The college football world thrives on passion, tradition, and rivalry. In no place is that energy more concentrated than in the heart of the Big Ten Conference. Year after year, iconic programs like Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin fight for supremacy, driven not only by championship dreams but also by decades-old grudges and regional pride. But amid all that tradition, a recent proclamation by a former Big Ten standout has ignited a firestorm—one that centers on perhaps the most polarizing and consistently dominant team in the conference: the Ohio State Buckeyes.
It all began with a podcast appearance that, while casual in tone, would ripple across social media, fan forums, and analyst circles like a thunderclap. Former standout linebacker Chris Borland, once the heart and soul of the Wisconsin Badgers defense and a respected voice in college football commentary, boldly declared that the Ohio State Buckeyes “run the Big Ten now and will continue to do so for the next decade—no one is even close.” He added, “People don’t want to admit it because it hurts their pride, but Ohio State is playing on a different level—recruiting, development, coaching, everything. It’s not even a fair fight anymore.”
The proclamation may not surprise Buckeyes fans who have grown accustomed to their team contending for the College Football Playoff almost every year. But it struck a nerve with alumni and fans of rival programs, particularly those who believe their schools are closing the gap or already on par with Ohio State. For many, Borland’s comment wasn’t just a prediction—it was a shot across the bow.
Borland’s words carry weight not just because of his past accolades, but because of his reputation as a thoughtful analyst. After retiring early from the NFL due to concerns about head injuries, he has been respected for his integrity and his articulate, data-backed takes on college football. So, when someone like Borland says that Ohio State will dominate the Big Ten for another ten years, people listen—and react.
The responses were swift. Former Michigan linemen scoffed on social media. Penn State loyalists pointed to recent recruiting hauls. Iowa fans dragged up defensive statistics and turnover margins. But perhaps what stung most was the grain of undeniable truth in Borland’s statement. Over the past decade, Ohio State has compiled a jaw-dropping conference record, sent more players to the NFL than any other Big Ten program, and consistently ranked in the top five in national recruiting. Their facilities are state-of-the-art, their booster support is unmatched, and their brand power is as strong as any team in the country, including the likes of Alabama and Georgia.
The numbers are staggering. Since Urban Meyer’s arrival in 2012 and continuing through the Ryan Day era, Ohio State has lost just a handful of Big Ten games. They’ve won multiple conference titles, have appeared in the national championship game, and have produced stars like Chase Young, Justin Fields, and C.J. Stroud. Even in years they didn’t win the Big Ten, they were often only a play or two away.
Critics of Borland’s comments were quick to bring up Ohio State’s recent struggles against Michigan—losing to their archrivals two years in a row, a bitter pill for Buckeye Nation. “If they’re so dominant,” one Michigan fan tweeted, “why can’t they beat us when it counts?” But even with those setbacks, Ohio State remained a national contender. Both losses were tightly contested and came amid coaching transitions and rising talent on Michigan’s end. Still, Borland’s point remains: even in defeat, Ohio State’s national standing and future trajectory haven’t dimmed.
What sets the Buckeyes apart, according to Borland, is the comprehensive nature of their dominance. “It’s not just talent,” he said. “It’s the way they prepare, the way they evolve. You look at schools like Wisconsin or Iowa—great programs, but they’re limited. They can’t get the same athletes. They can’t throw money at facilities the same way. And culturally, Ohio State expects to win it all every single year. That expectation alone shapes the way they operate.”
This culture of winning—ingrained in Columbus from the Woody Hayes era through Jim Tressel and into the modern day—has made Ohio State not only a college football superpower but the flagship brand of the Big Ten. When the College Football Playoff Committee evaluates Big Ten teams, Ohio State is always the benchmark. When television networks negotiate billion-dollar contracts, it’s the Buckeyes’ national draw that tilts the scales. And with the coming expansion of the College Football Playoff to 12 teams, Ohio State is widely seen as a near-lock to make the bracket every year.
Still, some argue the tides may be shifting. Michigan’s resurgence under Jim Harbaugh, Penn State’s youth-laden roster, and USC’s impending entrance into the conference have all been cited as potential roadblocks to Ohio State’s dominance. But Borland remains unconvinced. “I respect Michigan’s run,” he said, “but let’s not pretend this is a long-term trend. Ohio State is built for the long game. And USC? Great offense, but that defense won’t last a Big Ten season.”
Beyond the field, Ohio State’s institutional investment in football dwarfs most of its peers. The Woody Hayes Athletic Center has undergone multiple upgrades. The NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities in Columbus are among the best in the country. And with one of the largest alumni bases in America, the program has financial and networking support that rivals even the biggest SEC schools. According to Borland, that’s not changing anytime soon.
