Phil Steele Labels Ohio State a Legitimate Threat to Repeat as National Champs While Buckeye Brotherhood Rallies Around Gee Scott
Despite the ever-increasing challenges of college football’s modern era—transfer portal flux, early NFL Draft departures, and NIL-fueled roster reshuffling—one thing remains constant: Ohio State is never far from the national championship conversation. Renowned college football analyst Phil Steele, in his latest preseason outlook, has once again placed the Buckeyes squarely among the sport’s elite. In fact, Steele goes further than most. He not only includes Ohio State in the national title hunt—he calls them a serious “threat to repeat” as champions in 2025.
Such high praise might raise eyebrows considering the notable departures from last year’s championship-winning roster. The Buckeyes lost multiple first-round talents to the NFL, including cornerstone players on both sides of the ball. They’ve also had to replace key contributors through the transfer portal while integrating a new crop of blue-chip freshmen into the system. On the surface, it’s the kind of turnover that might make most programs take a step back.
But this is Ohio State—and the Buckeyes don’t rebuild, they reload.
Steele’s endorsement isn’t just based on reputation. It’s grounded in what he describes as “elite roster depth, one of the nation’s best coaching staffs, and a culture that sustains winning.” Even more, he notes that the competition in the Big Ten—though fierce—is one Ohio State is more than equipped to navigate.
While Michigan, Penn State, and now Oregon and USC all pose legitimate threats in the expanded Big Ten, Steele sees the Buckeyes as uniquely poised to dominate. They have elite talent across the board, a manageable schedule, and most importantly, a mindset shaped by championship expectations. The culture in Columbus doesn’t tolerate complacency—and 2025 will be no exception.
One of the main reasons Steele remains bullish on the Buckeyes? The quarterback room. After the departure of Kyle McCord, Ohio State landed a huge offseason win with the arrival of transfer quarterback Julian Sayin, who brings elite pedigree and poise to the offense. He’s joined by five-star freshman Tavien St. Clair and returning backup Devin Brown, making this one of the deepest and most talented QB groups in the country. If Sayin plays to his potential, the offense won’t miss a beat.
But Steele also highlights the defensive side of the ball as a critical reason for optimism. Under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, the Buckeyes transformed their identity last year—becoming a dominant, aggressive unit that limited explosive plays and won key moments in big games. Returning leaders like JT Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, and Sonny Styles will anchor a defense expected to be among the nation’s top five yet again.
Perhaps more important than any schematic advantage is the intangibles: leadership, motivation, and continuity. That’s where tight end Gee Scott Jr. enters the picture. Recently, the Buckeyes’ locker room and extended alumni network have rallied in support of Scott, who has emerged as a figure of perseverance and maturity in a program built on high expectations.
Scott, who arrived at Ohio State as a top-ranked wide receiver before transitioning to tight end, has had anything but a smooth journey. Injuries, limited opportunities, and position changes threatened to derail his college career. But in 2025, Scott is healthy, focused, and projected to play a major role in the Buckeye offense. His emergence has drawn the attention of former players and current teammates alike, many of whom have taken to social media to offer words of encouragement and celebration.
The show of support highlights the deeply connected culture Ryan Day has cultivated in Columbus. Former Buckeyes like CJ Stroud, Chris Olave, and Jeremy Ruckert have all chimed in with messages of pride and belief in Scott’s continued growth. Teammates praise his leadership, work ethic, and quiet determination to earn his place—not through flash, but through consistency.
Scott’s journey mirrors that of Ohio State’s broader 2025 outlook. Despite obstacles, the core values remain unchanged: compete, develop, and win.
Steele points to this very culture as a key reason why Ohio State can repeat. It’s not just about talent—it’s about resilience. The Buckeyes aren’t afraid of a target on their back. In fact, they welcome it. They’ve thrived in the face of pressure, and many inside the program believe the 2025 team is uniquely equipped to handle the burden of expectations.
Another reason for optimism is Ohio State’s improved offensive line. Last season’s group showed flashes but struggled with consistency. In response, the Buckeyes hit the portal hard, bringing in veteran pieces and reshuffling their rotation. Steele notes the line’s athleticism and depth, praising position coach Justin Frye for orchestrating what could be a top-tier unit by midseason.
Meanwhile, the running back room remains loaded. TreVeyon Henderson, if fully healthy, is one of the most dynamic backs in the country. He’s complemented by breakout star Dallan Hayden and incoming freshman phenom Jordan Lyle. Together, they offer Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly flexibility and firepower.
At wide receiver, Brian Hartline continues to do what he does best—churn out elite playmakers. Emeka Egbuka returns as the veteran leader of the group, but all eyes will be on young talents like Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss, and Jeremiah Smith. This group could be just as dangerous—if not more so—than the star-studded units of years past.
Steele also credits Ohio State’s adaptability. With Chip Kelly now fully embedded in the offense and Day focused on the big-picture leadership role, the Buckeyes have embraced a new identity—one that blends explosive tempo with old-school toughness. The goal is clear: play fast, play physical, and impose their will.
The schedule, while challenging, sets up well for a repeat run. Key matchups against Michigan and Penn State will test the Buckeyes, but with those games spread out and a favorable home-road balance, Ohio State can control its own destiny. If they run the table or finish with one loss, a College Football Playoff berth is all but assured in the new 12-team format.
What sets this season apart, though, is the narrative. Ohio State isn’t chasing its first title—they’re defending one. That status brings a new kind of motivation and a sharper edge. The pressure is different, but the Buckeyes are embracing it with open arms.
Gee Scott’s personal story fits perfectly into that mindset. He’s not just playing for stats or NFL buzz—he’s playing for legacy. And the support he’s received from across the Buckeye brotherhood shows that he embodies the values this program holds dear. For young players on the roster, Scott is a living example of what it means to stay the course, put in the work, and let the results speak for themselves.
As fall camp nears, the energy in Columbus is electric. Every practice rep matters. Every meeting, every film session, every weight room grind—it’s all leading to another shot at glory. The bar is national championship or bust, and the Buckeyes are sprinting toward it.
Phil Steele’s prediction may be bold, but it’s far from baseless. He sees what the rest of the nation is beginning to understand: Ohio State, even after turnover, is built to contend every year. The infrastructure, the talent, the coaching, and the culture all point toward another deep playoff run—and possibly another trophy.
With players like Gee Scott rising from the shadows and leaders across the roster stepping up, the Buckeyes have the emotional backbone to complement their physical dominance. This isn’t just a team with stars—it’s a team with soul.
As September approaches, Ohio State fans should feel confident. Not just because of what the roster looks like on paper, but because of what it’s built from—resilience, unity, and a relentless hunger to prove they belong on top again. If Phil Steele’s projections come true, the Buckeyes won’t just be back—they’ll be back-to-back.
