Rival Coach Says Uber-Talented Ohio State Remains Team to Beat

Ohio State coach Ryan Day faced immense backlash last November after his Buckeyes suffered another loss to rival Michigan. But less than two months later, the Buckeyes were crowned national champions, ending a decade-long title drought and dispelling concerns that Day might not be the man for the job.

Day signed a seven-year contract extension in February that made him the second-highest-paid coach in the country after Georgia’s Kirby Smart and keeps him in Columbus through 2031. Heading into 2025 with wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs back, the reigning champs could start the season ranked No. 1 for the first time since 2015.

“The resilience of Day and his staff is really, really remarkable,” an anonymous Big Ten assistant coach said in Athlon Sports’ 2025 College Football Preview magazine. “I don’t think they get enough credit from the public for how they managed the playoff run after losing to Michigan.

“The calls for his job were absolutely ludicrous. Do they need to beat Michigan? Yeah, sure. But this program is at the very top of the sport because of the head coach.”

These comments were made in Ohio State’s exclusive scouting report in Athlon’s annual magazine, which is available for purchase online and at newsstands nationwide.

The Buckeyes saw defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly leave for Penn State and the Las Vegas Raiders, respectively, so there is brain drain from the title-winning staff to deal with. And then there’s the matter of replacing a record-tying 14 NFL Draft picks, including four first-rounders.

Ohio State reloaded with another top-five recruiting class and by adding key pieces in the transfer portal. The Buckeyes also return All-Americans on both sides of the ball as they attempt to repeat as national champs.

“Whoever wins the quarterback battle has one of the best receiver rooms in the country,” the anonymous assistant said.

All indications are that it will be former five-star prospect Julian Sayin, who appeared in four games in 2024 after transferring from Alabama. The first test for the sophomore will be at home against Texas, a fellow national title contender that could challenge Ohio State for the top spot in the preseason poll.

Ohio State University has long been a powerhouse in college football, and recent remarks from rival coaches and former Buckeyes legends underscore the team’s continued dominance. From Purdue’s Ryan Walters to Texas’ Steve Sarkisian, and even Urban Meyer and Jim Tressel, the consensus is clear: Ohio State remains the team to beat.

Purdue head coach Ryan Walters praised Ohio State’s depth and talent, stating, “They have a talented offensive line, talented receivers… Every year they sign three, four, and five-star guys.” ([si.com][1])

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian labeled Ohio State as “the best team in college football,” emphasizing the challenge his team faces in the upcoming matchup. ([africa.espn.com][2])

Endorsements from Former Ohio State Coaches

Urban Meyer, who led Ohio State to a national championship in 2014, described the 2024 roster as “one of the most talented rosters in the last decade, maybe ever.” ([bleacherreport.com][3])

Jim Tressel

Jim Tressel, another former head coach, concurred, stating, “I don’t know if I have ever seen that many great players in that building all at once.” ([bleacherreport.com][3])

The 2024 Ohio State Roster: A Closer Look

The 2024 Buckeyes’ roster is a testament to strategic recruiting and development:([bleacherreport.com][3])

* **Offensive Weapons**: Wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka, along with running back TreVeyon Henderson, form a formidable offensive trio. ([africa.espn.com][2])

* **Transfer Additions**: Quarterback Will Howard (Kansas State), safety Caleb Downs (Alabama), and running back Quinshon Judkins (Ole Miss) were standout transfers. ([africa.espn.com][4])

* **Defensive Strength**: Defensive ends J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer anchor a defense poised to dominate. ([onefootdown.com][5])

The Road Ahead

Despite their talent, Ohio State faces challenges, notably their recent losses to Michigan. However, with a roster brimming with potential and a coaching staff committed to excellence, the Buckeyes are well-positioned to reclaim their status as national champions.