Three spots are awarded to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2000s Top 25 Team Rankings.

When fans and analysts reflect on college football in the 21st century, few programs come close to the consistent excellence of the Ohio State Buckeyes. That dominance was further solidified with the recent unveiling of the Top 25 Team Rankings of the 2000s, in which Ohio State claimed not one, not two, but three separate entries. The Buckeyes didn’t just make an appearance—they stormed into the rankings with a force that proves their claim to being one of college football’s few true dynasties since the turn of the millennium.

But how did a single program earn three spots in a list designed to honor the best teams over a 25-year span? It’s a testament to Ohio State’s relentless commitment to excellence across different eras, coaches, and rosters. From the Jim Tressel years to Urban Meyer’s reign and Ryan Day’s rapid ascent, the Buckeyes have not only stayed relevant—they’ve thrived.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the three Ohio State teams that made the cut, examine what made each team special, and explore how these squads helped shape the modern legacy of one of college football’s most iconic brands.

Before diving into each team, it’s important to understand the criteria used to determine the Top 25 Team Rankings of the 2000s. The list wasn’t based solely on championship hardware—although that obviously helped. Analysts factored in:

Win-loss records
Strength of schedule
Margin of victory
NFL talent produced
Postseason performance
Historical significance

Using that framework, Ohio State managed to place three teams in the rankings: 2002, 2014, and 2019. Each of these squads embodied excellence in unique ways.

The 2002 Ohio State Buckeyes, under the leadership of Jim Tressel, shocked the world and etched their names in history as the team that ended Miami’s 34-game winning streak in one of the most controversial yet unforgettable national title games of all time.

Why They Deserved It:

Ohio State’s 2002 team wasn’t flashy. In fact, many detractors labeled them “lucky” or “boring” throughout the season. But the truth is, they were resilient, battle-tested, and clutch. Led by freshman phenom Maurice Clarett, quarterback Craig Krenzel, and a rock-solid defense that featured future NFL stars like Will Smith and Chris Gamble, this team found ways to win—even when it looked impossible.

Their run included seven victories by seven points or fewer, most notably a double-overtime thriller against Miami in the Fiesta Bowl. That game remains one of the most debated in college football history due to a late pass interference call, but the Buckeyes’ toughness was unquestionable.

Legacy:

The 2002 Buckeyes ended a 34-year national title drought and established the Tressel era as one built on defense, discipline, and winning close games. More importantly, it re-established Ohio State as a national powerhouse after a rocky period in the 1990s.

The 2014 Buckeyes may go down as one of the most improbable champions in modern sports history. After suffering a shocking early-season loss to Virginia Tech and losing not one, but two starting quarterbacks, Urban Meyer’s team rebounded in spectacular fashion.

Ohio State’s 2014 team didn’t just win—they dominated when it mattered most. After J.T. Barrett was lost to injury late in the season, third-string quarterback Cardale Jones stepped in and helped the Buckeyes destroy Wisconsin (59-0) in the Big Ten Championship Game, crush No. 1 Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, and dominate Oregon in the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship.

Featuring superstar running back Ezekiel Elliott, game-wrecking defensive end Joey Bosa, and a stacked offensive line, this Buckeye squad was arguably the most talented team in the country by season’s end—even if it didn’t look that way early on.

The 2014 team will forever be remembered as the first-ever College Football Playoff champion. But more than that, it signaled Ohio State’s return to dominance under Urban Meyer, showcasing the Buckeyes as not just Big Ten contenders, but true national titans. The way they dismantled top teams en route to the title is still jaw-dropping.

They didn’t win a title, but make no mistake: the 2019 Buckeyes might have been the most complete team Ohio State ever fielded. In Ryan Day’s first year as head coach, the Buckeyes were dominant from start to finish, blowing out ranked opponents and boasting elite talent on both sides of the ball.

Ohio State outscored opponents by an average of 46–13, and the talent was overwhelming. Justin Fields threw 41 touchdowns to just 3 interceptions, while J.K. Dobbins rushed for over 2,000 yards. Defensively, they were led by Chase Young, who recorded 16.5 sacks and finished fourth in Heisman voting—a rare feat for a defensive player.

In the College Football Playoff Semifinal, the Buckeyes jumped out to a 16-0 lead over Clemson, only to be undone by red zone struggles and a few controversial officiating decisions. But the team’s overall resume still ranked among the most dominant non-championship seasons ever.

Though they fell short of a title, the 2019 team signaled that Ryan Day could uphold and even elevate the Buckeye standard. It was also the first season in program history where Ohio State beat five ranked teams by double digits—a feat no team had done in over a decade.

From Tressel to Meyer to Day, what ties these three teams together is sustained excellence in the face of adversity. Whether it was injuries, tough schedules, or underdog narratives, each Buckeye squad found a way to be among the best of their generation. They represent three distinct chapters of Ohio State’s modern dominance:

2002: The rebirth.
2014: The revenge tour.
2019: The unstoppable machine.

It’s rare for one program to claim multiple entries in a ranking like this—rarer still to do so across multiple coaching staffs and playing styles. It speaks volumes about the culture in Columbus, where excellence is expected, and anything short of championship contention is considered a disappointment.

While three teams made the list, there are other Ohio State teams that could have justifiably earned a mention.

2006 Buckeyes: Undefeated regular season before a national title loss to Florida.
2007 Buckeyes: Another championship appearance despite losing early NFL talent.
2012 Buckeyes: A 12–0 team barred from postseason play due to sanctions.
2020 Buckeyes: Reached the national title game in a pandemic-shortened season.

Each of these teams added to Ohio State’s rich football tapestry, but the 2002, 2014, and 2019 squads stood out for their balance of dominance, significance, and execution.

Having three teams in the Top 25 is more than just a feather in Ohio State’s cap—it’s an emphatic statement about the program’s national influence. It shows that Ohio State isn’t just elite once a decade, but over and over again, in different contexts, against different competition.

Only a handful of programs—like Alabama, Georgia, and Clemson—can claim a similar presence in the national conversation over the same time period. But none have managed the coaching transitions and evolving landscape with the grace and success that Ohio State has demonstrated.

As of 2025, Ryan Day continues to field top-five recruiting classes and maintain playoff-level expectations. The Buckeyes are once again loaded on both sides of the ball, with another legitimate shot at a national title looming.

Could a future Buckeye team crack the Top 25 Rankings of the next era? Don’t bet against it. With a proven infrastructure, NFL-caliber development, and unmatched fan support, Ohio State is poised to remain a major player for years to come.

Three teams. Three eras. One program.

The Ohio State Buckeyes’ triple appearance in the Top 25 Team Rankings of the 2000s is a rare and remarkable achievement that cements their legacy among college football’s all-time elite. Whether it’s the grit of 2002, the electricity of 2014, or the firepower of 2019, the Buckeyes have shown that excellence isn’t a one-time event—it’s a way of life in Columbus.

And if history is any guide, this dynasty is far from finished.