Unfinished Business: Buckeyes Poised for Back-to-Back National Titles as Championship Momentum Builds in Columbus
Columbus, OH — The Ohio State Buckeyes are entering the upcoming college football season not just as defending national champions—but as a team fully equipped, motivated, and strategically built to repeat.
After an electric 2024 season that ended with the Buckeyes hoisting the College Football Playoff National Championship trophy, head coach Ryan Day and his staff have wasted no time reloading a roster that looks every bit as dangerous—if not more so—heading into the 2025 campaign.
With elite returning talent, a stacked incoming recruiting class, and a clear sense of unfinished business, Ohio State is now widely considered the frontrunner to run it back and claim back-to-back national titles for the first time since the program’s early 1950s dynasty.
A Roster Full of Firepower
At the heart of the Buckeyes’ title hopes is a returning core of battle-tested stars.
Quarterback Devin Brown, who silenced all doubters with a flawless postseason performance, returns with more confidence, chemistry, and command of the offense.
Running back TreVeyon Henderson is healthy and hungry, coming off a 1,500+ yard campaign and poised to be a Heisman contender.
The wide receiver room, led by emerging star Carnell Tate and the explosive Brandon Inniss, remains one of the most dangerous units in college football.
And on defense, linebacker CJ Hicks and edge rusher Jack Sawyer lead a unit that held last year’s playoff opponents to just 14 points per game.
Add in five-star recruits like safety KJ Bolden and defensive lineman Eddrick Houston, and the Buckeyes aren’t rebuilding—they’re reloading.
A Championship Culture
Head coach Ryan Day has built more than just a winning team—he’s cultivated a culture rooted in discipline, development, and dominance. Since his promotion to head coach in 2019, Day has consistently positioned Ohio State as a national power, but the criticism of falling short in the biggest moments lingered—until now.
Winning the 2024 title silenced the doubters, but Day is making it clear that complacency is not an option.
“Last year was a milestone,” Day told reporters at Big Ten Media Days. “But for us, the goal is sustained greatness. One championship is special. Two? That’s legacy.”
The Schedule: Built for Greatness
The 2025 schedule sets up well for Ohio State to make another title run. Key matchups include:
Sept. 13 at Texas — A marquee non-conference battle with playoff implications.
Oct. 18 at Penn State — A classic Big Ten showdown in hostile territory.
Nov. 29 vs. Michigan — The rivalry that defines the season. After last year’s emotional victory in Ann Arbor, the Wolverines will come to Columbus looking for revenge.
With a seasoned roster and elite coaching, the Buckeyes are favorites in nearly every matchup.
National Buzz and Expectations
National media have taken notice. ESPN’s Paul Finebaum recently stated:
“This Ohio State team might be better than last year’s. They’re deeper, more experienced, and absolutely relentless. If they stay healthy, good luck stopping them.”
The Buckeyes currently top most preseason polls and betting odds as the projected No. 1 going into the fall.
