The Ohio State Buckeyes captured their ninth national championship with a victory over Notre Dame. After a late-season loss to Michigan, many called for Ryan Day’s ouster, but the athletic department stood behind their coach.
Day and his 2024 squad repaid that loyalty by igniting a spark during the College Football Playoff. Now, can data and momentum fuel a second consecutive title in Columbus?
Will Ohio State stand alone on the podium next January?
Predicting Ohio State’s 2025 Season
Like the falling autumn leaves, Ohio State is expected to notch double-digit wins once again. The Buckeyes should capture the conference title and nearly clinch a CFP spot.
In many respects, Ohio State’s 2025 resume will outshine most of the FBS.
Chip Kelly’s departure for the NFL hurts, but Buckeye legend Brian Hartline steps in to fill the void. With seven home games on their schedule, Day’s team can largely avoid hostile crowds.
At a predicted 11-1 record, the Buckeyes could capture their second straight national title.
2025 Ohio State Football Schedule
Saturday, August 30 vs. Texas
Ohio State welcomes Arch Manning into 2025. The season opener in Columbus poses problems for Texas, which lost four defensive linemen to the transfer portal. With an inconsistent pass rush and a rebuilding secondary, Texas faces a tough challenge as Jeremiah Smith kicks off his Heisman campaign.
Saturday, September 6 vs. Grambling
Traditional HBCU power heads up north to cash sizable check that will bankroll team for this rest of the season. The Tigers converted 28.6 percent of their third downs. In reality, a cannon fodder game that inevitably gives backups necessary game reps. Ohio State by three scores, minimum.
Saturday, September 13 vs. Ohio
MAC quarterback Parker Navarro, who led the conference with 8.2 yards per attempt and 11 interceptions, starts for Ohio. New head coach Brian Smith replaces Tim Albin, who left for Charlotte. The Buckeyes are poised to feast on the green and white before entering Big Ten play.
Saturday, September 27 @ Washington
Ohio State travels to Seattle to face conference rival Washington. Jedd Fisch benefits from six new defensive starters from the transfer portal. With a retooled left side on offense led by junior Demond Williams (78.1% on 105 attempts) and receiver Denzel Boston set for targets, Ohio State should win by two scores.
Saturday, October 4 vs. Minnesota
Minnesota’s starting quarterback, former Georgia Tech signal-caller Zach Pyron, could challenge Ohio State with his mobility and deep-ball ability. However, running back Darius Taylor’s ground threat gives the Buckeyes an edge as they are expected to spike Minnesota.
Saturday, October 11 @ Illinois
Bret Bielema’s defensive-minded squad faces a tough, physical matchup. Ohio State’s discipline on defense should secure the win and set the tone for the remainder of the season.
Saturday, October 18 @ Wisconsin
Off-field intrigue surrounds this contest as Ohio State looks to steamroll the Badgers. Former OSU starter and interim head coach Luke Fickell now leads Wisconsin, but the Buckeyes’ speed and playmaking ability should prevail.
Saturday, November 1 vs. Penn State
If Ohio State is to lose a regular-season game, this could be it. The law of averages suggests that Penn State will eventually break through, with James Franklin patrolling the sideline. A strong performance by Drew Allar could mark his Heisman moment.
Saturday, November 8 @ Purdue
Arkansas transfer dual-threat quarterback Malachi Singleton starts for Purdue in West Lafayette. Ohio State is expected to win, though the margin may depend on their performance against Penn State. A loss to Penn State could lead to a lopsided contest, while a win might allow Purdue to hang on longer.
Saturday, November 15 vs. UCLA
New quarterback Joey Aguilar, transferred from Appalachian State, leads an offense built on testing opposing secondaries. A bruising day in Columbus and a weak Bruins offensive line could spell a victory for Ohio State.
Saturday, November 22 vs. Rutgers
Timing is crucial in this matchup. In a vacuum, Ohio State would obliterate the Scarlet Knights, but the game could serve as a chance to avenge last year’s loss as the team looks ahead to Michigan.
Saturday, November 29 @ Michigan
The rivalry game is more than just pride; it’s personal for Ryan Day. With a 1-4 record against Michigan, this contest is a must-win to gain momentum heading into the playoffs. Expect Ohio State to cruise at The Big House.
Expert Picks for Ohio State’s Season
Opinions vary, particularly regarding the Michigan matchup.
- 24/7 Sports’ Brad Crawford projects an 11-1 record, noting, “Even though the Buckeyes are once again one of the country’s best teams, next season’s rivalry game in Ann Arbor poses a significant challenge under Ryan Day.”
- Phil Harrison of USA Today also sees an 11-1 season but predicts that the Buckeyes will fall to Penn State: “Penn State will eventually break through against Ohio State, and this just might be the year to do it.”
KEEP READING: How Ryan Day made the right choices for Ohio State
While expert opinions differ, the general consensus is that Ohio State is a national contender with another outstanding season on the horizon.
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