The 2024 College Football Playoff was memorable. It marked the first time in history that 12 teams participated, an increase from the four teams that had been included since the playoff’s inception in 2014.
This year’s playoff featured six teams making their debut and six returning teams. Ultimately, the Ohio State Buckeyes claimed the national championship, repeating their success from 2014.
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The Buckeyes had an impressive season, finishing with a record of 14-2. They dominated the playoffs, winning all four games with an average margin of victory of 17.5 points, securing each victory by double digits.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) reacts after making a catch against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
On “The Paul Finebaum Show,” SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum stated that despite the Buckeyes’ strong season, he does not believe they will achieve similar success in 2025.
“The facts are Georgia will be a better team this year than Ohio State,” Finebaum said. “That’s pretty easy for me to say.”
Ohio State has experienced a significant loss of production from last year’s championship team. The Buckeyes are returning only 46% of their overall production, which ranks them 101st out of 136 teams in the country. The most substantial impact has been on their defense, which was considered one of the best in college football last season. They are bringing back only 45% of their defensive production, placing them at No. 103 nationally.
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Several key players have moved on from Ohio State and are now in the NFL, including defensive linemen J.T. Tuimoloau, Tyleik Williams and Jack Sawyer; running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson; defensive back Denzel Burke; wide receiver Emeka Egbuka; offensive linemen Josh Simmons, Seth McLaughlin and Donovan Jackson; safety Lathan Ransom; and quarterback Will Howard. However, the team does retain star receiver Jeremiah Smith, who recorded 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns as a true freshman. They also have safety Caleb Downs, who is one of the best players in college football.
The Buckeyes open the season against the Texas Longhorns on August 30.
Related: Paul Finebaum Names Major College Football Player That Nobody Can Stop
