Ohio State football was nearly dismissed in late November. Numerous supporters and analysts thought that Ryan Day’s team was finished and regarded him as merely a lame-duck coach following the team’s terrible defeat against their rival Michigan.
Nevertheless, Day resurrected his team, and the Buckeyes surged to dominate the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff, decisively annihilating each opponent they faced and confirming their status as the top team in the nation.
Now, Ohio State confronts a fresh query: With Will Howard, TreVeyon Henderson, Quinshon Judkins, and several other athletes heading to the NFL, can the Buckeyes uphold their title and become champions again next year?
It will be a difficult struggle, but Ohio State is definitely able to accomplish this goal.
The Buckeyes are anticipated to have their two key players back for the next season. On the attacking side of the game, Jeremiah Smith made a vibrant freshman entrance. He was not just the top freshman receiver in college football, the top freshman across all college football, or the top receiver throughout all of college football. It can be convincingly argued that Smith was the top player in college football during his freshman year, regardless of his age or position.
The Florida native was a total game-changer whenever he got his hands on the ball. He was just as adept at shaking off a defender right at the line of scrimmage and receiving a long pass with a leisurely jog to the end zone, taking a short pass from the backfield and breaking loose for a substantial run, or making a contested catch over a defender in stride for a significant gain.
Regardless of what the Buckeyes required, Smith provided for his team. This was most clearly demonstrated during the national championship. With a little more than three minutes remaining in the game and Notre Dame pushing back after narrowing the deficit to just two possessions, Ohio State realized that failure to convert would mean yielding the ball to a Notre Dame offense that had gained momentum with favorable field position.
If that occurred and Notre Dame managed to score swiftly, the Fighting Irish would have an opportunity for an onside kick and another goal. In that scenario, Ohio State called for a long pass to Smith that was successful for over 50 yards, essentially sealing the victory.
On the opposing side, Caleb Downs had an instant effect following his transfer from Alabama. Downs is a natural, agile, and forceful safety known for his ability to fill gaps in the running game and for delivering impactful hits to ball carriers. He instills fear in receivers and tight ends making in-breaking routes through the middle of the field.
Downs is a good centerfielder with significant range and agility. His instincts also stand out in pass defense, and he has shown a knack for jumping passing lanes and securing interceptions.
At the quarterback position, the Buckeyes have a superb replacement for Howard ready. Julian Sayin made a short-term commitment to Alabama one year ago, but promptly entered the transfer portal following the retirement of veteran head coach Nick Saban.
Sayin eventually moved to Ohio State, where he played as a backup and emergency choice this season. He experienced minimal playing time, merely receiving a handful of snaps during mop-up situations. Nonetheless, this year’s experience will be crucial for Sayin in the upcoming August.
Regarding raw ability, Sayin is likely the top passer to arrive on campus in Columbus since CJ Stroud. Hopes are extremely high for what this young talent can achieve, and he has the potential to elevate Ohio State’s passing offense significantly.
Although the Buckeyes will lose both Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson to the NFL, James Peoples has the potential to become a star. Peoples was among the most vibrant high school running backs in recent years, and expectations are sky-high for him when he dons the Scarlet and Gray.
Ryan Day overcame his major-game fears.
As the season began, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day had built a reputation for faltering in critical games. In November, it seemed as if those concerns had never been more accurate after Day was defeated by a non-ranked Michigan team, and there were also demands for his dismissal.
Nonetheless, the team’s playoff journey revealed something different in their head coach. Day tapped into his aggressive side and displayed significant confidence, disregarding caution and overpowering other teams on the field.
A prime illustration of this mindset is the last pass attempt to Smith when the national championship was at stake to secure the victory. In previous years, it is clear that Day chose to focus on running the ball and playing defense rather than attempting a decisive blow. If this is the form of Day that the Buckeyes will maintain moving forward, fans might experience a remarkable season next year.
The playoff structure will stay as is.
The initial test of the enhanced college football player this year showcased the top Ohio State as an excellent example of its worth.
In previous years, a defeat by Michigan would have knocked the Buckeyes out of postseason play, leaving them without any opportunity to compete for a national title. The newly expanded format nearly ensures that Ohio State will have an opportunity to contend for the championship next year.
