Josh Pate’s latest college football rankings will have Buckeye Nation questioning why Ohio State is ranked where they are
College football rankings have long been a source of both excitement and controversy, especially as the sport enters its annual postseason push. Whether it’s the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings, preseason polls, or midseason updates, rankings play a crucial role in shaping narratives about a team’s success, its path to the playoffs, and its future. And no program is more familiar with the spotlight, both in terms of praise and scrutiny, than Ohio State University. Under head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have solidified themselves as perennial playoff contenders and national championship hopefuls, but recent college football rankings, particularly those from prominent analysts like Josh Pate, have placed Ohio State in a position that is causing concern among Buckeye fans.
Josh Pate, known for his detailed analysis and rankings, has earned a reputation for producing thought-provoking and often controversial takes in the college football world. His rankings have sparked significant discussion, and the latest update has led Buckeye Nation to question Ohio State’s standing, especially when compared to other top teams. For a program like Ohio State, which has consistently ranked among the top teams in the country, finding themselves outside of the elite tier in these rankings raises legitimate questions.
In this article, we will explore why Josh Pate’s rankings have created such a stir among Ohio State fans, the factors contributing to Ohio State’s position, and how the Buckeyes can prove their worth as one of the top programs in college football moving forward.
The Latest College Football Rankings: What Has Buckeye Nation Riled Up?
Josh Pate’s rankings for college football have sparked a great deal of conversation, particularly when it comes to Ohio State’s placement. For years, Ohio State has been a fixture near the top of most major polls, thanks to their consistent dominance in the Big Ten and their strong performances on the national stage. However, in Pate’s latest rankings, Ohio State finds itself not at the very top of the list, where many fans believe they belong, but rather positioned a bit lower than expected. For a program with the recent success and talent level that Ohio State has demonstrated, this placement has generated significant backlash among fans.
The frustration is not necessarily that Ohio State is ranked poorly, but that they are seemingly being overlooked in favor of other programs, particularly those in the SEC and other power conferences. With teams like Georgia, Alabama, and Michigan receiving higher rankings, many in Buckeye Nation are left wondering why Ohio State isn’t ranked among the top few teams.
Part of the issue stems from the fact that Ohio State has consistently been a program that competes for national titles, and fans are used to seeing their team at or near the top of rankings. The idea of the Buckeyes being ranked outside the elite few is a stark contrast to the expectations that come with being a powerhouse program in one of the most competitive conferences in college football.
Why Ohio State’s Ranking in Josh Pate’s Poll Is Generating Controversy
To fully understand why Josh Pate’s rankings have caused such an uproar, we need to dive into the factors that contributed to Ohio State’s ranking and why those elements are causing tension within Buckeye Nation. Several key reasons stand out, each contributing to the overall discussion about Ohio State’s current standing.
1. Ohio State’s Recent Performance in Big Games
One of the most significant factors that could be affecting Ohio State’s ranking in Josh Pate’s eyes is the team’s performance in big games, particularly in the College Football Playoff (CFP). Despite their dominance within the Big Ten, Ohio State has faltered in high-stakes matchups, particularly against top-tier SEC teams. Recent playoff losses to programs like Alabama and Georgia have left a bad taste in the mouths of many college football analysts and fans alike.
While Ohio State has been competitive in most of these games, their inability to win when it matters most—specifically in the playoff and in key bowl games—has raised doubts about their ability to perform on the biggest stage. Josh Pate and others have pointed to these moments as evidence that Ohio State might be a step behind the truly elite programs in college football, particularly in the SEC.
Even though Ohio State remains a top-tier team in terms of regular-season play, their failure to win national championships in recent years, despite having rosters full of NFL talent, has led some analysts to question whether they are truly as dominant as they once were. As a result, Ohio State’s position in the rankings has been affected by the lingering doubts about their postseason success, despite their regular-season dominance.
2. The SEC’s Continued Dominance
Another major reason for Ohio State’s placement in Pate’s rankings is the continued dominance of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in college football. For the past decade, teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU have solidified the SEC’s reputation as the most competitive conference in the country. These teams have consistently produced top-tier talent, dominated recruiting, and captured national titles. In contrast, the Big Ten—while still a strong conference—has struggled to match the SEC’s level of success in the postseason.
The success of SEC teams like Georgia and Alabama in recent years has elevated their standing in the eyes of many analysts, including Josh Pate. These teams have proven themselves to be the gold standard in college football, and as a result, the SEC’s top teams are often ranked higher than teams from other conferences, including Ohio State. Pate’s rankings reflect this trend, and many Buckeye fans are frustrated by the notion that Ohio State has been relegated to a lower tier despite their own impressive success.
While the Big Ten remains competitive and Ohio State continues to dominate within the conference, the SEC’s ability to win national championships and produce NFL-caliber talent has led to the perception that SEC teams deserve higher rankings, even if Ohio State’s overall roster is comparable.
3. Ohio State’s Quarterback Situation
Ohio State’s quarterback situation heading into the 2025 season is another factor contributing to their ranking in Josh Pate’s poll. The Buckeyes have had a history of elite quarterbacks, from Troy Smith to Dwayne Haskins to Justin Fields, and their quarterback play has often been a driving force behind their success. However, entering the 2025 season, there is some uncertainty regarding who will emerge as the full-time starter at quarterback. While Ohio State has talented quarterbacks like Kyle McCord and Devin Brown, questions about their development and ability to lead the team to a national title have surfaced.
Quarterback play is crucial in today’s college football landscape, and while Ohio State has recruited top talent, the lack of clarity at the position could be affecting their ranking in Pate’s eyes. The Buckeyes are undoubtedly talented across the board, but without a proven quarterback to lead them in high-stakes games, there may be reservations about how far they can truly go in the postseason. Until a clear leader emerges under center, Ohio State’s ranking could continue to be in question.
4. Michigan’s Rise as a National Power
One of the most notable developments in college football in recent years has been Michigan’s resurgence as a legitimate national power. Under head coach Jim Harbaugh, Michigan has made tremendous strides and has become Ohio State’s most significant competition in the Big Ten. The Wolverines have not only become a formidable force in their own right but have also knocked Ohio State off its perch at the top of the Big Ten in recent seasons.
Michigan’s success, including winning the Big Ten title and securing playoff berths, has prompted many analysts to reconsider the overall strength of Ohio State’s position. Michigan’s ability to challenge Ohio State for supremacy in the Big Ten and their strong performances in national competition have led some to elevate the Wolverines in the rankings, further pushing Ohio State down. This added competition within the conference has created more doubt about Ohio State’s overall dominance and their ability to remain at the top of the national conversation.
How Ohio State Can Prove Its Worth Moving Forward
Despite the frustration surrounding their ranking, Ohio State still has the opportunity to prove their worth in the 2025 season. The Buckeyes are a program with a rich history and an outstanding roster, and while they may not be ranked at the very top, they are certainly capable of competing for a national title. Here are a few ways Ohio State can prove that they deserve to be considered one of the top teams in the country:
1. Win the Big Ten and Secure a Playoff Berth
One of the easiest ways for Ohio State to prove its worth is to win the Big Ten and secure a spot in the College Football Playoff. A dominant season in the conference, combined with a few signature wins, would solidify Ohio State’s place among the nation’s elite. If the Buckeyes can go through Michigan, Penn State, and other tough Big Ten opponents, their position in the rankings will be impossible to deny.
2. Play Like a National Title Contender
Ohio State’s ability to perform in big games will also be critical. If they can win crucial non-conference games and perform well in high-profile matchups, they’ll prove that they can hang with the best. A strong showing in the early part of the season can also help silence critics who question their readiness for the postseason.
3. Develop a Star Quarterback
Ohio State’s success has often been driven by elite quarterback play, and the development of a top-tier signal-caller in 2025 would go a long way toward improving the team’s prospects. If McCord or Brown can step up and play at a high level, it would give Ohio State the firepower they need to challenge for a national championship.
Ohio State’s Position Is Not the End of the Road
While Josh Pate’s rankings have left Buckeye fans questioning their team’s standing in college football, it’s important to remember that rankings are fluid and often subject
