How many games is Ohio State football projected to win in 2025? Buckeye Breakfast
As the Ohio State football program gears up for the 2025 season, fans, analysts, and football enthusiasts alike are eagerly speculating about how the season will unfold. With the team’s historically strong performance, a roster stacked with talent, and a respected head coach in Ryan Day, expectations are naturally high. The question on everyone’s mind is: what is the expected number of games won by Ohio State in 2025?
To answer this question comprehensively, we must consider several key factors: the strength of Ohio State’s roster, the schedule they will face, their recruiting efforts, and how these components interact with the competition within the Big Ten and on the national stage. We’ll break down the critical aspects that will influence Ohio State’s potential for success in 2025, along with some predictions on what the season might look like.
1. Ohio State’s Roster: A Championship-Caliber Team
One of the most significant reasons for optimism surrounding Ohio State’s 2025 football season is the caliber of talent on their roster. As of 2024, the Buckeyes have consistently been one of the top recruiting teams in the nation under Ryan Day, and that trend is expected to continue for the 2025 season. This influx of talent, coupled with a strong mix of returning starters and veteran leadership, creates a foundation that is both deep and talented.
Offensive Powerhouse
At the center of Ohio State’s offensive unit is the quarterback position, which is expected to be one of the most critical factors in determining the team’s success. Ohio State is set to field another top-tier signal-caller in Kyle McCord or Devin Brown, both of whom bring significant potential to the table. McCord, in particular, has been groomed to step up as the successor to C.J. Stroud, and fans have high expectations for his development. If Ohio State’s quarterback plays up to the standards set by their recent crop of signal-callers, the offense will continue to thrive.
The Buckeyes will also benefit from one of the nation’s best wide receiving corps, including elite talents like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, who both have the potential to be first-round NFL draft picks. This combination of an elite quarterback and wide receivers will keep Ohio State’s offense as one of the most explosive units in college football.
On the offensive line, Ohio State has built a reputation for producing dominant linemen, and the 2025 season is expected to be no different. With a strong offensive line, they should be able to control the line of scrimmage, provide protection for their quarterback, and open up lanes for the running back group. This offensive depth will give the team the ability to put up points against any opponent.
Defensive Playmakers
On the defensive side of the ball, Ohio State has a wealth of talent, and this unit could be the one to push them over the top in 2025. Led by defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, the Buckeyes will feature an aggressive and disciplined defense that has the potential to stifle opposing offenses. With standouts such as Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau, who are both poised to be key playmakers on the defensive line, Ohio State will have the edge in generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. This defensive line is one of the most fearsome in the nation.
Additionally, Ohio State’s secondary, which has historically been a strong point, will be bolstered by returning cornerbacks and safeties who have experience in big games. This defensive backfield will be crucial in containing high-powered passing offenses from the likes of Michigan, Penn State, and other Big Ten contenders. Linebackers, such as Steel Chambers and Tommy Eichenberg, will continue to be playmakers who can disrupt both the pass and the run.
Overall, Ohio State’s defense will likely remain one of the top units in the nation, which will give them a balanced approach when paired with their potent offense.
2. The 2025 Schedule: A Tough Road to the Playoff
When projecting the number of games Ohio State is expected to win, the schedule for the 2025 season is a critical piece of the puzzle. The Buckeyes play in the Big Ten Conference, which is known for its competitive teams and high-caliber matchups. Ohio State will face a mix of tough in-conference games, high-profile non-conference opponents, and potentially tricky road games that will test their ability to win consistently.
Key Games to Watch
- Michigan Wolverines: Perhaps the biggest hurdle in Ohio State’s path to a potential College Football Playoff (CFP) berth in 2025 will be their annual rivalry game with Michigan. After suffering consecutive losses to the Wolverines in 2021 and 2022, the Buckeyes will be eager to reclaim dominance in this high-stakes game. With a talented team and the rivalry on the line, this game will be crucial to Ohio State’s Big Ten and CFP hopes.
- Penn State Nittany Lions: Penn State is another key competitor within the Big Ten that could challenge Ohio State, especially with a talented offense and defense. The Nittany Lions are expected to be a formidable team in 2025, and their matchup with Ohio State, particularly in Happy Valley, will be one of the toughest of the season.
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Although not a conference opponent, Notre Dame represents one of Ohio State’s most significant non-conference games in 2025. The Fighting Irish have consistently been a strong program, and facing them early in the season will be a good barometer of Ohio State’s national title aspirations.
- Wisconsin Badgers: Wisconsin is a team that can never be overlooked, particularly when it comes to grinding out tough games in the trenches. Their physicality and solid defense will provide a stiff challenge for Ohio State, especially when the game takes place in Camp Randall Stadium.
- Other Big Ten West Matchups: The games against teams like Iowa, Minnesota, and Illinois should not be taken lightly. While not as high-profile as Michigan or Penn State, these teams are capable of pulling off an upset and creating challenges for Ohio State in key matchups.
The Road to the Big Ten Championship
The Buckeyes’ journey through the Big Ten will not be easy, but with their roster depth and talent, they should be able to navigate their way to the Big Ten Championship Game. If Ohio State can take care of business in the regular season and enter the championship with one loss or fewer, their chances of making the CFP will be strong. The Big Ten will once again be highly competitive in 2025, and the Buckeyes will need to stay focused throughout the season.
3. The Ohio State Advantage: Ryan Day’s Leadership
One factor that sets Ohio State apart from many other programs is the leadership of head coach Ryan Day. Day has consistently proven himself to be one of the best offensive minds in college football and is adept at adapting his strategies to take advantage of his roster’s strengths. His ability to develop quarterbacks, manage a high-powered offense, and lead his team in crucial moments has been a hallmark of his coaching career.
Under Day’s guidance, Ohio State has developed an excellent track record in both the regular season and postseason, securing consistent spots in the College Football Playoff and national conversations about championship contention. Ryan Day’s ability to motivate and lead his players will be a key factor in helping Ohio State reach its potential in 2025. His calm demeanor in high-pressure situations will be a stabilizing force as the Buckeyes navigate a challenging schedule.
4. The National Landscape: Playoff Contenders
The 2025 season is shaping up to be another competitive year for college football as several other powerhouse programs will also have national title aspirations. Programs like Georgia, Alabama, Clemson, Michigan, and USC are all expected to be in the hunt for a playoff spot, meaning Ohio State will need to perform at its absolute best to secure one of the four coveted spots in the CFP.
The key to Ohio State’s path to the playoff lies in their ability to run the table in the regular season and remain undefeated or with just one loss heading into the conference championship game. With the strength of their roster and Ryan Day’s experience, the Buckeyes are certainly capable of competing with the nation’s best.
Predicted Win Total for Ohio State in 2025
Given the depth of talent on Ohio State’s roster, their stable leadership under Ryan Day, and the challenging but manageable schedule in 2025, an ideal scenario would see the Buckeyes finishing the regular season with a 12-1 record. This would position them well for a berth in the Big Ten Championship Game, and if they win that game, they would almost certainly qualify for the College Football Playoff.
Even in a worst-case scenario, with two losses, Ohio State is still expected to be a playoff contender, particularly if those losses come to ranked opponents like Michigan or Penn State. The Buckeyes’ strength in the regular season, combined with Day’s expertise, will likely ensure a successful run toward the postseason.
