Home / Sports / Ohio State Overcomes Rivalry Woes, Wins National Title in Dramatic Turnaround
Ohio State Overcomes Rivalry Woes, Wins National Title in Dramatic Turnaround
8 Aug
Summary
- Ohio State lost to Michigan in 2024 but won national title
- Buckeyes have new starting QB, Devin Sayin, competing for job
- Offense still strong, defense faces transition with new coordinator
As of August 8th, 2025, the Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up for a highly anticipated 2025 season. After a rollercoaster 2024 campaign, the Buckeyes are poised to make another push for the College Football Playoff.
The 2024 season saw Ohio State go from "nightmarish to incredible" in the span of just four playoff games. The Buckeyes lost two regular-season games, including a shocking 13-10 defeat to rival Michigan, but then stormed through the playoff to capture the national championship - their first since 2014.
Now, Ohio State must replace starting quarterback Will Howard, who has moved on to the NFL. The competition for the starting job is between Devin Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz, with Sayin expected to emerge as the Week 1 starter against Texas. The Buckeyes' offense should remain potent, having averaged at least 30 points per game in every season under head coach Ryan Day.
The biggest question marks surround Ohio State's defense, which will be led by a new coordinator, former NFL coach Matt Patricia. The Buckeyes must replace several key starters, and how quickly the new-look unit can come together could determine whether Ohio State can make a return trip to the playoff.
Despite the defensive transition, the Buckeyes are widely expected to be a top contender in 2025. Their Week 1 showdown with Texas and a November 1st home game against Penn State loom large, but the annual clash with Michigan remains the most important game on Ohio State's schedule as the Buckeyes look to snap a four-game losing streak against their rivals.
