Ohio State Won’t Repeat as National Champions
After an incredible national title run, Ohio State is expected to enter next season as the preseason No. 1 team. But can the Buckeyes go back-to-back? That’s a tall order, given the key players they’re losing. Gone are stars like quarterback Will Howard, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, defensive end Jack Sawyer, and linebacker Cody Simon—major pieces on both sides of the ball.
That said, head coach Ryan Day has built a powerhouse, stocked with former five-star and four-star recruits. Stepping up at quarterback is Julian Sayin, who will have elite targets in Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. The Buckeyes also bolstered their offense with tight end Max Klare via the transfer portal, adding another immediate weapon.
Defensively, young talent is poised to emerge, but the biggest concern right now? The departure of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. He took a record-breaking deal to join Penn State, leaving a key leadership gap that Ohio State has yet to fill.
While the Buckeyes will remain one of the top contenders, history shows how difficult it is to win back-to-back championships in today’s college football landscape. With so many unknowns, taking the field over Ohio State might be the safer bet.
