College football is a sport that is deeply ingrained in American culture. Every year, millions of fans eagerly await the start of the season, hoping that their favorite team will make it to the ultimate goal – the College Football Playoff. However, with only 12 spots available, the competition is fierce and only the best of the best will have the chance to punch their ticket to the playoffs. As we look ahead to the 2025 season, one team that will surely be in the spotlight is the defending champions, Ryan Day’s Ohio State Buckeyes.
The Buckeyes have a long and storied history in college football, with eight national championships and numerous conference titles to their name. Under the leadership of head coach Ryan Day, the team has continued to dominate on the field, making them a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming season.
But as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. And for the Buckeyes, the responsibility of defending their title will not be an easy task. With a target on their backs, they will have to face tough competition from other top teams in the country, including those from the powerhouse SEC conference.
One team that has already set their sights on the Buckeyes is the Alabama Crimson Tide, led by head coach and former Buckeye, Nick Saban. In a recent interview, Saban pointed out a major scheduling debacle that could potentially hinder the Buckeyes’ chances of making it to the playoffs.
According to Saban, the Buckeyes’ non-conference schedule for the 2025 season is not up to par with the level of competition they will face in the playoffs. He believes that playing weaker opponents in the non-conference schedule will not prepare the Buckeyes for the tough competition they will face in the playoffs.
While Saban’s comments may have raised some eyebrows, it is important to note that he is not the only one who has raised concerns about the Buckeyes’ schedule. Many experts and fans have also questioned the strength of their non-conference opponents, with some even calling it a “cupcake schedule.”
But despite the criticism, Ryan Day remains unfazed. In a recent press conference, he addressed Saban’s comments and defended the Buckeyes’ schedule, stating that they have always played tough opponents and will continue to do so in the future.
Day also emphasized the importance of focusing on one game at a time and not getting caught up in the noise surrounding their schedule. He believes that the Buckeyes have what it takes to compete with any team in the country, and their record speaks for itself.
And he’s not wrong. The Buckeyes have consistently been one of the top teams in the country, with a winning record against tough opponents. In fact, they have faced and defeated top SEC teams in the past, including Alabama in the 2015 Sugar Bowl.
But perhaps the most important factor in the Buckeyes’ success is their strong and talented roster. With star players like quarterback C.J. Stroud and wide receiver Chris Olave returning for the 2025 season, the Buckeyes are poised to make another run at the playoffs.
In addition, the Buckeyes have a strong recruiting class, with some of the top high school players in the country committing to play for Ohio State. This not only adds depth to their roster but also shows that the Buckeyes are a top destination for talented players.
So, while Saban may have raised some valid concerns about the Buckeyes’ schedule, it is clear that the defending champions are not taking their title defense lightly. With a strong roster and a determined coach, the Buckeyes are ready to face any challenge that comes their way.
In the end, the ultimate goal for college football teams, no matter which conference they play for, is to make it to the College Football Playoff. And for the Buckeyes, that goal remains the same. With their eyes set on the prize, they will continue to work hard and prove that they are worthy of being called champions. So, let the countdown to the 2025 season begin, as the Buckeyes look to defend their title and punch their ticket to the playoffs once again.
