How College Football Was Overtaken by Ohio State: From Underdogs to Kings
For decades, college football has been a dynamic and fiercely competitive sport, with teams from coast to coast vying for the ultimate prize: the national championship. Throughout this history, many schools have risen to prominence, including the University of Alabama, the University of Southern California, the University of Michigan, and the University of Notre Dame, among others. However, over the last few decades, one team has managed to shift the balance of power and claim a throne atop college football—the Ohio State Buckeyes.
What began as a tale of resilience and determination, the story of Ohio State football’s rise to dominance is one marked by steady growth, strategic leadership, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. From underdogs to kings of the college football world, Ohio State’s journey has been nothing short of spectacular. In this article, we’ll explore how Ohio State overtook college football, examining the critical factors that propelled the Buckeyes to greatness and helped solidify their position as one of the most storied programs in the sport’s history.
Early Struggles and the Formation of an Identity
Ohio State’s history in college football began in the early 20th century, with the program slowly gaining recognition. Though the Buckeyes had some sporadic successes, they were not immediately seen as a national power. The team’s trajectory was often marked by ups and downs, as Ohio State had to compete in a highly competitive Big Ten Conference and face fierce rivals.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Ohio State’s football program began to gain national attention, especially with the arrival of head coach Francis Schmidt in 1934. Schmidt, known for his innovative approach and motivational skills, would lay the groundwork for the Buckeyes’ long-term success. Under Schmidt’s guidance, Ohio State’s football team became a prominent contender in the Big Ten and saw early success in bowl games.
But despite these achievements, the Buckeyes struggled to consistently compete with the nation’s elite programs. While they remained competitive within the Big Ten, national championships seemed elusive. In fact, during this time, Ohio State football was often overshadowed by powerhouse programs such as the University of Michigan, Notre Dame, and the University of Southern California.
The Turning Point: The 1950s to 1970s
Ohio State’s football fortunes began to shift in the 1950s, primarily due to the hiring of a new head coach: Woody Hayes. Hayes took over as head coach in 1951 and quickly transformed Ohio State into a powerhouse. He was known for his no-nonsense approach, hard-nosed philosophy, and emphasis on discipline. Hayes’ arrival marked the beginning of a new era for Ohio State football—one that would propel the team to national prominence.
In the 1960s, Hayes’ teams began to experience sustained success, dominating the Big Ten and securing multiple conference championships. The Buckeyes also started making regular appearances in major bowl games, including the Rose Bowl. Ohio State’s victory in the 1968 Rose Bowl helped solidify the team’s reputation as a national contender. The Buckeyes went on to capture the 1968 national championship, their first in over three decades, and established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in college football.
While Hayes’ tenure was marked by some controversy, particularly his fiery temperament and clashes with officials, his success on the field was undeniable. Under Hayes, Ohio State became a consistent contender in both the Big Ten and on the national stage. By the time Hayes retired in 1978, the Buckeyes had firmly established themselves as one of the elite programs in the country.
The 1980s and 1990s: A Period of Consistency, but Missed Opportunities
After Woody Hayes’ departure, Ohio State faced a period of transition. The team went through a few coaching changes, but the Buckeyes continued to maintain a high level of success. During the 1980s and 1990s, the team consistently finished among the top 10 in the nation, with some standout seasons that included trips to major bowl games.
Despite their consistency, Ohio State struggled to capture the elusive national championship during this time. The Buckeyes were often on the cusp of greatness, but key losses and moments of misfortune prevented them from securing a title. For instance, in 1984, the Buckeyes came close to winning the national championship but lost to the University of Miami in the Fiesta Bowl. Similarly, the 1990s saw Ohio State have several seasons where they contended for national titles but ultimately fell short.
Despite the near-misses, Ohio State remained a perennial power in college football. The team’s performances in the Big Ten continued to be impressive, with Ohio State dominating its conference rivals. But as the national landscape began to shift with the emergence of new teams and conferences, Ohio State found itself facing increased competition for national prominence.
The Turn of the Century: The Rise of Jim Tressel and the 2000s
While the 1980s and 1990s were periods of success for Ohio State, it was the early 2000s that marked a true turning point in the program’s history. The hiring of head coach Jim Tressel in 2001 brought a sense of renewed purpose and focus to the program. Tressel’s leadership and emphasis on discipline, teamwork, and building a winning culture helped the Buckeyes reach new heights.
In just his second season at the helm, Tressel led the Buckeyes to the 2002 BCS National Championship Game, where they faced off against the heavily favored Miami Hurricanes. In a thrilling, down-to-the-wire game, Ohio State emerged victorious, securing its first national championship since 1968. The win was a testament to Tressel’s ability to build a competitive, resilient program, and it cemented Ohio State’s position as one of the nation’s elite football programs.
Tressel’s success was not a one-time occurrence. Under his leadership, the Buckeyes consistently contended for Big Ten titles and made regular appearances in major bowl games. Ohio State’s dominance of the Big Ten was unrivaled during this time, and the team was frequently in the conversation for the College Football Playoff (CFP) spot. The Buckeyes’ sustained success in the 2000s made them a fixture in college football’s elite ranks.
The 2010s: The Urban Meyer Era and the Rise to Superstardom
While Jim Tressel had built a championship-winning program, it was Urban Meyer’s arrival at Ohio State in 2012 that propelled the Buckeyes into the elite category of college football. Meyer, known for his offensive ingenuity and ability to recruit top talent, was the perfect fit for Ohio State’s ambitious goals.
Meyer’s impact was immediate. In his first season, he led Ohio State to an undefeated 12-0 record, although the team was ineligible for postseason play due to NCAA sanctions. In 2014, Meyer led Ohio State to the inaugural College Football Playoff, where they defeated Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and Oregon in the national championship game to win the Buckeyes’ eighth national title. Ohio State’s performance during this time was nothing short of dominant, and Meyer’s ability to recruit some of the best players in the country elevated the program to unprecedented levels.
The success continued throughout the 2010s, with Ohio State regularly finishing among the top teams in the country and winning Big Ten championships. Meyer’s innovative offensive schemes, coupled with a fierce defense, made Ohio State a nearly unstoppable force. Under Meyer, the Buckeyes not only captured national championships but also helped redefine the blueprint for modern college football success.
Meyer’s coaching acumen, combined with Ohio State’s world-class facilities, fanbase, and tradition, made the program one of the most coveted destinations for top recruits. The Buckeyes became synonymous with success, and the program reached new heights in terms of both national recognition and recruiting prowess.
The Present Day: Ryan Day and the Continued Dominance
In 2019, Ohio State ushered in a new era under head coach Ryan Day, who had been promoted after Urban Meyer’s retirement. Day’s rise as a coach has been meteoric, with many drawing parallels to Meyer’s early success. Day’s first few seasons at the helm have continued Ohio State’s dominance in the Big Ten, with the team consistently making deep runs in the College Football Playoff and winning Big Ten titles. Under Day, Ohio State remains one of the top teams in college football and a perennial championship contender.
Day’s offense has continued to build on Meyer’s success, with an emphasis on high-powered, explosive play. The Buckeyes have produced a new generation of NFL-caliber talent, particularly at the quarterback position, where Day’s tutelage has molded stars like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud. The ability to consistently produce top-tier talent has been crucial to Ohio State’s continued success in a highly competitive college football landscape.
Additionally, Day’s ability to maintain a culture of excellence at Ohio State, along with his recruiting success, has kept the Buckeyes as one of the most feared programs in the nation. With each passing year, the program’s reputation for developing talent, winning championships, and dominating the Big Ten has solidified its place as one of the kings of college football.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Dominance
Ohio State’s journey from underdogs to kings of college football is a testament to the program’s resilience, leadership, and commitment to excellence. From its early days under coaches like Francis Schmidt and Woody Hayes to its modern-day dominance under Urban Meyer and Ryan Day, Ohio State has ascended to the top of the college football landscape. The Buckeyes have proven that sustained success, along with a strong culture and innovative coaching, can transform a program into a perennial powerhouse.
As we look toward the future, Ohio State’s position as a dominant force in college football seems secure. The program’s ability to adapt to changes in the game, recruit elite talent, and win championships ensures that Ohio State will remain a fixture in the national conversation for years to come. The legacy of the Buckeyes is one of perseverance, tradition, and unmatched excellence—traits that have helped them go from underdogs to kings of college football.