Texas isn’t the only thing that can prevent Ohio State football from taking home a national title.

Texas Isn’t the Only Thing That Can Prevent Ohio State Football From Taking Home a National Title

As one of the most successful and iconic programs in college football history, Ohio State University has long been a contender for national championships. From dominating the Big Ten Conference to regularly competing for College Football Playoff (CFP) berths, the Buckeyes are consistently viewed as a powerhouse in the sport. However, as much as Ohio State football is associated with dominance and excellence, it’s important to understand that there are various challenges and factors—other than just strong competitors like Texas—that can prevent Ohio State from securing a coveted national title.

Though Texas has historically been a fierce competitor, Ohio State’s path to a national championship is filled with potential pitfalls. In this article, we will explore the various hurdles and challenges—on and off the field—that the Buckeyes face in their pursuit of another national title. These challenges encompass everything from fierce competition within their own conference to the unpredictability of the College Football Playoff system, injuries, coaching changes, and the evolving landscape of college football. Ultimately, we’ll examine the multi-faceted nature of the Buckeyes’ national title pursuit and how Texas isn’t the only factor to consider when analyzing Ohio State’s chances of victory.

1. Competition within the Big Ten

While Ohio State is widely regarded as the dominant force in the Big Ten Conference, the Buckeyes have faced stiff competition from other teams within the conference, particularly in recent years. As a result, internal conference matchups are a major factor in determining whether Ohio State will even have the opportunity to compete for a national title.

Michigan: Ohio State’s Biggest Rivalry

Perhaps the most notable example of fierce competition within the Big Ten comes from Ohio State’s longstanding rivalry with the Michigan Wolverines. The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry, often referred to as “The Game,” has been one of the most intense and high-stakes rivalries in college football. With national championship implications often on the line, the Buckeyes’ performance against Michigan is a critical factor in determining their playoff berth.

In recent seasons, Michigan has reasserted itself as a contender, particularly under head coach Jim Harbaugh. The Wolverines’ resurgence has seen them dethrone Ohio State as the Big Ten champion in 2021 and 2022, which prevented Ohio State from making the College Football Playoff despite having one of the most talented rosters in the country. For Ohio State, maintaining dominance over Michigan is crucial not only for pride and bragging rights but for their chances of reaching the CFP.

Other Big Ten Competitors

Beyond Michigan, Ohio State also faces competitive challenges from other programs in the Big Ten, including Penn State, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Teams like Penn State have consistently recruited top-tier talent, and a loss to a fellow Big Ten team can derail the Buckeyes’ hopes of making the playoff. The depth and competitiveness within the Big Ten conference mean that Ohio State cannot afford to have any slip-ups during the regular season if they want to secure a spot in the CFP and have a shot at the national championship.

2. The College Football Playoff System

The College Football Playoff has revolutionized the way national championships are decided in college football. However, the playoff system also introduces a level of unpredictability and volatility into the equation. With just four spots in the CFP and dozens of elite teams vying for those spots, Ohio State’s path to the title isn’t guaranteed—no matter how talented their roster is.

Selection Committee Bias and Rankings

One of the challenges with the College Football Playoff system is the selection committee’s rankings. The committee, tasked with determining the four playoff teams each year, often makes decisions based on a variety of subjective factors, such as strength of schedule, conference championships, and head-to-head matchups. As a result, even an undefeated Ohio State team may be passed over for a spot in the playoff if the committee decides that another program has a stronger resume or has performed better against top-tier competition.

Ohio State’s playoff hopes could be dashed by a perceived lack of strength in their conference, or if they lose a key game—such as to Michigan—which could leave the Buckeyes on the outside looking in. Additionally, the rise of new powerhouse programs in college football could make it more difficult for Ohio State to secure a spot in the playoff, especially if other teams like Georgia, Alabama, or Clemson have strong seasons.

The Pressure of High Expectations

Ohio State has always been a program with high expectations, and that can be both an asset and a liability. When the Buckeyes enter a season as one of the favorites to win the national title, the pressure to perform is immense. Players, coaches, and fans alike expect championships, and that pressure can sometimes result in missteps—whether it’s an upset loss, an underperformance in key games, or failure to live up to expectations.

In a season with multiple top-ranked teams, a single loss can derail Ohio State’s path to the playoffs, regardless of how strong their overall resume is. The CFP rankings are often shaped by what happens in the final weeks of the season, and teams can rise and fall in the rankings based on late-season results. An unexpected loss in a high-stakes game, such as to Michigan or another Big Ten foe, can leave the Buckeyes scrambling to secure a playoff spot.

3. Injuries to Key Players

Another critical factor in Ohio State’s national title hopes is the health of their key players, particularly at the quarterback position. College football is a physically demanding sport, and injuries can significantly impact a team’s performance, especially in high-profile games.

The Quarterback Position

Ohio State has been fortunate to have an impressive string of quarterbacks, from Justin Fields to CJ Stroud, who have led the team to playoff appearances and national title contention. However, the loss of a key player—especially a quarterback—can derail a team’s championship aspirations. The Buckeyes’ offensive system is built around dynamic quarterbacks who can make plays both in the air and on the ground, and without them, Ohio State’s chances of winning the title are diminished.

Injuries to other positions, such as running backs, wide receivers, or key defensive players, can also play a role in the Buckeyes’ title chase. In a sport as physical as college football, staying healthy throughout the season is crucial, and injuries to key players at critical times can knock Ohio State out of contention for the national title.

4. The Coaching Factor

Ohio State has been fortunate to have outstanding coaches over the years, with Urban Meyer and now Ryan Day leading the program. However, coaching decisions—such as game strategy, play calling, and player management—can play a significant role in determining the outcome of big games.

Game-Day Mistakes

Even the best coaches can make mistakes on game day. Whether it’s a poor decision in the second half of a close game, an inability to adjust to a new strategy by the opposing team, or simply being outcoached by a rival, coaching errors can prevent Ohio State from winning the national title. The stakes are incredibly high in the playoff and championship games, and even small mistakes can have far-reaching consequences.

Changing Coaching Staffs

Coaching changes, whether in the form of a new offensive or defensive coordinator or a shake-up in the coaching staff, can also impact a team’s performance. Ohio State has experienced coaching turnover at various points, and while the program has consistently hired top-tier staff, any disruption to the coaching staff can affect a team’s chemistry and preparation.

5. Off-Field Distractions

As one of the most successful programs in college football, Ohio State often finds itself in the spotlight for both positive and negative reasons. While most of the attention on Ohio State revolves around their football team’s performance, off-field distractions can sometimes have an impact on a team’s ability to stay focused.

Recruiting Controversies and Scandals

Ohio State has faced its share of off-field controversies over the years, including recruiting scandals, player suspensions, and issues with NCAA compliance. These distractions can divert attention away from the team’s goals and impact the program’s ability to stay focused on winning a national championship. While Ohio State has weathered these storms in the past, future distractions could derail their championship pursuit.

The Pressure of Being a National Contender

Finally, being a top contender in college football means that Ohio State’s every move is scrutinized. The media, fans, and other teams are constantly watching the Buckeyes, putting additional pressure on the program. This can lead to distractions, controversies, and off-field issues that, while not directly related to performance, can affect a team’s preparation and mindset.