Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has just led the Buckeyes to a stunning national championship title, defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 34-23 in a thrilling College Football Playoff finale. The victory marks a significant achievement for Day and his squad, who displayed remarkable dominance throughout the playoff series. But as the confetti settles, the focus quickly shifts to the future and the challenges that lie ahead for this powerhouse program.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season
With the 2024 season already on the horizon, fans and analysts alike are buzzing with anticipation. However, college football insider Bruce Feldman shared a sobering outlook during Saturday’s “Rich Eisen Show.” He expressed skepticism about Ohio State’s chances of repeating as national champions, citing the impending loss of several key veterans to the NFL Draft. “They have a lot of talent around, terrific running backs, the defense is so good,” Feldman noted, but he emphasized that the team will face significant challenges due to the departure of standout players.
Key Departures Impacting the Roster
The Buckeyes are set to lose several prominent players, including quarterback Will Howard, running back TreVeyon Henderson, and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. These departures will undoubtedly leave a void in the roster that will need to be filled if Ohio State hopes to maintain its elite status. Furthermore, the team faces a potential battle to retain talented wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who has reportedly been approached by another school with an enticing NIL offer of $4.5 million.
Analyst Rankings and Future Outlook
During Thursday’s “Joel Klatt Show,” analyst Joel Klatt placed Ohio State third in his way-too-early rankings for the 2025 college football season. This ranking reflects the significant roster turnover expected for the Buckeyes. Klatt acknowledged that while the national champions will look quite different next year, they still possess the talent to compete at a high level. “But they’re still going to be an elite team, and they’ve still got two players specifically that I think could be the two best players on each side of the ball in the sport,” he stated, highlighting the potential for continued success.
Challenges from Rival Teams
Ohio State’s position in the rankings is further complicated by the strength of rival teams. The two squads ahead of the Buckeyes are coach James Franklin’s Penn State Nittany Lions and the Texas Longhorns. Penn State returns most of the roster that led them to the Orange Bowl, while Texas, who faced Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl Classic, is also expected to have minimal roster turnover. This competitive landscape adds to the pressure on Ryan Day and his coaching staff as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Embracing Change and Building for the Future
As Ohio State navigates this period of transition, the coaching staff will need to focus on recruiting and developing new talent. The Buckeyes have a history of attracting top-tier recruits, and this will be essential in maintaining their status as a national contender. The ability to adapt and evolve will be crucial for Day, who has already proven his capability as a leader.
In addition to recruiting, the Buckeyes will need to foster a culture of resilience and teamwork among the new players stepping into pivotal roles. The loss of veterans like Jack Sawyer, J.T. Tuimoloau, and Cody Simon, who have been integral to the team’s success, will be felt both on and off the field. Their leadership and experience will need to be replaced by emerging stars who can rise to the occasion.
Fan Support and Expectations
Buckeye fans are known for their unwavering support, and as the team prepares for the next chapter, their enthusiasm will be crucial. The expectations for Ohio State remain high, and the fanbase will be eager to see how the team responds to the challenges ahead. Will Ryan Day’s squad be able to reload and remain a dominant force in college football? Only time will tell.
As the countdown to the 2025 season begins, the Buckeyes will need to harness their championship spirit and channel it into a new roster that can uphold the legacy of Ohio State football. The journey ahead promises to be filled with excitement, uncertainty, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines college football.
In the world of college football, change is the only constant. The Buckeyes have proven they can rise to the occasion, and with the right strategy and determination, they can continue to be a formidable presence on the national stage. The future is bright for Ohio State, but it will require hard work, commitment, and a passion for the game to maintain their elite status.
