The Ohio State football team is currently ranked number one in college football, and coming off of last year’s national championship, expectations for this season are at an all-time high.
After beating the previously highest ranked team in the country, University of Texas, the Buckeyes are now ranked number one and remain undefeated. However, Ohio State must ensure that the offense picks up and the defense stays hot if they want to continue this winning streak.
The most important goal for the team is to beat Michigan. The University of Michigan has beaten Ohio State for the past four seasons, with last year’s 13-10 loss being especially devastating for Buckeye fans. These losses have all occurred under head coach Ryan Day, who has won only one of the five games against Michigan during his tenure. If Day loses yet another game against Michigan, he will certainly receive a wave of criticism from the media and the public. Losing four straight seasons to a rival is unacceptable, and Ohio State fans will not accept another loss this year.
Along with beating Michigan, Ohio State is also expected to win the national championship. After winning it all last year, the expectation is to defend the title. Anything other than reclaiming the national championship would be considered an underperformance. Ohio State already proved they are capable by beating Texas, but they will have to beat many more strong teams if they want a chance at the national championship. Along with Michigan, the Buckeyes will face University of Illinois and Penn State, both very strong teams within the Big 10, Ohio State’s conference. In order to beat these teams, Ohio State has to string together plays with their new offense, and more importantly, stay calm under pressure and against high expectations.
Last year, 14 key Ohio State players were drafted into the NFL, so Ohio State must be able to fill those spots in order to perform at the highest level. Individually, returning players face immense pressure to match or exceed their performance last year. The biggest star on the field is sophomore wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who was the breakout star last year on offense. Losing running backs Quinshon Judkins and TraVeyon Henderson, along with wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, hurts the offensive game, but players like Smith can ensure that the offense is still elite. Smith had over 1,300 receiving yards last season and is not expected to slow down. Being an all time top-10 recruit straight out of high school, anything less than last year’s master class will be considered a failure for Smith.
On the defensive side, junior safety Caleb Downs must stay hot after last year’s performance. With defensive players Jack Sawyer, J.T. Tuilmoloau and others getting drafted, Downs has to be able to lead the defense. Downs excelled after transferring from the University of Alabama last year, and he must do the same if Ohio State wants to win games.
The most defining player this season is sophomore Julian Sayin, replacing last season’s Will Howard as quarterback. Since this is Sayin’s first year starting and he is being watched by one of the biggest fan bases in college football, it may be difficult for him to become a serious threat in difficult games. Generally, the quarterback is the most important person on the field, and Will Howard’s composure and leadership last season leave Sayin with big shoes to fill.
It will certainly be difficult for Ohio State to meet expectations after last year’s national championship. However, if both new and returning players are able to work together well and create plays, then Ohio State has a chance to beat Michigan, retain the national championship title and satisfy fan expectations.
Published and digitized October 2025.
