Where Ohio State Football Ranks in Our Six Tiers of the Big Ten in 2025: Buckeye Talk Podcast
As Ohio State football gears up for the 2025 season, excitement and anticipation continue to swirl around the program under head coach Ryan Day. The Buckeyes have consistently been one of the top teams in the Big Ten and the nation, and with another strong recruiting class, a talented roster, and Day’s proven track record, Ohio State is once again poised to make a run at a national title.
But with so much uncertainty around college football in 2025, particularly with new programs entering the Big Ten and several teams looking to make a leap, how does Ohio State stack up within the ever-evolving Big Ten Conference? To break it down, the Buckeye Talk Podcast dives into the rankings of Big Ten teams for the 2025 season, categorizing each program into six distinct tiers based on their expected performance.
So, where does Ohio State fall in the mix? Here’s a breakdown of the Buckeyes’ position in the Big Ten hierarchy, as well as a closer look at the team’s outlook in comparison to the rest of the conference.
The Six-Tier Breakdown of the Big Ten in 2025
When assessing the Big Ten for the 2025 season, we break down the teams into six tiers. These tiers range from the absolute elite programs, who are considered championship contenders, to the teams in a rebuilding phase or those with uncertain futures. Below is the complete breakdown of the six tiers:
- Tier 1: National Championship Contenders
- Tier 2: Big Ten Title Contenders
- Tier 3: High-Level Teams with Playoff Potential
- Tier 4: Solid Programs with Upside
- Tier 5: Rebuilding Teams
- Tier 6: Struggling Programs
Ohio State Football: Tier 1 – National Championship Contenders
As expected, Ohio State falls into Tier 1, among the national championship contenders. The Buckeyes have established themselves as one of the premier programs in the country, and 2025 will be no different. With Ryan Day continuing to recruit elite talent and developing players at an exceptional rate, Ohio State remains a top contender for both the Big Ten title and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
The Buckeyes’ position in Tier 1 is not only due to their talent on the field, but also their established consistency. Ohio State has consistently been a top-10 team, and with the return of several key players, combined with an influx of talented recruits, the Buckeyes should again be a force to be reckoned with.
Ohio State’s roster in 2025 will feature a mix of veteran leadership and up-and-coming stars. The Buckeyes have one of the most potent offenses in the country, with one of the nation’s top quarterbacks, playmaking wide receivers, and an explosive running game. With Day’s offensive genius at the helm, Ohio State’s offense is expected to continue its dominance. The defense has also made great strides under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, and the unit should continue to improve in 2025, with multiple future NFL talents on the roster.
However, despite being in Tier 1, the Buckeyes face challenges. They will once again have to navigate a competitive Big Ten conference, with rising teams like Michigan, Penn State, and others continuing to improve. Moreover, Ohio State will need to address any remaining concerns, especially on defense, if they are to not only contend for the Big Ten title but also a national championship.
Big Ten Rivalry: Ohio State vs. Michigan
The annual showdown between Ohio State and Michigan is always one of the most high-stakes games in college football, and 2025 promises to be no different. Michigan has emerged as one of Ohio State’s biggest rivals and could potentially challenge the Buckeyes for supremacy in the Big Ten in the near future.
Michigan continues to build under head coach Jim Harbaugh, and in 2025, the Wolverines could be one of the main threats to Ohio State’s dominance. The Wolverines’ growing recruiting success, strong coaching staff, and development of key players make Michigan a team to watch. While Ohio State remains in Tier 1 due to its overall consistency and elite-level play, Michigan is undoubtedly a team to watch closely in 2025 as they continue to make strides on both sides of the ball.
Penn State and the Rest of the Big Ten
Penn State, a team that has also been improving under head coach James Franklin, is in the midst of a rise and could challenge Ohio State for a playoff spot in 2025. With a defense that has been among the best in the nation, paired with an offense that has steadily improved, Penn State is a team capable of causing problems for anyone in the Big Ten. However, it’s still difficult to place them in the same category as Ohio State, who continues to be the gold standard in the conference.
Other teams like Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota are certainly solid programs, but they’re currently in Tier 3—high-level teams with the potential for a major upset but are not yet true title contenders. These teams have the pieces to make things interesting in the Big Ten standings, but they’ll need more consistency and development to crack the upper tier of Big Ten teams.
In Tier 2, Ohio State’s main competition for Big Ten supremacy will come from Michigan and Penn State, but ultimately, the Buckeyes’ talent and coaching prowess give them the edge heading into 2025.
Key Factors for Ohio State’s 2025 Success
For Ohio State to maintain its position at the top of the Big Ten in 2025 and potentially make a run at the national title, several key factors will be critical:
- Quarterback Play: Ohio State has consistently had top-tier quarterbacks, and 2025 will be no different. The performance of whoever starts at quarterback (whether it’s Kyle McCord, Devin Brown, or someone else) will be critical to Ohio State’s success. A capable and elite quarterback could help the Buckeyes maintain their explosive offense.
- Defensive Improvement: Ohio State’s defense, under Jim Knowles, showed signs of improvement in 2023 and 2024, and continuing that trajectory in 2025 will be crucial. While Ohio State has produced dominant defenses in the past, further development, particularly in the secondary and linebacker positions, could give the Buckeyes an even stronger edge over teams like Michigan and Penn State.
- Playmaking on Offense: Ohio State has one of the deepest and most talented receiving corps in the country, but it will need to stay healthy and continue to produce big plays. Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and others will be key weapons in the Buckeyes’ offense. Ohio State’s ability to dominate through the air, combined with a strong running game, will be essential in securing their place as a national contender.
- Big Ten Competition: Ohio State will face significant challenges from within the Big Ten, particularly from Michigan and Penn State. While the Buckeyes remain in Tier 1, staying focused on these rivalry games and consistently performing at a high level will be crucial to navigating the conference schedule.