3 biggest national championship for the Ohio State football team
The Ohio State football team boasts one of the most talented rosters in the nation and is expected to have the top defense. EA Sports College Football 25 shares this sentiment. Offensively, the Buckeyes are also strong, positioning them as national title contenders.
What sets this team apart from last year’s isn’t just the roster enhancements, though the additions of Caleb Downs, Quinshon Judkins, and Seth McLaughlin are significant. A major factor is the new coaching staff, with Chip Kelly bringing more offensive diversity through his play-calling.
Despite their talent, Ohio State won’t have an easy path to the National Championship Game. They face several challenges that must be overcome during the long college football season.
There are three primary obstacles Ohio State needs to overcome to win a national title, mostly concerning the strength of other teams and one related to their own team’s current structure. These challenges must be addressed.
We’ll rank these hurdles from three to one based on their significance. The first challenge is with the offensive line.
3. The right side of the offensive line needs to be settled
The most pressing issue with Ohio State’s roster currently lies with its offensive line. It struggled notably last season, culminating in poor performances against Michigan and Missouri, and was especially problematic in the bowl game versus Missouri.
Ryan Day has taken steps to address these concerns by acquiring McLaughlin from Alabama, who started as center in the Spring Game. The left side of the line appears stable with Josh Simmons at tackle and Donovan Jackson at guard.
However, uncertainty remains on the right side. Carson Hinzman started at right guard and Josh Fryar at right tackle, but whether this configuration holds into the Fall is unclear. There’s speculation that Fryar might shift to guard, possibly making way for Luke Montgomery at tackle.
Regardless of the final lineup, cohesion and reliability are crucial for the offensive line. Their performance could ultimately determine how far this Ohio State football team can go; if they excel, the team may lack significant weaknesses.
Another significant challenge for the Buckeyes is facing what could be their toughest opponent on the schedule.