Following their National Championship victory, the Ohio State Buckeyes wasted no time moving forward. Celebrations were brief, as players quickly faced critical decisions regarding their futures, including whether to enter the NFL Draft or explore opportunities in the transfer portal. Meanwhile, the program also encountered uncertainty surrounding its coaching staff.
Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles departed to take on a similar role at Penn State, leaving Ohio State with the task of finding his replacement. Once that position is filled, the Buckeyes will shift their focus to building on their 2024 success and striving for another championship run.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Fox college football analyst Joel Klatt remains confident in Ohio State’s potential. “The national champs will look a lot different next year, no question about it,” Klatt noted. “But they’re still an elite team with two players who could arguably be the best in the game on both sides of the ball. It’s tough to take a big step back when you have the top talent in the sport.”
Ohio State is set to return its standout performers on offense and defense. Jeremiah Smith, who emerged as the team’s leading offensive weapon during his freshman season with 1,313 receiving yards, is poised for an even greater impact in 2025. On defense, Caleb Downs will continue to anchor the secondary, widely regarded as one of the best defenders in college football.
One key challenge for the Buckeyes will be overcoming their recent struggles against Michigan, having lost to their rivals for a fourth consecutive year in 2024. Securing a win against the Wolverines in 2025 will be a top priority. However, thanks to the expanded College Football Playoff format, Ohio State was still able to achieve their ultimate goal last season, despite that setback.
Though the team will experience some changes following the departure of several veteran players, Ohio State is well-positioned to reload and remain a top contender in 2025. With a strong foundation and elite talent returning, the Buckeyes are expected to remain a dominant force in college football.
