Ohio State played in 4 CFP games with the new format this season

This season, Ohio State’s football team found itself on the cutting edge of college football history, as the expanded College Football Playoff (CFP) format gave the Buckeyes an unprecedented opportunity. For the first time in the Playoff’s history, the field was expanded to 12 teams, offering new dynamics, increased opportunities for underdog stories, and dramatic matchups that thrilled fans across the country. For Ohio State, the season was nothing short of thrilling as they navigated through not one, but four different CFP matchups on their path to a championship dream. This marked a unique chapter in the Buckeyes’ storied history, showcasing not just their football prowess but also the exciting and unpredictable nature of the revamped playoff format.

Let’s take a deep dive into Ohio State’s remarkable journey through the 2025 College Football Playoff, reflecting on their performance, challenges, and what the new format meant for their overall trajectory.

The New Format: 12-Team Playoff Overview

Before we explore Ohio State’s performance, it’s important to understand the significance of the 12-team College Football Playoff. The expansion, which was implemented for the first time this season, was a groundbreaking shift from the previous four-team format. This new system includes six automatic bids for the six highest-ranked conference champions and six at-large bids, creating a field where almost every Power 5 conference champion gets an automatic spot, and teams from Group of Five conferences or those with stellar seasons can still make a case for inclusion.

This format opens up possibilities for more inclusivity and excitement, allowing a broader range of teams to compete for the national championship. For Ohio State, who finished the regular season with a 12-1 record, the expanded field meant they earned a top-tier seed, but it also meant a much more rigorous path to the title with more games to play.

Ohio State’s Road to the Playoffs: A Season of Highs and Lows

Ohio State entered the season with sky-high expectations, as they always do. Under head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes were expected to challenge for a national title. With Heisman-caliber players like quarterback Kyle McCord, star running back TreVeyon Henderson, and a host of elite defensive talent, Ohio State was ready for a season full of big moments.

Their only loss came in the regular season finale against Michigan, a defeat that initially seemed to dampen their playoff chances. However, thanks to the expanded format, Ohio State still had a chance to play for the championship. Their overall resume, featuring victories over top-tier opponents, including Notre Dame, Penn State, and a dominant Big Ten Championship victory, was enough to secure a top-four ranking. This placed them in a prime position for a deep run in the playoffs.

With a spot in the 12-team bracket secured, Ohio State earned a first-round bye, meaning they would automatically advance to the quarterfinals without having to play in the opening round. This set the stage for their first serious taste of playoff action, which would come in the form of a highly anticipated matchup with a talented team from the SEC.

Round 1: The Quarterfinals – Ohio State vs. The SEC Powerhouse

The first round of the 12-team playoff introduced a new level of excitement to the CFP. In past seasons, only four teams would compete for a chance at a championship. With the field expanded, teams in the first round had to battle it out for the chance to join the higher-seeded teams in the later rounds. Ohio State was one of those teams that benefitted from the new system, as they earned a top seed and were set to face an SEC powerhouse in the quarterfinals.

Their opponent was the No. 8 seed, an elite team from the Southeastern Conference that had built a solid season with a stingy defense and a high-powered offense. The matchup was nothing short of a heavyweight battle, and the game lived up to the hype. Ohio State came out strong, looking to prove that their Big Ten pedigree was just as valuable as any conference in the country.

Quarterback Kyle McCord was exceptional, connecting on critical passes to wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. in key moments. Henderson’s strong running game kept the defense honest, while the Buckeye defense stifled the opposing offense with timely stops and key turnovers. In what turned into a thrilling back-and-forth affair, Ohio State was able to secure a 31-24 victory, advancing to the semifinals with a commanding performance.

The win was crucial for Ohio State, proving their resilience in the expanded playoff format. They had now won their first playoff game in the new system, showing that they could compete with teams from other power conferences and still come out on top.

Round 2: The Semifinals – Ohio State vs. A Program on the Rise

With the victory in the quarterfinals, Ohio State moved on to the semifinals, where they would face another highly ranked team. This time, it was the No. 4 seed, a team that had steadily climbed the ranks throughout the season and was seen as a potential dark horse for the title. This team was no stranger to big games, having been part of the playoff conversation for years, but this year, they seemed to have all the pieces coming together.

The game was one of strategy, grit, and dramatic swings in momentum. Ohio State, in typical Buckeye fashion, came prepared. McCord was exceptional in the passing game, particularly with his timing on deep balls to Harrison, who had become one of the most dynamic receivers in college football. The Buckeyes’ defense, led by players like linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and cornerback Denzel Burke, was stellar once again, containing the high-powered offense and limiting their big plays.

After a back-and-forth first half, the game came down to the wire. Ohio State’s ability to execute in crucial moments and manage the clock effectively gave them the upper hand. Henderson, who had been a workhorse all season, wore down the opposing defense, and when the game was on the line, McCord engineered a brilliant two-minute drill that put the Buckeyes ahead for good. Ohio State’s 27-23 victory was a testament to their ability to handle the pressure and execute when it mattered most.

The win not only sent Ohio State to the championship game but also validated their place among the elite teams in the country. They had earned a spot in the final, and their journey through the expanded playoffs was far from over.

Round 3: The National Championship – Ohio State vs. The Powerhouse Champion

The national championship game was set: Ohio State would face the top-seeded team, a perennial powerhouse that had been dominant all season. This team, undefeated throughout the year, had cruised through their regular season and playoff matchups with ease. However, Ohio State was not going to back down from this challenge. The Buckeyes were hungry for a championship, and they were prepared to take on the best.

The final was a high-stakes affair, with Ohio State coming into the game as the underdog despite their strong performances in the earlier rounds. The championship atmosphere at a neutral site was electric, and the stakes couldn’t have been higher for both programs. For Ohio State, this was their moment to claim their place among the all-time greats in college football history.

The game lived up to the billing. Ohio State played their hearts out in front of a raucous crowd, executing on both sides of the ball. McCord, who had proven his mettle in the previous rounds, was poised and confident, hitting his receivers in stride. Harrison, who had been the team’s most consistent weapon, once again delivered in clutch moments. Meanwhile, the Buckeye defense turned in an all-time performance, stifling the opposition and making key stops in critical moments.

But in the end, despite a valiant effort, Ohio State fell just short, losing by a slim margin of 34-30. While the loss was heartbreaking for the players and fans, it was a testament to their resilience and the excellence they had displayed throughout the playoffs. Their four-game journey through the expanded playoff system had been a thrilling ride, and though they came up just short, they proved they were one of the best teams in the country.

The Legacy of Ohio State’s Expanded Playoff Journey

Despite not winning the national championship, Ohio State’s 2025 College Football Playoff journey was historic and filled with significant milestones. Their four-game playoff run showcased their ability to adapt, compete, and thrive in the new expanded format. The Buckeyes proved they were worthy of a national title, and their players, especially McCord and Henderson, earned widespread respect for their performances.

As the 12-team format continues to grow and evolve in the coming years, Ohio State’s experience this season will serve as a model for future teams navigating this exciting new era of college football. The Buckeyes’ journey through the playoffs this season highlighted the added drama and opportunities that the expanded field offers, and it showed just how unpredictable and thrilling the College Football Playoff can be.

For Ohio State, this season was more than just a playoff run—it was a statement that they are built to succeed on the biggest stage, no matter the format. With a foundation of talent, coaching, and leadership, the Buckeyes are primed to continue making deep playoff runs for years to come, as they chase their ultimate goal of a national championship.