As Ohio State football continues its dominant run this season, entering its eighth game unbeaten and sitting atop the national rankings, questions have surfaced about the strength of their schedule and how it may impact their path to a College Football Playoff (CFP) berth. With a mix of strong performances and some underwhelming opponents, fans and analysts are debating: should the Buckeyes be concerned about who they have left to face, and how might upcoming matchups influence their championship aspirations?
Evaluating Ohio State’s Schedule Strength
The Buckeyes currently hold a pristine 7-0 record, but skeptics point to the relative weakness of their opponents. The combined record of teams they’ve played so far stands at 29-19, with no current playoff participants in sight. Notably, Ohio State’s anticipated marquee matchup against Penn State has lost some luster after the Nittany Lions fell out of the AP Top 25 due to their struggles this season.
When comparing this season’s slate to last year, Ohio State’s opponents appear more competitive overall. Last year, six games into the season, only two teams they faced had winning records—and several came from less prominent programs with poor performances. For instance, teams like Akron and Western Michigan combined for just a single win at that point. This contrast suggests that although Ohio State may not face many top-ranked teams this year, their schedule isn’t necessarily easier.
Moreover, rankings alone don’t tell the full story. For example, Washington may be unranked, but convincingly snapping a 22-game home winning streak reflects a team that is far from weak. Similarly, Minnesota, Texas, and Illinois have all demonstrated competitiveness at various points. Thus, Ohio State is contending with solid programs that pose genuine challenges, even if Top 20 or playoff-caliber teams are scarce.
The Impact of Tough Opponents on Team Growth
Critics often highlight the value of elite matchups — playing against top-tier teams to test and prepare the squad for postseason intensity. Last year, Ohio State’s loss at Oregon served as a valuable learning experience that helped the team recalibrate and ultimately win a national championship.
While these high-profile tests can be beneficial, the current Buckeyes have also gained valuable insights through decisive victories over strong opponents. Their defense has been particularly impressive, allowing only 41 points across seven games, while the offense has scored an eye-popping 255 points. Such dominance signals that even without facing many elite-ranked foes, Ohio State has proven its caliber consistently.
Key Areas of Concern on the Field
Though Ohio State looks formidable at present, no team is invincible. The running game remains an area of concern. Averaging just 102 rushing yards per game and 3.1 yards per carry in recent wins against Illinois and Wisconsin is subpar for a championship-contending team. A more effective ground attack could prove pivotal in close contests, particularly with marquee games like the annual rivalry showdown against Michigan looming.
Defensively, under coordinator Matt Patricia, the Buckeyes have made great strides with a fast and creative approach that maximizes player strengths. This impressive scheme contributes to Ohio State’s ability to handle diverse offensive styles, which bodes well as they face varied opponents late in the regular season.
What Lies Ahead: Matchups to Watch
While some upcoming games lack top-ranked opponents, key contests still carry substantial weight — especially the Big Ten title showdown against Indiana. Indiana’s strong season has garnered respect, and a victory there would solidify Ohio State’s credentials heading into the CFP.
The traditional rivalry game against Michigan is another critical hurdle, often carrying playoff implications. Ohio State’s ability to win convincingly against such high-stakes competition will heavily influence their seeding and national perception.
Recruiting and Program Outlook
Recruiting remains vital for sustained success. Despite recent fluctuations in recruiting battles and some missed targets, Ohio State continues to rank in the top 10 nationally for incoming talent. Their openness to playing freshmen and adept use of the transfer portal provide multiple avenues to replenish and strengthen the roster.
Coach Ryan Day also embraces the program’s high-profile status, recognizing that media attention and exposure are essential tools in attracting elite prospects, especially in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era.
Conclusion: Should Buckeye Fans Worry?
Ohio State’s schedule may raise eyebrows due to the limited number of ranked or playoff-bound teams faced this year. Yet, when factoring in the competitiveness of opponents, dominant on-field performances, and crucial upcoming matchups, the picture is less alarming.
If the Buckeyes complete an undefeated regular season and secure the Big Ten championship, there’s little doubt they’ll earn a top seed in the College Football Playoff. While the running game improvement remains imperative, this team has demonstrated resilience, talent, and coaching prowess.
At the end of the day, the debate over schedule strength can only be settled on the field. As Ohio State finishes the regular season, all eyes will be on how the Buckeyes respond to these questions and whether they can carry their impressive form into the playoff hunt.
