How Good Will Football Be at Ohio State in 2025? This is What the Metrics Indicate
As the 2025 college football season approaches, Ohio State University’s football team stands at the intersection of history, tradition, and future potential. With a rich legacy of success on the gridiron and a recruiting pipeline that consistently ranks among the best in the country, the Buckeyes are poised for another impactful season. But how good will Ohio State football actually be in 2025? To answer this question, we must look at various metrics, including recruiting, returning players, coaching stability, strength of schedule, and advanced statistical models.
Recruiting: A Pipeline to Success
Ohio State has consistently been a powerhouse in college football recruiting, and 2025 is no exception. The Buckeyes’ 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the best in the nation. Under head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State has built a reputation for not only attracting top-tier in-state talent but also for poaching elite recruits from across the country.
In 2024, the Buckeyes landed the No. 2 recruiting class in the nation, according to 247Sports, and the 2025 class is expected to be similarly impressive. This is crucial for the team’s long-term success, as the influx of talent will provide the foundation for sustained success in 2025 and beyond. The Buckeyes have consistently ranked among the top five teams in the nation for recruiting, and with the 2025 cycle well underway, Ohio State appears poised to maintain that level of excellence.
Player Development: The Impact of Returning Talent
One of the key metrics to consider when evaluating Ohio State’s 2025 prospects is the team’s returning talent. The Buckeyes are expected to have several key contributors back for the 2025 season, particularly on offense. Quarterback Kyle McCord, assuming he stays healthy and continues to develop under Day’s tutelage, could emerge as one of the nation’s top quarterbacks. McCord has shown flashes of brilliance during his time as a starter in 2024, and by 2025, he will likely have the experience needed to excel at a high level.
At running back, Ohio State’s depth will be a key asset. With TreVeyon Henderson possibly returning for his senior season, the Buckeyes will have one of the most dynamic ball carriers in the nation. Henderson has been a consistent playmaker since his freshman year and could be poised for a monster season in 2025, especially behind an offensive line that should continue to improve under offensive line coach Justin Frye.
Ohio State’s receiving corps will also be one of the most formidable in the nation in 2025. With star wide receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Julian Fleming expected to return, McCord will have an embarrassment of riches to work with on the outside. These players are not only among the best in the country but have shown great chemistry with their quarterback, which bodes well for Ohio State’s passing game in 2025.
Defensively, Ohio State will likely have several standout players returning, including defensive end Jack Sawyer and linebacker Steele Chambers. Both have proven themselves as key contributors in the Buckeyes’ defense and could be primed for breakout seasons as upperclassmen. The defensive line, always a staple of Ohio State’s success, will be especially deep, giving the team the ability to control the line of scrimmage and disrupt opposing offenses. With elite players at virtually every level of the defense, Ohio State should remain a difficult team to score against in 2025.
Coaching Stability: Ryan Day and the Buckeyes’ Success
Another crucial metric in evaluating Ohio State’s 2025 prospects is the stability of the coaching staff. Ryan Day has been the head coach of the Buckeyes since 2019, and during his tenure, the team has won multiple Big Ten titles, made several College Football Playoff appearances, and remained a perennial powerhouse. In 2025, Day will be entering his seventh season at the helm, which provides him with a wealth of experience in managing a top-tier program.
Day’s leadership has already proven to be invaluable, and his offensive schemes have consistently kept Ohio State near the top of the national rankings. His ability to develop quarterbacks, maximize offensive talent, and adjust his game plans on the fly is a huge advantage heading into the 2025 season. Furthermore, Day’s leadership and consistency will be crucial in maintaining the culture of success at Ohio State, especially as new players step into leadership roles.
Additionally, Ohio State’s assistant coaching staff remains largely intact, which adds further continuity to the program. Offensive coordinator Brian Hartline and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles will continue to guide the Buckeyes on both sides of the ball. Hartline’s development of wide receivers and overall offensive philosophy has been a key driver of Ohio State’s success, while Knowles’ aggressive defensive schemes have made the Buckeyes one of the most feared teams in the country.
Strength of Schedule: Tough Tests Ahead
While Ohio State is expected to be one of the most talented teams in college football in 2025, the strength of their schedule will certainly play a role in determining how far the Buckeyes can go. The Big Ten continues to be one of the most competitive conferences in college football, and Ohio State’s schedule will not be easy.
The Buckeyes will once again face off against traditional rivals such as Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin. The Michigan rivalry, in particular, is always a highly anticipated matchup and could once again decide the Big Ten East title in 2025. Although Ohio State has dominated the rivalry in recent years, Michigan’s improvement under Jim Harbaugh means that this game will be a tough test every year.
Ohio State will also face some non-conference challenges in 2025, with games against teams like Notre Dame, Washington, or Texas (depending on how the scheduling shakes out). These non-conference games will provide an opportunity for Ohio State to prove itself on a national stage, but they will also present significant hurdles. If the Buckeyes are able to navigate this difficult schedule, their chances of making the College Football Playoff in 2025 will be significantly enhanced.
Advanced Metrics: Statistical Models and Projections
To get a better sense of how good Ohio State will be in 2025, it’s helpful to examine advanced statistical models and projections. Several metrics, such as SP+ (from ESPN’s Bill Connelly), FPI (Football Power Index), and recruiting rankings, provide a more data-driven perspective on the team’s prospects.
As of 2025, Ohio State is projected to be one of the top teams in both SP+ and FPI rankings. SP+ takes into account various factors such as offensive efficiency, defensive efficiency, and special teams, while FPI focuses on overall team strength, including talent, depth, and schedule strength. In both models, Ohio State is expected to finish within the top five teams nationally.
Ohio State’s offensive efficiency, led by McCord and a star-studded group of playmakers, will likely be one of the best in the country. The defense, while always formidable, will continue to be one of the most talented units in the nation, which will keep opponents in check. The advanced metrics suggest that Ohio State will be well-positioned to compete for a national title in 2025, provided they can avoid significant injuries and navigate a tough schedule.
Key Factors to Watch in 2025
While all of the above metrics paint an optimistic picture for Ohio State, several key factors will ultimately determine the team’s success in 2025:
- Quarterback Play: McCord’s development will be crucial to Ohio State’s offensive success. If he can take the next step and become one of the nation’s elite quarterbacks, the Buckeyes’ offense will be nearly unstoppable.
- Injury Management: Injuries, particularly to key players like Henderson, McCord, and the offensive line, can derail a season. If Ohio State can stay healthy, their talent and depth should carry them to a successful season.
- Defensive Consistency: Ohio State’s defense, particularly its pass rush and secondary, will need to remain elite. If the Buckeyes can continue to dominate defensively, they will be tough to beat.
- Special Teams: In a close game, special teams can make the difference. Ohio State will need to continue performing well in this phase, as it can swing momentum in big games.