The Big Ten’s early spring rankings do not place Ohio State football at the top.
As the college football offseason heats up, discussions around early spring rankings often spark heated debates, especially when it comes to powerhouse programs like Ohio State. Despite their storied history, elite talent, and strong recruitment pipeline, Ohio State football does not top the Big Ten’s early spring rankings in 2025. This is a surprising development for many, considering the Buckeyes’ dominance in the conference and their continued success on the national stage. To fully understand why Ohio State is not ranked at the top, it’s crucial to examine various factors, including the strength of their competitors, the team’s offseason changes, and the shifting landscape of college football in the Big Ten.
The Big Ten’s Evolving Power Structure
The Big Ten Conference has long been one of the most competitive in college football, with traditional powerhouses like Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State. However, over recent seasons, the dynamics within the conference have shifted. Michigan, in particular, has risen to prominence, and its resurgence has caused a shift in the power balance that challenges Ohio State’s usual supremacy. The Wolverines, under head coach Jim Harbaugh, have become legitimate contenders in both the Big Ten and on the national scene, culminating in back-to-back victories over Ohio State in 2021 and 2022, ending Ohio State’s streak of dominance over their biggest rival.
Michigan’s emergence as a top-tier program has left Ohio State with a bit of a challenge. While Ohio State has maintained its status as a top program in the Big Ten, its recent losses to Michigan have cast doubt on their unquestioned dominance. As a result, Michigan has earned more respect in the rankings, and many analysts are now positioning them ahead of Ohio State in early spring rankings for 2025.
Beyond Michigan, Penn State also presents a formidable challenge. James Franklin’s team has recruited well and is always a tough opponent in the conference. The Nittany Lions are coming off a strong 2024 season and appear to be on the rise. With a loaded roster and a growing reputation, Penn State has positioned itself as a contender in the Big Ten, further complicating Ohio State’s place at the top of the rankings.
Ohio State’s 2025 Roster: A Work in Progress
Ohio State’s position in the early spring rankings is not entirely surprising when you take into account the state of the team’s roster. While the Buckeyes are consistently one of the most talented teams in the country, they are undergoing some significant changes in 2025 that could affect their performance. The team is in a period of transition, particularly with regard to key positions like quarterback and wide receiver.
Quarterback Play
One of the most glaring questions surrounding Ohio State in 2025 is the quarterback position. C.J. Stroud, one of the most talented quarterbacks in recent memory, left for the NFL after an illustrious career with the Buckeyes. His departure has left a significant void at the most important position on the field. Ohio State has several options to fill this role, including returning quarterbacks Kyle McCord and Devin Brown, but neither player has yet to prove himself as a clear successor to Stroud’s high level of play.
Kyle McCord has been considered the likely candidate to take over the starting job after backing up Stroud for a couple of years, but he has yet to experience the full weight of being the starting quarterback for Ohio State. While McCord has flashed potential, questions remain about his ability to execute at a championship level. Devin Brown, on the other hand, is an intriguing prospect with excellent physical tools, but he, too, lacks experience in leading an elite program like Ohio State. The uncertainty at quarterback is a critical issue for the Buckeyes, as the quarterback position is often the key to success for a championship-caliber team.
Wide Receiver Departures
Ohio State has been known for producing top-tier wide receivers year in and year out, and the 2025 season is no different. However, the Buckeyes are facing significant departures at this position. In 2024, Ohio State saw standout wide receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka leave for the NFL. These two players were integral to the team’s offensive success and created a dynamic air attack that defenses struggled to contain. With Harrison and Egbuka gone, Ohio State faces the challenge of finding new playmakers to step up and fill the void.
While the Buckeyes have talented wide receivers on the roster, including Julian Fleming and a talented group of incoming freshmen, the lack of proven stars at the position is a concern. In early spring rankings, teams with a stable and proven receiving corps are often given an edge, and Ohio State’s inexperience at wide receiver could impact its ability to contend for the top spot in the conference.
Ohio State’s Defense: A Work in Progress
The defense has been another area where Ohio State has faced scrutiny in recent seasons. While the Buckeyes consistently field a talented defense, they have struggled in key moments, especially in big games. In 2024, Ohio State’s defense showed signs of improvement, but they still struggled to get key stops against high-powered offenses, especially in the postseason. The 2025 season will see new faces in critical spots, and while head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles are working to improve the defensive game plan, it remains an area of concern.
The Buckeyes have talented defensive players, such as defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, and cornerback Denzel Burke, but the unit as a whole is still evolving. Ohio State needs to prove that its defense can rise to the occasion, particularly in rivalry games and during the postseason, where past failures have often come into play.
Michigan’s Continued Dominance
Despite Ohio State’s recruiting success and its historical dominance in the Big Ten, the Wolverines have proven to be a serious threat to the Buckeyes’ place at the top. Michigan’s victories over Ohio State in the last two seasons have given the Wolverines an edge in both the rankings and the psychological battle between the two teams. The Wolverines have a strong program, a reliable quarterback in J.J. McCarthy, and an excellent head coach in Jim Harbaugh, who has proven his ability to win in big moments.
In 2025, Michigan is positioned as the team to beat in the Big Ten, with a talented roster that is deep across the board. Michigan’s defense is stout, and their offense, led by McCarthy and a talented group of playmakers, is one of the most efficient in the country. Given Michigan’s dominance in recent seasons, it’s no surprise that many analysts are picking the Wolverines over Ohio State in the early spring rankings for 2025.
Penn State and Other Challengers
Penn State has been steadily building under James Franklin and appears to be ready to challenge Ohio State and Michigan for supremacy in the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions have a strong defense, an improving offense, and a program that has shown steady growth over the past few seasons. With top-tier recruits and a solid core of returning players, Penn State is a team that could pose a serious threat in 2025. The early spring rankings reflect this growing sentiment, as Penn State is being considered a potential frontrunner to challenge Ohio State and Michigan for the Big Ten title.
Additionally, teams like Wisconsin and Iowa, known for their strong defenses and physical styles of play, will always be tough competitors in the Big Ten. While they may not have the same level of explosive offense as Ohio State or Michigan, their ability to control the line of scrimmage and play a disciplined brand of football makes them perennial threats in the conference.
Ohio State’s Path Forward
While Ohio State’s position in the early spring rankings may not be at the top of the Big Ten, it’s important to remember that these rankings are based on predictions, many of which are made before the season begins. Ohio State still has one of the most talented rosters in the country, and their potential for growth throughout the offseason is significant. The development of their quarterback, the emergence of new playmakers at wide receiver, and the continued evolution of their defense could all play a key role in determining how the Buckeyes perform in 2025.
Ohio State will likely use their position in the rankings as motivation to prove that they remain the team to beat in the Big Ten. With a head coach like Ryan Day, who has consistently fielded championship-caliber teams, and a coaching staff with the experience to make adjustments, the Buckeyes are well-equipped to turn things around and challenge for a spot at the top of the rankings as the season progresses.
