Ohio State went all in to win a college football national title this past season, and it paid off spectacularly. Under the leadership of Ryan Day, the Buckeyes triumphed over Notre Dame in the national championship game, marking a significant achievement in their storied program. But what does this victory mean for the future of college football?
Entering the ‘Natty or Bust’ Era
As the landscape of college football evolves, ESPN analyst Greg McElroy believes we are on the brink of a new era—one he dubs the “natty or bust” era. This shift is not just a passing trend; it’s a fundamental change in how programs approach their quest for a national championship.
“I look at this in eras. … In college football, we had the BCS era. We had the four-team playoff era. Well, we might be entering the natty or bust era,” McElroy stated on the Always College Football podcast. This new mindset emphasizes a singular focus on winning the national title, leaving little room for anything less.
Ohio State’s All-In Strategy
What does it mean to go all in? For Ohio State, it meant retaining several key veterans who could have opted for the NFL Draft. Instead, they chose to return to campus, driven by a shared sense of unfinished business. “They were close. Ohio State’s been close. They had been really close for a very long time,” McElroy explained.
The Buckeyes also strategically bolstered their roster through the transfer portal, adding standout players like Caleb Downs and Will Howard. Together with returning players and promising freshmen like Jeremiah Smith, this mix of talent proved to be the winning formula for Ohio State, culminating in their national championship victory.
The Ripple Effect: Following Michigan’s Footsteps
Ohio State’s approach mirrors that of Michigan, which returned a veteran squad the previous year and also claimed a national title. This trend suggests that more college football programs may adopt a similar strategy in the coming seasons. As McElroy noted, teams that feel they are on the cusp of greatness are likely to make the same commitment to retain their top players and enhance their rosters.
But is this sustainable?
The Challenge of Repeating Success
While Ohio State is undoubtedly celebrating its title, McElroy warns that the road ahead will be challenging. With the current dynamics of college football, repeating success is no easy feat. “I think we are looking at a time right now where even the best teams in the sport have to rebuild,” he said.
The transfer portal has changed the game, making it difficult for teams to maintain a consistent roster year after year. Unlike in the past, where teams could rely on a steady pipeline of talent, the current landscape often leaves programs scrambling to fill gaps after losing key players.
The Reality of Rebuilding
In the past, a star player leaving for the NFL might have been met with a simple “next man up” mentality. Today, however, that notion has become increasingly complicated. “It’s not like it was back in the day, six, seven, eight, 10 years ago, where ‘Hey, five-star leaves, next man up. Oh yeah, he’s a five-star, too.’ It’s not like that anymore,” McElroy pointed out.
This evolving reality means that even the most successful programs must navigate a period of rebuilding after reaching their peak. The days of seamless transitions between star players are fading, making it essential for teams to adapt quickly and effectively.
The Future of College Football
So, what does the future hold for college football? As more teams adopt the “natty or bust” mentality, the competition will become fiercer. Programs will need to be strategic, not only in retaining talent but also in scouting and developing new players. The focus will be on building a roster that can compete at the highest level, even if it means facing challenges along the way.
Ohio State’s recent success serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a program commits to excellence. But it also highlights the complexities of maintaining that success in a rapidly changing environment.
As fans, we can only watch with anticipation as teams navigate this new era of college football. Will more programs follow Ohio State’s lead? Will the “natty or bust” mentality redefine how championships are pursued? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the excitement of college football is far from over, and the stakes have never been higher.
