Buckeye Nation, it’s time to rally! The Ohio State Buckeyes are coming off one of the most thrilling and emotionally charged seasons in program history, capped with a monumental 34-23 national championship victory over Notre Dame in 2024. The triumph was not only a testament to the relentless work ethic, elite talent, and resilient culture Ryan Day has cultivated in Columbus but also a defining moment that restored Ohio State to the top of college football’s mountain. However, as is often the case with success, the aftermath of glory has brought significant challenges. The Buckeyes now face an offseason filled with uncertainty, particularly at the quarterback position, as well as the daunting reality of 14 key players, including star signal-caller Will Howard, departing for the NFL. For Ryan Day and his staff, the next few months will determine whether Ohio State can sustain its dynasty or be forced into a rebuilding phase that Buckeye Nation is never truly comfortable with.
The quarterback position has always been at the heart of Ohio State’s identity, from legends like Troy Smith and Terrelle Pryor to modern greats such as Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, and C.J. Stroud. This past season, Will Howard etched his name into Buckeye lore by delivering clutch performances throughout the playoff run, culminating in a poised and spectacular display in the national title game. His leadership, combined with a strong offensive line and an array of elite playmakers, made Ohio State’s offense one of the most feared in the country. Now, with Howard heading to the NFL alongside several other cornerstone players, the Buckeyes are in the midst of one of their most critical transitional periods in years. Replacing a championship quarterback is never easy, but doing so in the wake of losing nearly a third of the team’s starting lineup to the pros presents a unique and difficult challenge.
Ryan Day’s tenure has been defined by offensive brilliance and a knack for developing quarterbacks into NFL-ready stars. However, the 2025 season will test Day’s coaching acumen like never before. The Buckeyes have several talented quarterbacks on the roster, but none with the experience or proven leadership that Howard provided. The transfer portal has become a lifeline for programs in these situations, but it remains to be seen whether Ohio State will look externally for a veteran quarterback or trust in its younger talent. This decision alone could dictate the trajectory of the Buckeyes’ upcoming season. Fans are eager to see which signal-caller emerges during spring practice, but the looming pressure to defend the championship will make every mistake and every missed throw magnified tenfold.
Adding to the quarterback dilemma is the departure of 14 key players who played instrumental roles in securing the national championship. Losing so many experienced contributors at once can often create a leadership vacuum within a locker room, and it is up to the remaining veterans to step up and fill that void. The Buckeyes still boast one of the most talented rosters in the nation, thanks to Day’s relentless recruiting and the program’s ability to consistently reload rather than rebuild. But there is no denying that replacing the likes of first-round draft picks on both sides of the ball will be a monumental task. Players like Marvin Harrison Jr., TreVeyon Henderson, and key defensive standouts have left massive shoes to fill, and while the next wave of stars is waiting in the wings, they will need to mature quickly to keep Ohio State at the elite level expected by its fanbase.
One thing that has always defined Buckeye Nation is its unwavering support, especially in times of transition. The fanbase is known for being as passionate and knowledgeable as any in the country, and now more than ever, that energy needs to be directed toward rallying behind this new-look team. Ryan Day and his coaching staff have already begun the process of evaluating talent, tweaking schemes, and preparing for the gauntlet of a new season. The Big Ten is not getting any easier, with Michigan still looming as a perennial threat and programs like Penn State and Wisconsin looking to close the gap. On top of that, the College Football Playoff’s expanded format means that every game will carry even more weight as Ohio State seeks to defend its crown.
The Buckeyes’ national championship run in 2024 was built on a foundation of discipline, explosive offense, and a defense that stepped up when it mattered most. Recreating that magic will require a delicate balance of developing young players while maintaining the competitive edge that has defined Ohio State football for decades. The offensive line, often the unsung hero of championship teams, will be a focal point of the offseason. Protecting whichever quarterback wins the starting job will be crucial, as a strong offensive front will allow the Buckeyes to lean on their running game while the new signal-caller gains confidence. On the defensive side, finding leaders in the secondary and linebacker corps will be equally important, especially after losing NFL-caliber talent that was instrumental in shutting down Notre Dame’s potent offense in the title game.
The psychological aspect of defending a championship cannot be overlooked. Ohio State is now the team everyone wants to beat, and opponents will bring their best effort each and every week. Ryan Day will need to ensure that his players remain hungry and focused, avoiding the complacency that often follows a title run. This is where the culture of the program comes into play. Day’s emphasis on accountability, hard work, and relentless pursuit of excellence will be tested as he ushers in a new era of Buckeye football. Fortunately, Ohio State’s history is filled with moments of resilience and reinvention. From the Woody Hayes era to Urban Meyer’s dominance, the Buckeyes have always found ways to adapt and thrive, regardless of the obstacles.
Looking at the broader landscape of college football, Ohio State’s quarterback situation will be one of the most closely watched storylines heading into the 2025 season. The Buckeyes have been spoiled in recent years with an almost uninterrupted run of elite quarterbacks, and fans have come to expect nothing less than excellence at the position. Whoever steps into Will Howard’s shoes will face immense pressure, not only to perform on the field but also to uphold the tradition of leadership and competitiveness that defines the program. It’s a tall order, but as history has shown, Ohio State quarterbacks are often forged in the crucible of high expectations.
For Buckeye Nation, this offseason is not just about reflecting on the glory of the national championship but also about looking forward to the next chapter. There is a sense of urgency, a recognition that windows of opportunity in college football can be fleeting. Ryan Day understands this better than anyone. He knows that the recruiting battles, the offseason workouts, and the countless hours of film study happening right now will determine whether Ohio State can repeat as champions. It is a challenge that Day has embraced, but one that will require every ounce of support from the players, coaches, and fans alike.
As we look ahead, one thing is certain: the 2025 Ohio State Buckeyes will be a team defined by both opportunity and adversity. They have the chance to build on their legacy and cement their status as one of the most dominant programs of the modern era, but they must navigate a gauntlet of challenges to get there. Buckeye Nation, it’s time to rally like never before. The road back to the national championship game will not be easy, but with the right mix of talent, determination, and fan support, there is every reason to believe that Ohio State will once again be in the thick of the championship conversation.
In the end, the story of this offseason will not be solely about who replaces Will Howard or how many stars Ohio State lost to the NFL. It will be about how the program responds to the challenge of sustaining excellence. It will be about the young players seizing their moment, the coaches adapting their strategies, and the fans standing united behind their team. The 34-23 victory over Notre Dame was a moment for the ages, but as Ryan Day often says, the standard at Ohio State is not just about winning once—it’s about winning consistently and building a legacy that stands the test of time. With that mindset, the Buckeyes are already laying the groundwork for what they hope will be another unforgettable season. Buckeye Nation, the stage is set. The question is not whether Ohio State will rise to the occasion—it’s how high they will soar when the lights shine brightest once again.
