Ohio State’s 2025 football schedule may be a Godsend for the Buckeyes after CFP national championship win

As the 2025 season for college football approaches, one question stands at the forefront of the Ohio State Buckeyes’ preparation: how will their schedule affect their pursuit of a national championship? Fresh off a potential College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship win, Ohio State is poised to further cement its place among the elite programs in the country. The 2025 season could be a defining one for head coach Ryan Day, especially if the Buckeyes are able to navigate a schedule that could serve as both a challenge and an opportunity.

After a banner year, Ohio State’s 2025 football schedule has a unique structure that may work in their favor, providing ample opportunities for victory while also testing their mettle. From tough early-season tests to favorable stretches during conference play, this schedule may serve as a “Godsend,” as it could provide just the right balance between competition and favorable matchups to help the Buckeyes secure their second CFP national title in the past decade.

This article will dive into the 2025 schedule, analyzing key matchups, potential pitfalls, and how the Buckeyes can use the upcoming season as an opportunity to further solidify themselves as a dynasty in college football. Furthermore, we will discuss how Ohio State’s approach to these games, bolstered by a talented roster and the leadership of Ryan Day, will impact their national championship hopes.

A Look at the 2025 Schedule: Early Tests and Key Showdowns

Ohio State’s 2025 football schedule is littered with some critical early-season games that will set the tone for the rest of the campaign. The Buckeyes open with a couple of highly anticipated non-conference matchups against well-established programs from across the country. These games are important not only for Ohio State’s playoff hopes but also for setting the tone for a team looking to bounce back from the momentum of a national championship victory.

1. Week 1: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame (Neutral Site) Ohio State will begin the season with a marquee matchup against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at a neutral site. This game is significant for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it provides Ohio State with a non-conference opponent that is traditionally one of the stronger programs in college football. Notre Dame is known for its physicality, coaching, and disciplined approach, all of which will challenge the Buckeyes’ offense and defense alike.

   The result of this game could serve as a statement win to kick off the season. A victory here would give Ohio State an early edge in the playoff rankings and bolster their resume with a quality non-conference win. Furthermore, it allows Ohio State to show the college football world that they are still focused and ready to defend their national title after their 2024 success.

2. Week 3: Ohio State at Penn State Traveling to Happy Valley to face Penn State is no small task. Penn State’s defense has historically been one of the most formidable in the Big Ten, and their home field advantage only adds to the challenge. This road game could potentially be a “trap” scenario, as it comes in the middle of the season, with Ohio State’s players potentially looking ahead to bigger conference games. However, it’s also an excellent opportunity to assert dominance and prove that the Buckeyes can win in tough environments, something essential for any national championship contender.

   A win at Penn State would not only help Ohio State in the Big Ten race but also serve as a valuable benchmark for their ability to perform on the road in hostile environments. The success of this game could be pivotal in setting the Buckeyes up for a successful stretch through the remainder of the regular season.

3. Week 5: Ohio State vs. Michigan The most anticipated matchup on Ohio State’s schedule, and arguably in all of college football, is their annual rivalry game against Michigan. A fierce competition that dates back over a century, the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry has always been a defining fixture of both programs’ seasons. For Ohio State, a win in this game has enormous implications—securing the Big Ten title, a high playoff ranking, and potentially an undefeated season.

   After losing to Michigan in 2023, Ohio State will be looking to reclaim the Big Ten crown and avenge their previous loss. The stakes could not be higher for this game, and Ryan Day will be under pressure to ensure his team is fully prepared for this rivalry clash. If the Buckeyes can win this matchup, they will have a clear path to the Big Ten Championship Game and the college football playoffs.

Strategic Scheduling for Big Ten Dominance

Aside from these early tests, Ohio State’s 2025 schedule presents an ideal setup for their continued dominance in the Big Ten. After their showdown with Penn State, they have several games that could prove to be winnable if they continue to execute at a high level. Crucially, Ohio State’s positioning within the Big Ten East Division remains favorable, with Michigan being their biggest challenger. If the Buckeyes take care of business in their divisional matchups, they will have a solid chance of representing the Big Ten in the CFP.

Key Games in Big Ten Play:

1. Ohio State vs. Indiana (Home Game) Indiana has traditionally been a middle-tier team in the Big Ten, and while the Hoosiers have shown flashes of potential, Ohio State should have no trouble with them at home. These are the types of games that championship contenders cannot afford to drop, and Ohio State’s ability to control the tempo and avoid distractions will be critical. A decisive win here will help maintain their ranking and build momentum for bigger tests later in the season.
2. Ohio State at Michigan State Michigan State can always provide a difficult challenge, especially on the road, but the Buckeyes are likely to be the superior team in this matchup. This road game in the middle of the season could serve as a potential “trap game” if Ohio State gets complacent after a few high-stakes victories. However, if they remain focused and execute their game plan effectively, this should be a relatively easy win, contributing to their goal of entering the Big Ten Championship Game undefeated.
3. Ohio State vs. Iowa (Home Game) Iowa’s defense is always tough, and their team is known for playing disciplined, physical football. However, Ohio State should have a clear advantage in talent, and this home game will be an excellent opportunity for them to showcase their offensive firepower. If Ohio State can outmatch Iowa’s defense while also stopping their offense from getting into a rhythm, this could be another key victory in their bid for a Big Ten title.

The Road to the CFP and Potential Pitfalls

One of the biggest advantages Ohio State has in 2025 is their ability to avoid a gauntlet of back-to-back difficult games. The schedule is constructed in such a way that the Buckeyes have opportunities for rest and recovery between tough matchups. This setup is ideal for a team coming off a national championship win, as they will likely need to maintain their focus and avoid burnout as they approach the postseason.

Potential Pitfalls:

Despite the favorable schedule, Ohio State will still face some potential challenges in their quest for a CFP berth. A loss to Michigan in the rivalry game would likely take them out of contention for a playoff spot, and any slip-ups in games against teams like Penn State or Iowa could cost them precious rankings points.

Furthermore, Ohio State will need to ensure that their defense remains solid throughout the season, especially given the firepower of their offensive rivals. After all, a national championship run is as much about playing well on defense as it is about putting up points. If the Buckeyes can maintain a balanced, high-efficiency game plan, they’ll have a real shot at a playoff berth.