all. Their mix of elite recruiting, high-level coaching, and performance on the field has made Ohio State the type of program that sets the bar for others to follow.
6. Changing the Narrative
Ohio State’s continued excellence and dominance over the past decade, combined with their consistent playoff performances, should change how we view the College Football Playoff. The CFP, which many once viewed as a competition between a few select teams, should now be seen as a platform where Ohio State consistently establishes itself as the program to beat. While Alabama and Clemson may have set the standard, it is Ohio State that has demonstrated an unmatched ability to stay relevant, year in and year out.
Ohio State’s continued success, especially as other programs attempt to match the Buckeyes’ recruiting and development, shows that the dynasty in college football is not just about one team dominating every few years—it’s about consistently being in the hunt for championships and constantly evolving to remain at the top.
Conclusion
As we continue to evaluate the College Football Playoff era, one thing becomes abundantly clear: Ohio State’s sustained excellence, recruiting dominance, and consistency in the postseason demand that we reframe how we view the program and its place in college football history. With their dynastic run, the Buckeyes are not only redefining what it means to succeed in the CFP era, but they’re also changing the narrative about what it takes to truly dominate in modern college football.
Ohio State’s dynasty isn’t about winning every title—it’s about being the program that challenges for championships year after year and maintaining elite status through coaching, recruiting, and development. In doing so, Ohio State has already cemented itself as one of the true powerhouses in college football, and its success should change the way we view the future of the CFP.
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