The Ohio State Buckeyes Are Listed as Concerning for 2025
As college football heads into the 2025 season, the Ohio State Buckeyes are facing a period of uncertainty that has many fans and analysts concerned about the future of their football program. Despite the Buckeyes’ consistent dominance in the Big Ten and their status as perennial contenders in the College Football Playoff, a number of issues are beginning to surface that could impact their success in the 2025 season and beyond.
Ohio State has long been one of the top football programs in the country, boasting a rich tradition of success and producing NFL-caliber talent year after year. However, entering the 2025 season, there are several red flags that have raised questions about the team’s ability to maintain their elite status. From leadership changes to roster instability and ongoing recruitment challenges, these concerns are beginning to mount as the Buckeyes look to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Quarterback Controversy: A Position of Uncertainty
One of the most glaring concerns for Ohio State heading into 2025 is the uncertainty at the quarterback position. For years, the Buckeyes have been blessed with elite quarterbacks such as Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and CJ Stroud, all of whom have led the team to playoff berths and bolstered the program’s national reputation. However, with Stroud leaving for the NFL, Ohio State is now faced with the challenge of finding a suitable replacement.
The team has several options in the quarterback room, including highly touted prospects and transfers. However, the competition for the starting job is still very much up in the air. Without a clear, proven starter, the Buckeyes risk entering the season with an inexperienced quarterback under center—something that could cause growing pains for an offense that has long relied on high-powered passing attacks.
Though there is talent in the pipeline, it’s unclear whether a first-year starter will be able to replicate the success of previous Ohio State quarterbacks. The lack of stability at this crucial position is a major concern, and it could have a domino effect on the overall performance of the offense.
Changes to Coaching Staff and Leadership
Another area of concern for Ohio State is the recent changes within their coaching staff. Head coach Ryan Day has done an excellent job in maintaining the program’s high level of success, but as the years go on, maintaining that level of excellence requires fresh ideas, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
In recent seasons, Ohio State’s defense has been a point of weakness—especially in high-stakes games against teams like Michigan and in the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes have consistently struggled to slow down high-octane offenses, and while changes have been made to the defensive coaching staff, the results haven’t always been as expected. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles was brought in to address this issue, but there are still questions about whether his defensive schemes will continue to be effective against elite competition.
Additionally, the program has seen changes in assistant coaching positions, particularly in the areas of offensive line coaching and wide receivers. With so much talent on the roster, the ability of these new coaching hires to develop players and execute successful game plans will be put to the test. The combination of coaching turnover and the need for new leadership in key areas raises doubts about whether Ohio State can continue to perform at the highest level in 2025.
Recruitment Challenges and Depth Issues
While Ohio State remains one of the top recruiting programs in the country, there are signs that the Buckeyes are facing more challenges in securing the nation’s top talent. In recent years, the Buckeyes have lost out on some high-profile recruits to rival programs, particularly in-state teams and SEC schools. This trend could affect Ohio State’s overall depth and competitiveness moving forward.
While the Buckeyes continue to land elite players, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, there have been questions about the defensive side of the ball in recent recruiting classes. The Buckeyes have been particularly vulnerable in their efforts to land top-tier defensive linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs. With the increasing strength of teams like Georgia, Alabama, and Michigan, Ohio State may struggle to secure the talent they need to compete at the highest levels.
Depth is also a growing concern for Ohio State, particularly in the trenches. While the Buckeyes have produced some of the best offensive linemen in recent memory, injuries to key players could expose a lack of depth on the roster. Given the physical nature of the Big Ten and the demands of a College Football Playoff run, Ohio State will need to develop its younger players and ensure that its depth is able to withstand the rigors of a tough schedule.
Big Ten and National Competition Heating Up
Perhaps one of the biggest concerns for Ohio State in 2025 is the increasing competition in the Big Ten and nationally. For years, the Buckeyes have dominated the Big Ten, but with Michigan’s recent resurgence under Jim Harbaugh and other programs like Penn State improving, Ohio State’s position as the unquestioned leader of the conference is being challenged.
Michigan, in particular, has given Ohio State problems in recent years, with the Wolverines winning the last two matchups. With a strong recruiting class and a potent offense led by quarterback J.J. McCarthy, Michigan looks primed to continue its success and challenge the Buckeyes once again. If Ohio State cannot find a way to beat their biggest rival, it could derail their chances of making the College Football Playoff in 2025.
On the national level, teams like Georgia, Alabama, and Clemson continue to be formidable foes, and the growing strength of other programs around the country only makes Ohio State’s path to the playoffs more difficult. With the College Football Playoff expanding in the coming years, Ohio State will need to ensure they can maintain their elite level of play in order to secure a spot among the top teams in the country.
The Pressure to Win a National Championship
Ohio State is a program with championship expectations, and anything short of a national title in 2025 will likely be seen as a disappointment. With the resources, facilities, and talent available to them, there is no reason the Buckeyes shouldn’t be competing for a championship year in and year out.
However, the pressure to win a national championship could have adverse effects. The constant expectation of greatness can lead to unrealistic expectations, player dissatisfaction, and coaching turnover. For Ryan Day, the pressure to deliver a championship in 2025 is immense, and if the team falls short again, it could spark more questions about whether Day is the right coach to lead Ohio State to the promised land.
This pressure, coupled with the challenges mentioned earlier—quarterback uncertainty, coaching changes, and recruiting challenges—will only increase as the 2025 season progresses. The Buckeyes may have to work harder than ever to prove that they are still a championship-caliber team in this increasingly competitive environment.