Where will Ohio State be rated at the beginning of the 2025 college football season?

As we look ahead to the 2025 college football season, it’s clear that Ohio State will be a central figure in the national conversation. The Buckeyes, under the guidance of head coach Ryan Day, have consistently been one of the most dominant programs in college football, producing elite talent, competing for national championships, and maintaining a high standard of excellence. With a history of success, an influx of talented recruits, and a coaching staff that consistently adapts to the ever-changing landscape of college football, Ohio State will undoubtedly be in the mix for a top ranking when the 2025 season begins.

But the question remains: Where will Ohio State be ranked at the start of the 2025 season?

To answer that question, we must consider a variety of factors, including the team’s performance in the preceding seasons, key returning players, the challenges they will face in the upcoming year, and the expectations surrounding the program.

1. Ohio State’s Performance in the 2024 Season

Before we can accurately project Ohio State’s ranking in 2025, it’s crucial to consider how the team performs in the 2024 season. The rankings at the beginning of the 2025 season will be heavily influenced by the Buckeyes’ success (or lack thereof) in the 2024 season, as well as the major storylines surrounding the team in the aftermath of that year.

2024: A National Championship Contender?

At the start of the 2024 season, Ohio State will likely enter the year as a top-five contender, with potential playoff aspirations. The Buckeyes have remained a perennial powerhouse in the Big Ten, often finishing near the top of the rankings and regularly earning playoff berths. In 2024, they are expected to be once again in the national championship conversation, given the talent they’ll have returning to the roster.

Key factors that will influence Ohio State’s ranking in 2024 include the performance of their quarterback, offensive line, and defense, as well as the level of competition in the Big Ten.

• Quarterback Play: A defining feature of any championship-caliber team, Ohio State will need strong quarterback play. Whether it’s Kyle McCord, Devin Brown, or a new face under center, the quarterback position will be crucial to Ohio State’s success in 2024. If the Buckeyes have a standout QB, expect their ranking to soar into the top three, or even No. 1, depending on their season.
• Offensive Firepower: The Buckeyes consistently produce elite offensive talent, and 2024 should be no different. Players like Marvin Harrison Jr., one of the top wide receivers in college football, and a potential Heisman candidate, will lead a dynamic passing attack. If Ohio State’s offensive line can protect their quarterback and maintain dominance in the run game, the Buckeyes will be a potent offensive force.
• Defense: Ohio State’s defense, led by Jim Knowles, has undergone significant improvements in recent years. If the defense can maintain a high level of play, particularly in the secondary and along the defensive line, Ohio State will have the balance necessary to compete with the best teams in the country.
• Big Ten Competition: Ohio State’s schedule in 2024 will feature traditional rivals like Michigan, Penn State, and potentially others that will challenge their ranking. Ohio State’s success in these marquee games will go a long way in determining whether they can remain a top contender in the rankings.

If Ohio State can manage to navigate these challenges successfully in 2024, a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP) is highly likely. Should the Buckeyes win the Big Ten Championship and secure a playoff berth, expect them to enter the 2025 season in the top two or three, with a potential No. 1 ranking if they win the national title.

If Ohio State stumbles in the regular season or falls short in key games, particularly to Michigan or in the Big Ten Championship, they may still be ranked highly at the beginning of 2025, but likely outside of the top three.

2. Key Returning Players and Recruiting Impact

A program like Ohio State’s is always in a state of flux, with new recruits arriving each year and upperclassmen leaving for the NFL Draft. However, Ohio State is known for its ability to reload year after year, and the 2025 season will be no different.

Returning Talent

As of 2025, the Buckeyes will have several players returning from their 2024 squad. While it’s impossible to predict exactly who will return, some key positions to consider include:

• Wide Receiver: Ohio State has consistently produced NFL-caliber wide receivers, and Marvin Harrison Jr. (if he returns) would be a top candidate to anchor the Buckeyes’ passing game. Players like Emeka Egbuka and Julian Fleming could also be factors, as they could emerge as go-to weapons. Their ability to elevate the offense will keep Ohio State near the top of the rankings.
• Offensive Line: Ohio State’s offensive line has been a strength of the program in recent years. If the Buckeyes can continue to develop young talent along the offensive line, it will provide their skill players with ample time to make plays, which will translate into success in the rankings.
• Defense: Ohio State has been known for producing dominant defensive players, and players like J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, and other future stars could continue to provide the team with elite-level defense. A strong defensive unit will be crucial for the Buckeyes to maintain a top ranking.

Recruiting Class Impact

Ohio State is also known for consistently recruiting some of the best talent in the country, particularly in the state of Ohio and nationally. The 2025 recruiting class will be key to determining the team’s depth and talent moving forward. By securing top recruits at positions of need, such as quarterback, defensive line, and secondary, Ohio State will continue to reload and remain a major force in college football.

The 2025 class will have a chance to impact the Buckeyes immediately. Players like quarterbacks and skill players could find their way into key roles early on, potentially elevating Ohio State’s offensive and defensive units.

3. The Impact of Ryan Day and Coaching Stability

One of the biggest reasons for Ohio State’s sustained success under Ryan Day is the program’s coaching stability. Since Day took over as head coach in 2019, the Buckeyes have been consistently among the best teams in the nation. Day is an elite offensive mind and has instilled a culture of success at Ohio State that ensures the Buckeyes remain competitive year in and year out.

In 2025, Day will be entering his seventh season as head coach, and by then, he will have solidified his legacy as one of the best coaches in the country. His leadership, particularly in managing the quarterback position, developing players, and adapting to the ever-changing college football landscape, will play a key role in the team’s success.

If Day continues to recruit at an elite level and the coaching staff remains intact, the Buckeyes will continue to be a perennial contender for national championships, keeping them near the top of the rankings.

4. The Competitive Landscape of College Football in 2025

As always, the college football landscape in 2025 will be filled with other elite programs vying for supremacy. Ohio State will face stiff competition from teams like:

• Georgia: The Bulldogs are currently one of the top programs in the country, and with Kirby Smart continuing to recruit at an elite level, Georgia will likely remain a top contender. Ohio State will have to compete with Georgia, particularly for recruits and in any potential playoff matchup.
• Alabama: Alabama is always a threat, especially under Nick Saban. Even with the potential for a changing landscape in college football (especially with NIL and the transfer portal), Alabama’s consistent success and elite talent will keep them in the mix for a top ranking.
• Clemson: Despite a slight dip in form in recent years, Clemson remains a strong program, and they will always be a contender in the ACC.
• Michigan: The Buckeyes’ biggest rival is no slouch. Jim Harbaugh has turned Michigan into a perennial contender, and a rivalry with Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship could once again be pivotal in shaping the rankings.
• Other Big Ten Programs: Programs like Penn State, Wisconsin, and Iowa will continue to challenge Ohio State for supremacy in the Big Ten.

With the continued rise of these programs, the Buckeyes will need to maintain their level of play, particularly in conference games, to keep their spot near the top of the rankings. If Ohio State can beat their rivals, particularly Michigan, and continue to perform at a high level, they will be firmly entrenched in the top five.

 Projecting Ohio State’s Ranking in 2025

Given all of the factors outlined above, Ohio State will likely enter the 2025 college football season ranked in the top five, possibly in the top three. If they perform well in the 2024 season, particularly by winning the Big Ten Championship and making the College Football Playoff, they could very well start the 2025 season as the No. 1 team in the nation.

However, even if they face some challenges in 2024, it’s hard to imagine Ohio State falling far out of the top five. With a combination of elite talent, strong coaching, and consistent success, the Buckeyes will remain one of the most feared teams

in college football.

As long as Ryan Day is at the helm and the talent pipeline continues to flow, Ohio State will be a national championship contender, and their ranking in 2025 will reflect that. Whether No. 1, 2, or 3, Ohio State will undoubtedly be in the hunt for another College Football Playoff berth and a chance at a national title in 2025.