The 2025 college football season has concluded, and teams nationwide are gearing up to challenge the Indiana Hoosiers for the national championship title.
One of the standout teams is the 2024 national champion Ohio State Buckeyes. Throughout most of the season, the Buckeyes were ranked No. 1 after defeating the preseason No. 1-ranked Texas Longhorns in Week 1. Despite finishing the regular season with a perfect 12-0 record, the Buckeyes lost to the Hoosiers in the Big Ten Championship Game and then fell to the Miami Hurricanes in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff.
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Ohio State is looking to bounce back from a disappointing end to the season and reclaim its position at the top of college football. However, this task has become more challenging due to the loss of several key players who have entered the NFL draft. As a result, Rece Davis stated on “See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack” that he is hesitant to bet on the Buckeyes returning to their former glory.
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day watches.© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
(© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
“I don’t know if I’m betting on them being right back where they were, but I wouldn’t bet against them,” Davis said. “…I figure they’ll be right back, right back in the mix. I’d be very surprised not to see them in the Big 10 Championship game and in the playoff.”
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The Buckeyes are losing several key players, including four likely top 10 picks in the upcoming NFL draft: linebacker Sonny Styles, wide receiver Carnell Tate, safety Caleb Downs and edge rusher Arvell Reese.
If Ohio State wants to return to being a national championship team like they were in 2024, they will need to find ways to replace the production they’ve lost. On a positive note, they still have quarterback Julian Sayin, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and running back Bo Jackson. However, it will be the other players who ultimately determine how successful Ryan Day’s squad will be in the 2026 season.
Related: Mike Elko Predicted to Beat Out Ryan Day for 5-Star WR
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
