Rival Coach Says Uber-Talented Ohio State Remains Team to Beat

In a recent press conference following spring practices, a rival Big Ten coach made headlines when he candidly declared, “Ohio State is still the team to beat. I don’t care what anyone says — look at their roster, their coaching, their culture. They’re loaded, and everyone knows it.” The comment, though direct, echoed a widely shared sentiment across college football: Ohio State remains the gold standard in the Big Ten and beyond.

From elite recruiting classes to NFL-caliber coaching and championship culture, the Buckeyes have constructed a powerhouse that is not just built to contend—but built to dominate. As transfer portal chaos, NIL deals, and conference realignment shift the landscape, Ohio State’s consistency remains one of its most defining traits.

This article breaks down why, despite growing challenges and stronger competitors, Ohio State is still the apex predator in college football — and why even its fiercest rivals can’t help but admit it.

The Statement That Sparked the Buzz

It was early May when Penn State head coach James Franklin—known for his competitive spirit and normally diplomatic press appearances—spoke bluntly about the Buckeyes.

“They’ve got five-stars on the bench. They reload every year. If you want to win the Big Ten, you still have to go through Columbus.”

While Franklin didn’t intend to stir controversy, his remarks spread quickly. Analysts, fans, and recruits all took notice. For a rival coach to publicly elevate a competitor in such unfiltered terms is rare. But for those who follow the sport closely, it wasn’t a revelation — just a confirmation.

A Talent Pipeline Unlike Any Other

Ohio State has long been synonymous with elite talent. Year after year, the Buckeyes dominate recruiting rankings, consistently landing Top 5 classes filled with blue-chip prospects. What sets them apart isn’t just recruiting — it’s development.

From high school stars to first-round NFL Draft picks, Ohio State’s player progression model is among the most respected in the country.

• In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Buckeyes had 7 players selected, including two in the top 10.
• They currently boast one of the youngest but deepest wide receiver rooms in the nation, headlined by five-star recruits Jeremiah Smith, Brandon Inniss, and Carnell Tate.
• The offensive line, often considered a weak point for rivals, features future pros and has become a hallmark of stability under Coach Justin Frye.

And on defense?

• Caleb Downs, a transfer from Alabama, is arguably the best safety in the country.
• Defensive lineman Jack Sawyer and linebacker C.J. Hicks headline a front seven that combines size, speed, and intelligence.
• The Buckeyes have recruited and retained elite defensive backs, thanks to Tim Walton’s recruiting and development.

This depth is exactly what Coach Franklin alluded to: “They’re two-deep at almost every position with guys who could start anywhere else in the country.”

Quarterback Depth and Development

Another area that reinforces Ohio State’s elite status is the quarterback room. Despite losing multiple QBs to the NFL in recent years — including Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud — the Buckeyes have maintained excellence.

This year, the battle for QB1 is between Will Howard, a graduate transfer from Kansas State, and Devin Brown, a highly touted returning player. Not far behind is true freshman Air Noland, one of the top dual-threat QB recruits in the nation.

Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, now in Columbus after years as a head coach at UCLA and Oregon, has brought an NFL-level playbook and tempo that promises to elevate the passing game further.

“Quarterback U” isn’t just a recruiting pitch at Ohio State — it’s a reality.

Coaching Consistency and Championship Culture

While many top programs have struggled with coaching turnover, Ohio State has kept its core leadership intact. Head Coach Ryan Day, now entering his sixth season, has compiled an extraordinary winning percentage and has led the Buckeyes to multiple playoff appearances.

Critics once questioned Day’s toughness after losses to Michigan in back-to-back seasons. But after a dominant win in The Game last year and a strong offseason of staff upgrades, Day has reshaped the team’s identity with a blend of aggression and discipline.

“People questioned us after 2022 and 2023,” Day said during spring camp. “We heard it. And we responded.”

In 2024, Day brought in Jim Knowles, a defensive mind who transformed Oklahoma State’s unit into a top-10 defense, and paired him with seasoned analysts and developers. The result: a defense that plays fast, smart, and with physicality not seen since the 2014 national title team.

Ohio State’s NIL Strategy: Smart, Sustainable, Effective

With the NIL era changing the recruiting game, many feared a free-for-all. But Ohio State’s approach — a mix of institutional alignment, private backing, and player-first branding — has paid dividends.

• The THE Foundation, one of Ohio State’s NIL collectives, is fully compliant and well-funded, focusing on long-term partnerships.
• Players are educated on financial literacy, brand management, and professionalism, giving them tools for success beyond football.
• Ohio State has avoided NIL scandals and retains high-character players who buy into the program’s goals.

One Big Ten assistant coach, speaking anonymously, said: “They’re not outbidding everyone. They’re out-structuring everyone. Their NIL model is sustainable and attractive to recruits who want more than just a quick check.”

A National Schedule That Reflects Ambition

Ohio State doesn’t hide from competition. Their non-conference schedules have featured matchups with Notre Dame, Oregon, and future clashes with Texas and Alabama.

This season, the Buckeyes will:

• Open against Texas at Ohio Stadium, in what many call a possible playoff preview.
• Face a reloaded Oregon team that joined the Big Ten this year, led by dynamic QB Dillon Gabriel.
• Travel to Madison, Los Angeles, and Ann Arbor — arguably the toughest Big Ten road slate in recent memory.

Yet, they’re not just hoping to survive these challenges — they’re built to win them.

The Michigan Factor: Rivalry and Redemption

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Michigan’s recent success.

The Wolverines’ three straight wins from 2021–2023, including a national title in 2023, shifted the balance of power temporarily. But in 2024, Ohio State struck back with a gritty 30-24 victory in Ann Arbor, reasserting dominance in the rivalry.

This year, The Game returns to Columbus — and it promises to be monumental. Both teams are expected to be top-5 programs again, and the stakes will likely include playoff seeding, recruiting momentum, and national bragging rights.

For many in the program, 2025 is more than a season — it’s a mission.

“We’re not satisfied with just beating Michigan once,” said safety Caleb Downs. “We’re building a new run. A new standard.”

National Respect from Rivals and Analysts

Ohio State’s reputation extends beyond the Big Ten. National analysts consistently place them in the College Football Playoff picture, and several opposing coaches — including Franklin and Oregon’s Dan Lanning — have openly praised the Buckeyes’ depth and execution.

“They’ve got speed, size, and brains — and they’re coached really well,” said Lanning after a coaches summit in April. “That’s a hard combination to beat.”

In ESPN’s preseason power rankings, Ohio State sits at No. 2, behind only Georgia — with several pundits calling the Buckeyes the “most complete team” in the country.

A New Era of Big Ten Dominance?

With the addition of USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington to the Big Ten, competition has increased, but so has visibility. Ohio State is uniquely positioned to thrive in this new superconference.

They’ve expanded their recruiting reach into California, strengthened pipelines in Texas and Florida, and fortified their grip on Midwest dominance. Their academic reputation, athletic facilities, and media market make them one of the most valuable properties in college sports.

And as playoff expansion takes hold, Ohio State is poised not just to qualify — but to contend for the national title every year.

Rival Coaches Know What They’re Up Against

Returning to James Franklin’s comment, it’s clear that even Ohio State’s most determined adversaries respect the program.

“You can try to outscheme them. You can try to match their energy. But at the end of the day, they have depth and discipline like very few teams in America.”

Behind closed doors, other coaches say much the same — Ohio State is the bar.

What It Will Take to Beat Ohio State in 2025

Despite their strength, the Buckeyes aren’t invincible. Opponents hoping to topple them must:

• Win the line of scrimmage — easier said than done against an elite offensive and defensive front.
• Force turnovers — the Buckeyes rarely beat themselves.
• Control the tempo — Ohio State’s offensive pace can overwhelm if not managed.
• Exploit any gaps in secondary depth — though rare, quick strikes have sometimes caught the Buckeyes off guard.

However, each of those strategies assumes a level of execution few teams can consistently deliver.

The Program Everyone is Still Chasing

In a sport marked by volatility and parity, Ohio State’s enduring excellence is remarkable. While rivals rise and fall, the Buckeyes remain a constant presence in the playoff conversation, the NFL pipeline, and the national spotlight.

Their formula — recruit elite talent, develop it thoroughly, build sustainable culture, and compete with pride — hasn’t just worked. It’s become the blueprint others are trying to emulate.

As the 2025 season approaches, Ohio State is once again favored to win the Big Ten, return to the College Football Playoff, and chase their ninth national title. The road won’t be easy, and they’ll have a target on their backs every week.

But if you ask the coaches preparing to face them — even the ones who badly want to dethrone them — they’ll tell you what Coach Franklin already has:

“They’re still the team to beat. Period.”