Can Ohio State Prove Their Championship Wasn’t a Fluke?

Can Ohio State Prove Their Championship Wasn’t a Fluke?.

 

Coming off a dramatic 2024 season—10–2 regular, 14 total wins, CFP title—the Buckeyes face a pivotal 2025. They’ve shifted coordinators (OC Brian Hartline, DC Matt Patricia) and must replace stars across positions .

 

⚙️ Roster & Coaching Changes

 

Offensively, the quarterback spot is wide open: highly touted Julian Sayin vs. Devin Kienholz, both untested in-game .

 

The elite WR duo returns—Jeremiah Smith (record-breaking freshman, Rose Bowl MVP) and Carnell Tate .

 

Yet they lose RBs, top OL—and with new calls in Hartline’s offense, cohesion will be key .

 

 

Defensively, Patricia takes over a strong 4‑2‑5 unit, but questions remain if his NFL schemes will translate at the college level .

 

📅 Schedule & Expectations

The season-opening classic at Texas—Lee Corso’s final “College GameDay”—will set the tone . Beyond that, the slate includes home QBs Michigan/Penn State, and road tests at Illinois/Wisconsin .

FanDuel’s line suggests a 10.5-win split, betting under, with CFP access even at 9–3. But beating Michigan and reaching the playoff semifinal is widely seen as the true bar .

 

🏆 National & Conference Standing

Big Ten media projects them third in the conference behind Oregon and Penn State—talent is ample, but QB and coordinator uncertainty linger .

Early national title odds favor OSU (+500–+800 range), making them the pre‑season favorite .

 

🔮 Final Prediction

Talent, depth, and momentum are still in Columbus’s favor. If Sayin or Kienholz rises quickly, and Wilson’s units gel, Ohio State is capable of 11–1 or even 12–1. However, slip-ups against elite foes or poor coordination could result in 9–3. The season will ultimately be judged on wins over Texas, a return to CFP semis or beyond, and claiming a signature revenge win over michigan.

 

 

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