Ohio State Ranked 12th: Playoff Path Uncertain

Ohio State's College Football Playoff hopes have been significantly impacted by a recent loss to Southern California, which saw the team score a season-low point total. The Buckeyes entered the first College Football Playoff selection committee rankings at No. 12, a position that, if the season ended on November 4, 2026, would make them the first team out of the 12-team playoff bracket. This ranking marks the lowest for the Buckeyes in almost a decade, with their last ranking outside the top 10 being No. 13 on November 7, 2017.

The team's current 6-2 record is bolstered by two top-15 road wins against Iowa and Indiana. However, their resume also includes two losses, notably to No. 7 Texas and No. 20 USC, which are considered "good" losses and should not significantly harm their chances if they avoid further defeats. The Buckeyes are currently playing with a backup quarterback due to an indefinite injury to their starter, adding to the team's challenges.

Ohio State has an opportunity to either bolster or severely damage its playoff resume this Saturday when they host Oregon. The Ducks, also relying on a backup quarterback, have underperformed expectations and fallen out of the top 25, despite entering the season as national title contenders. This upcoming game is critical for both teams vying for a playoff spot.