Ohio State is one among the CFP favorites for 2025, according to Urban Meyer.
Ohio State Among the CFP Favorites for 2025, According to Urban Meyer
The College Football Playoff (CFP) is the pinnacle of college football, and each year, programs across the country vie for a spot in the four-team tournament. For Ohio State, a program that has seen immense success in recent years, the quest for a CFP berth is nothing short of a tradition. But as the 2025 season approaches, the Buckeyes are once again in the conversation for a potential national title, and former head coach Urban Meyer believes they are among the CFP favorites.
Urban Meyer, a legendary figure in college football who coached Ohio State from 2012 to 2018, is no stranger to the spotlight. Under Meyer’s leadership, Ohio State won a CFP National Championship in 2014 and regularly contended for conference and national titles. Known for his strategic brilliance, his ability to recruit top-tier talent, and his unwavering commitment to excellence, Meyer has a unique insight into the potential of Ohio State’s football program in 2025.
Ohio State’s Legacy of Success
Ohio State has long been a force in college football, with its rich history and consistently dominant performances in the Big Ten Conference. Under Meyer, the Buckeyes were a perennial contender, and they have continued to thrive since his departure, with current head coach Ryan Day at the helm. The team has produced countless NFL stars, including players like Chase Young, Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, and Garrett Wilson. The Buckeyes’ ability to develop top-tier talent and maintain success year after year is a hallmark of the program.
Over the past several seasons, Ohio State has consistently been in the CFP conversation, although they’ve faced stiff competition from teams like Alabama, Clemson, and Georgia. However, Meyer’s insights into the program’s strengths and weaknesses provide a valuable perspective on why Ohio State remains one of the favorites for the 2025 season.
Urban Meyer’s Confidence in Ohio State’s Future
Urban Meyer, who is now an analyst for FOX Sports, has seen Ohio State’s evolution from his time coaching the team. His confidence in the program’s potential for 2025 stems from several factors, including the talent they continue to recruit, the stability of their coaching staff, and the program’s ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of college football.
Recruiting Excellence
One of the biggest reasons for Ohio State’s continued success is their ability to recruit elite talent year after year. The Buckeyes have long been known for pulling in top recruits, and that trend is expected to continue for the 2025 season. Under Ryan Day’s leadership, the Buckeyes have maintained a recruiting class that ranks among the best in the nation, with standout players at every position.
As of now, Ohio State has already secured commitments from several highly regarded recruits for the 2025 class, including standout quarterbacks, defensive linemen, and wide receivers. Meyer, who made recruiting a cornerstone of his tenure at Ohio State, recognizes that a team’s success in the CFP often hinges on talent acquisition, and the Buckeyes have the resources, reputation, and coaching staff to continue bringing in high-caliber players.
The Buckeyes’ offensive and defensive recruiting classes have been particularly impressive, with high school players from across the country eager to join the program. Meyer believes that Ohio State’s ability to maintain its recruiting dominance will ensure they remain a threat to any opponent they face on the national stage.
The Ryan Day Factor
Since taking over as head coach in 2019, Ryan Day has continued to uphold the legacy of Ohio State football, leading the Buckeyes to the CFP National Championship Game in 2020 and winning several Big Ten titles. Day has proven himself to be one of the most respected and innovative coaches in college football, capable of adapting to new challenges while keeping the program on top.
Meyer believes that Day’s approach to both coaching and recruiting has prepared Ohio State to remain a perennial contender for the College Football Playoff. “Ryan Day is one of the best young coaches in college football,” Meyer said. “He’s a sharp tactician, a great recruiter, and he understands what it takes to win at Ohio State. The program is in great hands under his leadership, and that’s why I think they’ll be one of the favorites for the CFP in 2025.”
Day’s offensive schemes, particularly his innovative passing attack, have made Ohio State one of the most dangerous offenses in the nation. His ability to adapt to the strengths of his personnel and create mismatches against opposing defenses will be key to Ohio State’s success in 2025.
Defensively, Day has also made significant strides, bringing in top-tier coaches and developing a defense that can compete with the best teams in the country. Meyer points to Day’s ability to balance offense and defense as a major factor that will keep Ohio State in the CFP conversation for years to come.
Quarterback Play and Offensive Firepower
One of the key components to Ohio State’s success in the 2025 season will be the play at quarterback. Historically, the Buckeyes have been fortunate to have a series of dynamic quarterbacks, including J.T. Barrett, Dwayne Haskins, and Justin Fields, all of whom had significant success under Meyer’s tenure.
As of now, the Buckeyes’ quarterback position for the 2025 season remains in a competitive battle, with Kyle McCord, Devin Brown, and Lincoln Kienholz vying for the starting role. Each of these quarterbacks brings something different to the table, with McCord having seen some playing time in 2023 and 2024, while Brown and Kienholz are expected to push for significant roles in the coming season.
Urban Meyer, who has always prioritized strong quarterback play, believes that Ohio State is in a favorable position with their options at the position. “Quarterback is such a crucial position, but when you look at the talent Ohio State has at that spot, you have to feel confident,” Meyer said. “McCord has already shown promise, and I think Devin Brown has the potential to be something special. Whoever ends up being the guy is going to have weapons all around him, which will make their job easier.”
Ohio State’s offense is poised to be explosive, with a deep and talented wide receiver group, led by Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Julian Fleming. Meyer points to these players as some of the best in college football, capable of creating matchup problems for any defense they face. “Ohio State always has elite wide receivers, and that doesn’t change in 2025. Having those guys on the outside makes the quarterback’s job much easier.”
The Defense: Reloading for 2025
While Ohio State’s offense has been the focal point of much of the attention, their defense will play an equally crucial role in their quest for the CFP in 2025. Under the leadership of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, the Buckeyes’ defense has improved significantly in recent years. The 2024 season saw major strides in terms of stopping the run and creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks, two areas that have been vulnerabilities in years past.
In 2025, Ohio State will look to reload on the defensive side of the ball, with key players like J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, and Lathan Ransom expected to lead the charge. Meyer believes that Ohio State’s defensive talent, combined with Knowles’ defensive schemes, will keep the Buckeyes competitive with the top teams in the country.
“Ohio State’s defense is capable of being elite,” Meyer stated. “They’ve got some of the best defensive linemen in the country, and they’ve been able to bring in a lot of great talent in the secondary as well. I expect the defense to be even more disruptive in 2025, and that’s what will help them get over the hump and contend for a national title.”
The Big Ten and National Landscape
Ohio State’s path to the College Football Playoff will not be without challenges. The Big Ten Conference continues to be one of the most competitive leagues in college football, with teams like Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin all fighting for supremacy. Ohio State’s annual showdown with Michigan, in particular, will be a crucial game for both teams in determining who emerges from the Big Ten with a spot in the playoff.
Nationally, Ohio State will face stiff competition from other top programs like Georgia, Alabama, Clemson, and USC, all of which have strong recruiting classes and coaching staffs. However, Meyer believes that Ohio State has the tools to outlast these programs and secure a spot in the CFP.
“The Big Ten is tough, but Ohio State has the talent to win the conference,” Meyer said. “Nationally, there are a lot of great teams, but Ohio State is right there with them. As long as they stay healthy and continue to play at a high level, they have every chance to make a run at the national title.”
