The Ohio State Buckeyes have fulfilled their destiny, capturing their ninth national championship by defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 34-23 in the title game on Monday. For head coach Ryan Day, this victory was the release of a long-standing burden, marking Ohio State’s return to the top of college football for the first time in ten years.
After suffering a crushing fourth consecutive loss to rival Michigan, Ohio State’s season seemed doomed. As an eighth seed in the inaugural 12-team playoff, the program was under heavy scrutiny, with many doubting they could go far. However, Day, facing potential job uncertainty, had other plans. The Buckeyes went on to win four straight games against teams ranked in the AP Top 10, transforming from a “team of disappointment” to “champions.” The senior class, often criticized for not living up to expectations, finally proved themselves.
As Ohio State celebrates their national championship, attention shifts to the future. Several key players, including senior stars like all-time reception leader Emeka Egbuka and Cotton Bowl hero Jack Sawyer, will be leaving for the NFL Draft. Quarterback Will Howard, the Offensive MVP of the National Championship, is also out of eligibility, meaning the team will look drastically different as they aim for another title in 2025.
On offense, the Buckeyes will keep most of their receiving corps. Alongside Egbuka, Ohio State will return rising talents like freshman Jeremiah Smith, breakout candidate Carnell Tate, and Brandon Innis, who has patiently awaited his opportunity. Additionally, top-ranked tight end Max Klare, transferring from Purdue, will join the team after three seasons there.
Jeremiah Smith is expected to be a Heisman Trophy contender in 2025.
The future of the Buckeyes’ running game hinges on the decision of junior Quinshon Judkins, who impressed in the championship with over 100 yards and three touchdowns. If Judkins enters the draft, Ohio State will turn to freshman James Peoples and West Virginia transfer CJ Donaldson to take over the running back duties.
With Howard’s departure, the starting quarterback role is up for grabs, and freshman Julian Sayin is the likely successor. Sayin, who transferred from Alabama, was ranked as the second-best quarterback prospect in the 2024 recruiting class. He enters with high expectations from a passionate fanbase.
On defense, Ohio State will need to reload, as many key contributors from the nation’s top-ranked defense are departing. Young players like safety Caleb Downs and linebacker Sonny Styles will be expected to step up. The Buckeyes must also work to retain Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles, who has been linked to potential openings at the University of Oklahoma.
For Ryan Day, the most pressing task for 2025 is clear: beat Michigan. With a 1-4 record against the Wolverines, including a loss as a 21.5-point favorite this season, there is mounting pressure to reclaim dominance in this rivalry. The Buckeyes will face Michigan in Ann Arbor at the end of November in a matchup featuring the last two national champions.
As spring camp begins in just six weeks, Ohio State’s focus will shift to preparing for a high-stakes Week 1 rematch against the Texas Longhorns. To become the first repeat national champions in college football history, significant changes and adjustments will need to take place.
Leave a Reply