The Ohio State Buckeyes capped off an unforgettable 2024 College Football season by claiming the National Championship title, triumphing over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish with a score of 34-23. This victory will undoubtedly be etched in the memories of fans in Columbus for generations to come. However, as the Buckeyes prepare to embark on the 2025 season, they will do so without some key players and a familiar coaching staff.
Key Departures from the Buckeyes Roster
The Buckeyes will face significant changes as they bid farewell to standout players like Will Howard and Emeka Egbuka, who are set to pursue their dreams in the NFL. Their contributions were vital to Ohio State’s success, and their absence will be felt both on and off the field. The question now looms: how will the Buckeyes fill these substantial gaps in their roster?
Coaching Changes on the Horizon
While the loss of star players is a concern, the coaching staff is also undergoing a transformation. The first major shift came with Jim Knowles, the highly regarded defensive coordinator, who has chosen to return to his home state of Pennsylvania to take on the role of defensive coordinator at Penn State. This decision marks a significant change for Ohio State, as Knowles played a crucial role in shaping the Buckeyes’ defense during his tenure.
But that’s not all. Ryan Day, the head coach of the Buckeyes, will also be navigating the departure of his offensive coordinator, Chip Kelly. Kelly, who had a storied career as a head coach in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, returned to college football to lead the UCLA Bruins before joining Ohio State for the 2024 season. Now, he’s making headlines again by moving back to the NFL, this time to join the Las Vegas Raiders.
Chip Kelly’s NFL Comeback
Kelly’s return to the NFL has been fueled by a lucrative offer from the Raiders. According to reports, Las Vegas has extended a deal averaging $6 million per year, making Kelly the highest-paid coordinator in the league. This enticing offer reflects the Raiders’ commitment to investing in their coaching staff and signals their ambition to elevate their performance on the field.
During his time with Ohio State, Kelly orchestrated an impressive offense that ranked 14th in scoring, averaging 35.7 points per game. Under his guidance, the Buckeyes showcased a dynamic attack, featuring two players who surpassed the 1,000-yard mark in both rushing and receiving. With such success, it’s no wonder the Raiders were eager to bring him back to the professional ranks.
Potential Reunion in Las Vegas
As Chip Kelly transitions to his new role with the Raiders, the possibility of reuniting with some of his former players looms large. With his track record of developing talent, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Raiders target one of Ohio State’s top skill players to join him in Las Vegas. Imagine the excitement if a familiar face from Columbus were to don the silver and black!
The Road Ahead for Ohio State
With these significant changes on the horizon, the Buckeyes will need to regroup and refocus as they prepare for the upcoming season. The loss of key players and coaches poses a challenge, but it also presents an opportunity for new talent to emerge. Ohio State has a rich history of developing players, and this could be the perfect moment for fresh faces to step into the spotlight.
As the Buckeyes look to the future, fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how the coaching staff adapts to the new landscape. Will they bring in new talent to fill the void left by departing stars? How will the new coaching dynamics impact the team’s performance? These are just a few of the questions that will keep fans on the edge of their seats as the 2025 season approaches.
Looking Forward
As the dust settles from the championship victory, the Ohio State Buckeyes are at a crossroads. The excitement of winning a national title is tempered by the reality of change. With key players and coaches moving on, the Buckeyes face the challenge of rebuilding while maintaining their competitive edge.
In the world of college football, change is the only constant. The Buckeyes will need to harness their rich tradition and strong recruiting to ensure they remain a powerhouse in the sport. As fans, we can only wait in anticipation to see how this new chapter unfolds. Will Ohio State continue to dominate, or will the departures create a shift in the balance of power? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Buckeyes football is always full of surprises and excitement.
