In a twist that has college football fans buzzing, a new ranking from analyst Stewart Mandel has set social media ablaze. The defending national champions, Ohio, find themselves shockingly low in Mandel’s “Best Since 2000” list-leaving many to question whether recent glory is enough to secure elite status.
Shock Value: Ohio Crashes to Bottom of Steve Mandel’s Best Since 2000 CFB List
A recent post on X (formerly Twitter) shared Mandel’s controversial rankings, instantly sparking debate among fans and pundits. The list, which claims to spotlight the top 25 college football teams since 2000, sees Ohio-fresh off a national title-languishing near the bottom. For a program that just hoisted the trophy, this placement is nothing short of stunning.
Do you agree with @slmandel‘s list of the top 25 college football teams since 2000? pic.twitter.com/m63LpIsa5O
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 19, 2025
The reaction was swift. “Had I put out this list the day after last year’s Michigan-Ohio State game, he would have fallen out of my top 10,” Mandel wrote, referencing the volatile nature of college football success. Despite Ohio’s championship run, Mandel’s methodology appears to weigh recent consistency and head-to-head results more heavily than single-season triumphs.
This has led to the Buckeyes’ (Ohio State’s) slide, even as their coach, Ryan Day, is now recognized as one of the sport’s elite. As Mandel noted, “The Buckeyes beat four consecutive top-10 opponents to earn Day’s first national championship, making him one of just three active coaches with a ring. That four-game losing streak to Michigan remains an eyesore, but he’s 70-10 overall”.
The X post quickly became a lightning rod for debate, with fans pointing to Ohio’s dominant playoff performance and historic win streaks. Many questioned how a team with such recent success could be overlooked.
The Price of Consistency Over Glory
Mandel’s rankings highlight a growing divide in how college football greatness is measured. While Ohio’s national title is undeniable, Mandel’s list suggests that sustained excellence and rivalry records can outweigh even the most dramatic championship runs. Ryan Day’s rise to No. 2 in the coaching ranks-up from seventh-demonstrates that respect for the Buckeyes is far from lost, but the sting of recent rivalry losses still lingers.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: in college football, the past is never far behind, and glory alone doesn’t always guarantee a place at the top.
KEEP READING: Top 5 College Football Teams Entering 2025
Ohio’s surprising tumble in Stewart Mandel’s “Best Since 2000” rankings has reignited the debate over what defines greatness in college football. Whether this snub fuels the Buckeyes’ next campaign remains to be seen-but for now, the controversy shows no signs of fading.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
