The Ohio State football program is the reigning national champion. Heading into last season’s College Football Playoff, they were seen as underdogs, especially after suffering another painful loss to Michigan at the end of the regular season.
However, in 2025, the Buckeyes will be the team everyone is chasing. After being the hunters last year, they will now have the biggest target on their backs as the team to beat. While Ohio State is no stranger to being a top contender with a massive target, this season’s focus will be even greater because they are defending their national championship title.
Texas will be the first team to try to knock off the Buckeyes, seeking revenge for their loss to Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl last season. But Texas won’t be the only team gunning for them. Many others will have Ohio State in their sights, eager to dethrone the defending champions.
Ohio State Prepares to Be the Target
This heightened attention isn’t a new experience for the Buckeyes—they’re accustomed to being a top target as one of the premier programs in college football. They’ve always had to contend with teams trying to pull off upsets, despite having more talent on paper.
But this year is different. Ohio State isn’t just the top team in the Big Ten—they are the kings of college football. As they enter the season as national champions, even teams that are out of the College Football Playoff race will be looking to take down the defending champions.
With a strong returning roster, but also key departures on both sides of the ball, the Buckeyes know they can’t afford to take any game for granted. Staying focused and competitive in every matchup will be crucial as they aim to defend their title.
Despite Season-Ending Injury, Ohio State’s Josh Simmons Remains a Likely First-Round Pick
The Ohio State football team may not have as many first-round picks as usual this year, but they still have some top-tier talent. Their national championship-winning squad was stacked, though not with as much elite-level talent as past teams. Despite this, 15 players from the team were invited to the NFL Combine, and at most, two Buckeyes are expected to be selected in the first round.
One of those first-round picks is wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, who has impressed enough to be considered for a late first-round selection. Egbuka has demonstrated his ability to succeed at the next level, even if he’s not immediately the top receiving option.
The other likely first-round pick is offensive lineman Josh Simmons, who was part of Ohio State’s dominant offensive line before a season-ending injury sidelined him. The Buckeyes were able to overcome losing both their left tackle and center to win the national title, which speaks to the overall strength of the team.
Josh Simmons: A First-Round Talent Despite Injury
Simmons suffered a knee injury during the season opener against Oregon, ending his season prematurely. At the time, he was Ohio State’s top offensive lineman, making his injury a significant blow. However, Simmons has recovered ahead of schedule, and his performance before the injury has kept him in the first-round conversation.
Teams were impressed by his play in the first half of the season, where he showed remarkable improvement. After struggling with inconsistency in previous years, Simmons turned into one of the country’s top tackles, showcasing his physical traits and development.
Even with the injury, Simmons is expected to be drafted in the mid-teens, as teams believe he’ll be ready to contribute immediately next season, possibly as a starting tackle. His potential remains high, and he is poised to make an impact in the NFL.
Ohio State Football Favored to Repeat as National Champions in 2025
The Ohio State football program is poised to defend its national title in 2025 and is favored to repeat as champions. The Buckeyes made history by winning the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff, claiming their second national championship under the new format after their 2014 victory. With their strong performance last year, they now enter the new season with high expectations.
However, despite their success, Ohio State faces significant challenges in 2025. The team will lose a considerable number of key players, especially on defense, where only three starters are returning. Offensively, they bring back just two starters, though several experienced offensive linemen are back.
Despite these departures, Ohio State is still projected as the favorite to win it all again. Oddsmakers have set their odds at +500 to win the national championship, tying them with Texas, who they’ll face in the season opener. The matchup between these two teams is expected to be one of the most exciting games of the year.
While Texas has already settled on their starting quarterback, Ohio State will have a quarterback competition to determine their leader. Regardless of who wins the job, the Buckeyes’ offense will be bolstered by wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who is widely regarded as one of the top players in college football. Alongside defensive star Caleb Downs, Smith’s presence gives Ohio State a significant edge heading into the season.
With new coordinators at key positions, the team’s success will also depend on how they adjust and implement their strategies. Spring practice will provide more insight into how Ohio State plans to approach this season and whether they have what it takes to repeat as national champions.
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