Why SportsLine Expert Thomas Casale Believes the 2025 Ohio State Buckeyes Are the Best Futures Bet in College Football
As the 2025 college football season inches closer, few teams generate as much anticipation and intrigue as the Ohio State Buckeyes. A perennial powerhouse with a tradition steeped in excellence, Ohio State once again finds itself in the thick of national title contention. With the ever-evolving college football landscape — from expanded playoffs to a reshuffled Big Ten — clarity can be hard to find. That’s where seasoned betting experts like SportsLine’s Thomas Casale come in. Known for his sharp analysis, trend tracking, and future-focused projections, Casale has identified the Buckeyes as his top futures pick for the 2025 college football season. Not only does he see value in Ohio State’s odds, but he also sees a clear path that could lead the Buckeyes to a national championship — and profit for bettors smart enough to follow the play.
Casale’s endorsement of Ohio State as a premier futures bet is not rooted solely in fandom or reputation, but in a precise evaluation of talent, schedule, coaching stability, and value in betting markets. With so many moving parts heading into the new season, it’s easy to get lost in the noise of offseason narratives. However, Casale zeros in on what matters: elite quarterback play, defensive improvement, and the kind of depth and experience that separates title contenders from pretenders.
At the heart of Casale’s argument is the arrival of quarterback Julian Sayin, who transferred from Alabama to Ohio State after spring practices. Sayin, a five-star recruit and one of the most polished quarterback prospects of his generation, gives the Buckeyes a level of upside that few other programs can match. After missing out on quarterback consistency last season, Sayin’s presence gives the offense an immediate spark. Casale highlights Sayin’s quick release, poise under pressure, and accuracy as traits that can transform Ryan Day’s offense into a juggernaut once again. With Sayin under center, Casale believes the Buckeyes not only return to dominance but do so with style and explosiveness.
Backing up Sayin is a wide receiver corps that may very well be the best in the nation. While the Buckeyes lost Marvin Harrison Jr. to the NFL Draft, they reloaded quickly with elite prospects and seasoned returners. Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss are expected to take on larger roles, and Casale points to their potential breakout campaigns as crucial to the Buckeyes’ national title run. Add in Emeka Egbuka returning for another year, and it becomes clear that this passing attack is loaded with weapons. Casale stresses that these receivers will not only stretch defenses vertically but also make life far easier for a new quarterback settling into a starting role.
Running the ball is equally vital, and the Buckeyes enter 2025 with the kind of backfield depth most programs can only dream of. TreVeyon Henderson returns as one of the most dynamic backs in the nation, fully healthy and ready to prove he’s the best in college football. His vision, burst, and home-run ability give Ohio State another dimension that complements its passing attack. Casale is particularly high on Henderson’s ability to impact both the running and passing games, making him a versatile threat defenses must account for every snap. With Chip Trayanum and Dallan Hayden offering support, the Buckeyes’ backfield is both deep and versatile, allowing for multiple formations and game plans.
Yet, as any futures bettor knows, it’s often defense that separates the good teams from the great ones. Casale emphasizes the defensive strides made under coordinator Jim Knowles, who enters his third season in Columbus. Knowles’ defense took a major step forward in 2024, and with the majority of the unit returning, expectations are sky-high. The linebacker duo of C.J. Hicks and Cody Simon brings speed and tenacity to the middle of the field, while the secondary — led by cornerbacks Denzel Burke and Davison Igbinosun — is loaded with NFL-caliber talent. The defensive line, bolstered by J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, figures to be among the most disruptive in the country. Casale believes this defense could be the best Ohio State has had in the last decade — and that’s saying something given the recent talent pipeline to the NFL.
One often overlooked aspect of future betting is schedule analysis, and this is where Casale’s insight shines. The 2025 Big Ten is unlike anything we’ve seen before, featuring West Coast powerhouses USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington. That means a tougher conference schedule, but also more opportunities for quality wins. Casale points out that Ohio State’s 2025 schedule sets up beautifully. Key games, including the clash with Michigan, will be played at home in the Horseshoe, where the Buckeyes have been nearly invincible. While a road trip to Eugene to face Oregon looms large, Casale sees this as a manageable test for a team as talented and focused as Ohio State.
Importantly, the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff changes the math for futures betting. Teams no longer have to go undefeated to contend for a title. Instead, the goal is to earn a spot in the playoff and peak at the right time. Casale believes Ohio State is built to do just that. The Buckeyes have the depth to withstand injuries, the coaching to adapt, and the star power to win when it matters most. In an expanded playoff field, teams with elite quarterback play, a dominant defense, and battle-tested leadership rise to the top — three boxes Ohio State checks emphatically.
Casale also highlights the betting value still available on Ohio State. While Georgia and Texas currently dominate the futures market as early favorites, the Buckeyes sit just a tier below, offering more attractive odds with just as much upside. Casale cautions that as the season draws nearer and hype builds, Ohio State’s odds are likely to shorten. That makes preseason futures wagers not only speculative but potentially lucrative for those who act early. In his eyes, the window for value is open now — but won’t be for long.
A crucial point in Casale’s analysis is the hunger within the Ohio State program. After back-to-back seasons without a Big Ten title and painful losses to Michigan, the Buckeyes enter 2025 with a chip on their shoulder. That hunger, combined with an influx of talent and a favorable setup, makes them dangerous. Casale sees this as a classic bounce-back spot for a blue-blood program poised to reclaim its place atop the college football hierarchy. He points to recent history, where teams that stumble slightly but maintain elite recruiting and coaching often surge the following year — a pattern Ohio State fits perfectly.
Leadership on the sideline also plays a massive role in Casale’s confidence. While Ryan Day has faced criticism in recent years for his inability to beat Michigan, Casale believes those concerns are overstated. Day’s overall record, offensive acumen, and recruiting prowess remain elite. Moreover, he’s made key staff changes, including a renewed focus on physicality and execution in big games. Casale trusts Day to learn from past mistakes and guide this team back to the promised land. In futures betting, coaching consistency is gold — and Ohio State has that in spades.
It’s also worth noting that Ohio State has built a culture that routinely turns potential into production. With an NFL pipeline that runs deep and a development system that grooms future stars year after year, the Buckeyes are not just talented — they’re built for sustained success. Casale believes this consistency is an underrated edge in futures betting. While other programs may flash for a year, Ohio State’s foundation means their floor is high, and their ceiling is a national title.
Casale’s futures pick isn’t about flash or hype — it’s about sustained excellence, strategic advantage, and undeniable value. In his view, Ohio State enters 2025 with all the necessary ingredients for a championship run: elite quarterback talent, explosive weapons, a menacing defense, and a hunger that only heartbreak can create. Add to that favorable odds, playoff expansion, and a forgiving schedule, and you have the makings of a smart, well-reasoned futures play.
For bettors looking to invest in the futures market, the 2025 Ohio State Buckeyes offer a compelling case. Thomas Casale, with years of experience breaking down college football betting, isn’t just throwing a dart. He’s making a calculated call based on a convergence of factors that point toward a big season in Columbus. While no futures bet is ever guaranteed, Casale believes this one has all the signs of a winner — and the time to strike is now.
