Sports News Following the College Football Playoff National Championship, Ohio State is credited with taking the only necessary action.

Sports News: Following the College Football Playoff National Championship, Ohio State is Credited with Taking the Only Necessary Action

The conclusion of the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship (CFP) left college football fans across the country buzzing with excitement, especially in the state of Ohio. For Ohio State, however, the outcome was bittersweet. Despite a season that ended in heartbreak, falling just short of winning the national title, the Buckeyes were already looking ahead—reflecting on what went right, what went wrong, and what changes needed to be made in order to return to the top. Rather than rest on their laurels, the Buckeyes quickly made critical decisions to improve and position themselves for a more successful 2025 season.

Following the national championship game, it became clear that Ohio State’s coaching staff, players, and athletic department were proactive in evaluating the team’s performance. They did not view their successful season as the peak but rather as the foundation for something greater. Ryan Day, head coach of Ohio State, made key adjustments in various areas that he and the program believed were necessary for continued growth, both in terms of on-field performance and overall team development.

This article will delve into the immediate steps Ohio State took after the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship and why these actions are seen as the only necessary steps to keep the program competitive in a landscape that has grown more competitive by the year. From coaching changes to adjustments in recruiting and player development, Ohio State’s response was calculated, measured, and ultimately indicative of the program’s ambition.

Reflecting on the 2024 College Football Playoff Run

Ohio State entered the 2024 College Football Playoff with high expectations. The Buckeyes had finished the regular season with an impressive 12-1 record, with their sole loss coming to Michigan in a heartbreaking rivalry game. Despite this setback, Ohio State remained one of the most talented teams in the country, boasting a potent offense led by quarterback [Quarterback Name] and a defense that had shown significant improvements over the previous year.

In the CFP semifinal, Ohio State delivered an impressive performance, securing a dominant victory over a fellow College Football Playoff contender. The team displayed the offensive firepower that had become synonymous with Ryan Day’s tenure as head coach. However, in the national championship game against [Opponent], Ohio State found itself in a familiar position—competing on the biggest stage in college football. Despite a valiant effort, the Buckeyes fell short in a hard-fought battle.

Though the team left the game feeling disappointed, they knew the 2024 season would be a valuable learning experience. The performance against [Opponent] in the CFP championship highlighted some key areas where Ohio State needed to improve in order to reclaim the title in 2025. The Buckeyes were able to take a step back, analyze their weaknesses, and begin making the adjustments necessary for the future.

1. Coaching Staff Changes: The Need for New Leadership and Perspective

One of the most immediate actions Ohio State took following the national championship was addressing coaching staff changes. While Ryan Day had built a reputation as an offensive mastermind, the coaching landscape in college football is ever-evolving. It is not uncommon for successful programs to make changes in their coaching staff in order to inject new ideas, address areas of weakness, and ensure the team can adapt to the latest trends in the game. Ohio State recognized that the success they enjoyed in 2024 was not enough and that improvements were needed in both offensive and defensive play-calling.

Offensive Coordinator Change

Ryan Day’s decision to bring in a new offensive coordinator was arguably the most significant change Ohio State made in the aftermath of the national championship. The Buckeyes had a potent offense in 2024, ranking among the nation’s best in terms of total yards and scoring. However, their offense faced moments of inconsistency, particularly in high-pressure situations where the team failed to execute when it mattered most.

To address these issues, Ohio State hired [New Offensive Coordinator’s Name], a respected coach known for his innovative approach to offensive football and his ability to adapt to changing defensive schemes. [New Coordinator’s Name] had previously been the offensive coordinator at [Previous School], where his offenses routinely ranked near the top of the country in efficiency and yards per play.

Under [New Offensive Coordinator’s Name], Ohio State hopes to develop a more balanced and dynamic offensive attack, blending a potent passing game with a more consistent running game. The addition of a fresh voice and a new perspective on game-planning and play-calling should make Ohio State’s offense more unpredictable, efficient, and ultimately more effective in crunch-time situations.

Defensive Coordinator Adjustment

While Ohio State’s defense had shown improvement in 2024, the Buckeyes’ struggles in the national championship against a high-powered offense highlighted some weaknesses. Ohio State had long been known for its explosive offense, but the defense was often seen as a work in progress. The team allowed [Opponent] to exploit certain areas of their defense, particularly in the secondary and pass rush.

As part of the necessary changes, Ryan Day and Ohio State made the decision to bring in [New Defensive Coordinator’s Name] to overhaul the defense. [New Defensive Coordinator’s Name] brought a reputation for running aggressive, attacking defenses that excelled at generating pressure on the quarterback and forcing turnovers. The focus would shift to creating more disruptive plays, improving the pass rush, and ensuring that the secondary would perform at the highest level in big games.

Ohio State recognized that if they were to consistently compete for a national championship, they needed a defense capable of standing toe-to-toe with the best offenses in college football. With the addition of [New Defensive Coordinator’s Name], the Buckeyes made a decisive move to address the defensive issues that had been exposed in the national championship.

2. Recruiting Adjustments: Building for the Future

In addition to coaching changes, Ohio State knew that they had to bolster their recruiting efforts in key areas. College football is a constantly evolving sport, and recruiting remains one of the primary ways to ensure that a program stays competitive. Ohio State has long been regarded as one of the top recruiting programs in the country, but after the national championship game, it was clear that there were areas where the Buckeyes needed to improve in terms of talent acquisition.

Strengthening the Offensive and Defensive Lines

One of the areas Ohio State focused on in their recruiting efforts was strengthening the trenches—both on the offensive and defensive lines. Despite their explosive offense, Ohio State’s offensive line struggled at times, particularly in the national championship when they were tasked with protecting the quarterback against a stout defensive front. On defense, the Buckeyes’ pass rush could not consistently get to the opposing quarterback, allowing for long drives that ultimately wore down the defense.

As part of their recruiting overhaul, Ohio State targeted top-tier offensive and defensive line prospects, aiming to bring in more depth and talent to these critical positions. The addition of talented young players on the offensive line would provide greater protection for [Quarterback Name], while also enhancing the run game, which had been inconsistent at times. On the defensive line, Ohio State focused on adding elite pass rushers who could wreak havoc in the backfield and help the defense become more disruptive.

Rebuilding the Secondary

Another area of emphasis for Ohio State’s recruiting was the secondary. In the national championship, the Buckeyes struggled to contain the opposing receivers, and there were times when miscommunications in the secondary led to big plays. Recognizing the importance of having a lockdown secondary, Ohio State went after top-tier defensive backs in the 2025 recruiting class, aiming to add depth and talent to the cornerback and safety positions.

With more playmakers in the secondary, Ohio State would not only be able to shut down opposing passing games more effectively but also be better equipped to handle the high-powered offenses that dominate college football today. The addition of skilled cornerbacks and safeties would also complement the efforts of the defensive front and create a more well-rounded defensive unit.

3. Player Development: A Stronger Mental and Physical Approach

In addition to changes in the coaching staff and recruiting, Ohio State placed a greater emphasis on player development. After a season of near-misses and a heartbreaking loss in the national championship, it became clear that the Buckeyes needed to focus on building mental toughness and resilience within the team.

Mental Conditioning

Ohio State’s sports psychologists worked with players throughout the offseason to develop mental resilience. The coaching staff wanted to ensure that players could stay calm and focused in the heat of battle, especially in high-pressure situations where Ohio State had faltered in the past. Mental conditioning became a key focus as Ohio State worked to prepare its players for the mental and emotional challenges of championship-level football.

Building Leadership and Depth

Finally, Ohio State’s emphasis on leadership development also played a critical role in their post-CFP response. Ryan Day and his staff ensured that team leaders—both returning players and incoming recruits—were fully equipped to guide the team through the ups and downs of the season. The Buckeyes wanted to develop more on-field leaders who could rise to the occasion when needed most, particularly in tight games where leadership and poise would make the difference.