Ohio State must navigate a familiar yet evolving path to stay atop college football, adapting to new challenges ahead.

Ohio State University’s football program has long been a beacon of success in the world of college football, standing tall among the most elite programs in the sport. The Buckeyes’ storied tradition of winning, their elite recruiting prowess, and their consistent development of NFL-caliber talent have allowed the program to maintain a competitive edge. However, as college football continues to evolve, Ohio State must face new challenges that may test the foundation upon which its success is built.

Despite the many changes in college football over the years, Ohio State’s approach has generally been rooted in its ability to recruit top talent, develop players at an elite level, and provide strong leadership and coaching. However, as the landscape of college football shifts—driven by the expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP), the rise of the transfer portal, and the rapid growth of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals—the Buckeyes will need to adapt to remain atop the college football world.

Ohio State’s journey, while familiar in many ways, is now confronting new realities that could reshape the way the program operates. To stay on top, the Buckeyes will need to navigate this evolving landscape, drawing on their historical strengths while adjusting to the new challenges that lie ahead.

The Evolving College Football Landscape

The college football landscape has seen a seismic shift in recent years. These changes are creating new challenges and opportunities for every program in the country. For Ohio State, these new dynamics mean the path to maintaining national relevance and securing championships has grown more complicated, even if the foundational principles of success remain the same.

The Expanded College Football Playoff

One of the most significant changes in college football is the expansion of the College Football Playoff, which will include 12 teams starting in 2024. While the current four-team playoff has been a source of excitement and controversy, the expanded format offers more opportunities for teams to make a run at the national title. For Ohio State, the move to a 12-team playoff could be both a blessing and a challenge.

On one hand, the expanded playoff increases the chances for teams to make the postseason, allowing Ohio State to endure the occasional slip-up in the regular season and still secure a spot. The expanded format also opens the door to more exciting matchups, offering the Buckeyes opportunities to prove themselves against a wider range of opponents, including teams from other conferences that may have been overlooked in the past.

However, with more teams entering the playoff field, competition will intensify. Ohio State will need to stay sharp throughout the entire season, as the margin for error becomes thinner. Additionally, the increased number of games could lead to potential wear and tear on players, which places more emphasis on depth and player management. As Ohio State navigates this new postseason format, they will need to continue their strong recruitment and focus on depth, ensuring that they are ready for the rigors of an expanded playoff system.

The Rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness)

The introduction of NIL deals in college athletics has revolutionized recruiting and player compensation. Players now have the opportunity to earn money from their name, image, and likeness, which has shifted the way programs approach both recruiting and player development. While NIL is an opportunity for athletes, it also presents new challenges for programs like Ohio State, which must navigate this new reality while maintaining the integrity of their team and culture.

Ohio State, as one of the most recognized programs in the nation, is well-positioned to take advantage of NIL. The Buckeyes have a large, passionate fan base and significant media exposure, both of which can help players secure lucrative NIL deals. However, NIL deals can also lead to a hyper-competitive recruiting environment, where high school athletes may make decisions based on immediate financial opportunities rather than a long-term vision of development. This raises questions about whether NIL could affect Ohio State’s ability to recruit players who are solely focused on the sport or on the holistic experience of college athletics.

Moreover, the NIL boom can lead to distractions for players, with the potential to shift their focus away from their academic and athletic goals. Ohio State will need to ensure that NIL opportunities are offered in a way that aligns with the program’s values, ensuring that athletes stay committed to their development on the field while reaping the benefits of their marketability. The program will need to strike a balance between capitalizing on NIL’s potential and preserving its culture of hard work, discipline, and long-term success.

The Transfer Portal

Another game-changer in modern college football is the transfer portal, which allows players to transfer between schools more freely than ever before. The portal has created a new dynamic in college football, where rosters are more fluid than in previous years. Players can transfer without sitting out a year, and as a result, teams must be prepared for the possibility of roster turnover and the acquisition of players from other schools.

For Ohio State, the transfer portal offers both opportunities and risks. On the one hand, the Buckeyes can bolster their roster by adding experienced players to fill immediate needs, whether at key positions or for depth. Ohio State has already had success in using the transfer portal to bring in talent that has helped strengthen their team.

On the other hand, the transfer portal can lead to instability. Ohio State, like other programs, will need to work harder to retain their players and ensure that the team’s core values remain intact. In an era where players can quickly move to other schools in search of better opportunities, keeping a cohesive, committed roster is more important than ever. Ohio State must continue to build relationships with their players and maintain a strong culture that encourages loyalty and development from within the program.

Recruiting in the New Era

In light of the expanded playoff, NIL, and the transfer portal, recruiting has become more complicated. Top-tier high school prospects are now facing more decisions than ever, with NIL deals and the allure of the transfer portal creating new pathways to success. While Ohio State has long been a recruiting powerhouse, the evolving landscape requires the program to continue adapting its approach.

To remain competitive, Ohio State will need to emphasize not only the advantages of playing for a national powerhouse but also the development opportunities it offers. While NIL deals may tempt recruits with immediate financial benefits, Ohio State must highlight the long-term advantages of being part of a culture dedicated to player development, both on and off the field. The Buckeyes have a strong track record of preparing players for the NFL, and this should remain a major selling point in recruiting battles.

In addition, Ohio State must continue to leverage its strong relationships with high school coaches, athletic directors, and other key figures in recruiting circles. The Buckeyes’ recruitment of top talent from Ohio and across the country has been a hallmark of their success, and maintaining those relationships is key to keeping the pipeline full of future stars.

A Strong Foundation of Coaching and Leadership

One of Ohio State’s biggest advantages moving forward is its strong coaching staff. Ryan Day, who has established himself as one of the top coaches in college football, will play a pivotal role in navigating the new challenges facing the program. Day’s leadership, combined with the stability and experience of his coaching staff, provides Ohio State with a solid foundation as it moves forward in this changing landscape.

Day’s ability to adapt to the challenges posed by NIL, the transfer portal, and the expanded playoff will be crucial in determining Ohio State’s continued success. Under Day’s leadership, Ohio State has already shown an ability to recruit top talent, develop players, and compete at the highest level. Day will need to continue to evolve as a coach and leader to ensure that Ohio State remains a dominant force in college football.

Ohio State’s Path Forward

To stay on top in the ever-evolving world of college football, Ohio State must embrace change while remaining true to its core values of recruiting excellence, player development, and disciplined leadership. While the challenges facing Ohio State are significant, they are not insurmountable. The program has the resources, the tradition, and the leadership to continue thriving in this new era of college football.

Ohio State must remain flexible and innovative, making adjustments where necessary while never losing sight of the foundation that has made it successful for over a century. As long as the Buckeyes continue to adapt, recruit, and develop with an eye on both short-term success and long-term sustainability, they will remain a dominant force in college football for years to come.

In conclusion, the path ahead for Ohio State is both familiar and evolving. While the program must contend with a variety of new challenges, its history of excellence and commitment to the pursuit of greatness position it well to continue thriving at the highest level. By adapting to new realities and staying true to its winning tradition, Ohio State can continue to sit atop the college football mountaintop for the foreseeable future.