Why Ohio State’s Nationwide Reach and Ryan Day’s Leadership Have the Buckeyes Primed for Another Big Ten Title Run
Buckeye Nation isn’t confined to the state of Ohio — it’s a coast-to-coast presence, an identity rooted in dominance, tradition, and unrelenting excellence. With Ohio State once again sitting atop preseason projections, the 2025 season is shaping up to be another defining chapter in the Buckeyes’ long legacy of success. ESPN’s Bill Connelly, one of college football’s most respected analytics minds, has placed the Buckeyes near the top of his SP+ rankings, citing their depth, experience, and coaching as critical factors. More notably, Connelly labeled Ryan Day the best active coach in the nation — a bold endorsement, but one that reflects the sustained brilliance of the Ohio State football machine.
Entering his seventh full season as head coach, Ryan Day has compiled a staggering win-loss record, consistently kept the Buckeyes in national championship contention, and navigated the gauntlet of Big Ten competition with unmatched consistency. While his detractors point to the recent losses to Michigan as a blemish on his résumé, those critiques often overlook the broader context: Day has kept Ohio State elite during an era of increasing parity and expanding competition. His offenses are annually among the most explosive in college football, and his ability to recruit, develop, and adjust makes him not only an elite Xs-and-Os strategist but a master program architect.
This year’s Ohio State squad might be Day’s most complete team yet — and certainly his most balanced. The 2025 Buckeyes enter the season with elite talent at virtually every position, starting with the quarterback battle that has fueled off-season intrigue. Will Howard, the Kansas State transfer, brought immediate experience and leadership when he arrived in Columbus, while Devin Brown and Julian Sayin provide future-star potential. Regardless of who wins the starting job, the quarterback will be surrounded by an arsenal of weapons that is unmatched in the Big Ten.
Wide receiver has been Ohio State’s trademark position under Day, and 2025 is no exception. Emeka Egbuka returns for his senior year with All-American ambitions, while Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss — both five-star recruits — are poised to make massive sophomore leaps. The arrival of five-star freshman Jeremiah Smith, the top wideout in the 2024 class, adds even more firepower to an already loaded room. Combined, this unit gives the Buckeyes a receiving corps that is faster, deeper, and more skilled than any in the country. The tight end position is no afterthought either, with Gee Scott Jr. evolving into a reliable red zone target and run blocker.
The Buckeyes’ ground game, which was inconsistent last season, looks revitalized thanks to the return of TreVeyon Henderson and the emergence of sophomore Dallan Hayden. Henderson, finally healthy, is expected to recapture the burst and vision that made him a Freshman All-American. Behind him, the Buckeyes have depth in Chip Trayanum and four-star freshman Jordan Lyle, giving them multiple options to wear down defenses and sustain drives. The offensive line, a question mark at times last year, now boasts a strong core led by left tackle Josh Simmons and center Carson Hinzman. The addition of Alabama transfer Kadyn Proctor brings both size and experience to a group that needs to protect the quarterback and assert dominance in short-yardage situations.
If the offense is capable of putting up points in bunches — and it is — it’s the defense that has Buckeye fans and national pundits believing a national championship is within reach. Jim Knowles has quietly transformed the unit into one of the most physical and consistent in the country. The 2024 defense was top-five nationally in scoring and top-three in total defense. With eight returning starters and several new impact players, Ohio State’s defense may be even better in 2025.
It all starts up front, where defensive ends JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer form the most disruptive pass-rushing duo in college football. Tuimoloau, in particular, is considered a surefire first-round NFL Draft pick thanks to his explosiveness, size, and ability to take over games. On the interior, Tyleik Williams and Michael Hall Jr. provide both pass-rushing ability and stout run defense. Depth is no issue, as players like Hero Kanu and Kayden McDonald continue to emerge.
The linebacker corps is led by C.J. Hicks, the former five-star who has blossomed into a playmaker with range and instinct. His partner, Sonny Styles, is a hybrid safety-linebacker who gives the defense flexibility against spread offenses. Styles, at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, can cover tight ends, blitz off the edge, and play center field. His versatility makes him a potential All-American and a key chess piece for Knowles’ scheme.
In the secondary, Ohio State is anchored by Denzel Burke, a shutdown cornerback who has eliminated opposing WR1s all season. Opposite him, Davison Igbinosun is aggressive and physical, while safety Lathan Ransom brings veteran leadership and intelligence. The Buckeyes also welcome a wave of talented underclassmen who are pushing for playing time, including Malik Hartford and Caleb Downs, the Alabama transfer who may become a breakout star in Columbus.
The combination of elite talent, depth, and continuity gives Ohio State a defense capable of winning championships. But what truly separates this team from past editions is its balance. For years, the Buckeyes leaned heavily on explosive offense to compensate for inconsistent defense. Now, with a top-five unit on both sides of the ball, they are built to win in multiple ways — whether it’s a 45-42 shootout or a 21-17 slugfest.
Ohio State’s schedule will provide early and clear tests. The Buckeyes travel to Eugene to face Oregon in what could be a top-10 matchup with major playoff implications. Later, they’ll head to Happy Valley to battle Penn State in a clash that might decide the Big Ten East. And of course, The Game looms large — a regular-season finale against Michigan that could once again shape the playoff picture. With the new Big Ten format eliminating divisions, the top two teams in the standings will meet in the Big Ten Championship Game — meaning the Buckeyes could see Penn State or Michigan twice.
What makes Ohio State’s 2025 campaign even more critical is the changing landscape of college football. With NIL, the transfer portal, and playoff expansion, the sport is more unpredictable than ever. Yet amidst that chaos, the Buckeyes have maintained their identity and standard of excellence. They’ve done it with elite recruiting, player development, and coaching. And they’ve done it with the full weight of Buckeye Nation behind them.
That fanbase — perhaps the most passionate and widespread in the country — plays a massive role in Ohio State’s continued dominance. From Los Angeles to New York, Buckeye fans pack stadiums, flood TV ratings, and turn every road game into a partial home contest. This nationwide presence helps recruiting, fuels energy around the program, and adds pressure to live up to championship expectations. It’s not always easy carrying that weight, but the Buckeyes have embraced it.
Ryan Day, perhaps more than any coach in college football, understands the stakes. He knows what it means to lead Ohio State. He knows that success is measured not just in wins, but in beating Michigan, winning the Big Ten, and hoisting the national title trophy. And yet, under that pressure, he has thrived. He’s evolved from an offensive guru into a CEO, managing staff changes, adapting to roster shifts, and building a program that doesn’t just reload — it recalibrates for dominance.
Connelly’s ranking of Day as the best active coach isn’t just based on record. It’s based on sustainability. While other top programs have experienced coaching turnover or dipped in performance, Ohio State has remained elite. It’s a testament to Day’s vision, his consistency, and his ability to command a locker room of NFL-bound talent year after year.
This season will ultimately be judged by championships. Can the Buckeyes reclaim the Big Ten? Can they snap Michigan’s win streak in The Game? Can they return to the national title game and finish the job they’ve come close to achieving? If the answer is yes, it will validate Connelly’s assessment — and reaffirm that Ohio State remains the gold standard of college football.
For now, all signs point toward another dominant run. The roster is stacked, the coaching is elite, the fanbase is locked in, and the hunger is as strong as ever. In 2025, the Buckeyes aren’t just chasing titles — they’re chasing legacy. And with Ryan Day leading the charge, they’re well positioned to leave no doubt.
