Skull Session: Phil Steele Labels Ohio State a Serious Contender for Back-to-Back Titles Despite Roster Changes, While Former and Current Buckeyes Celebrate Gee Scott Jr.’s Engagement.
Phil Steele, one of the most respected voices in college football, has made it clear that he’s not backing away from the hype surrounding Ohio State football in the upcoming season. Despite major roster turnover and some uncertainty across multiple positions, Steele still views the Buckeyes as a legitimate threat to repeat as national champions. It’s a bold endorsement given how much talent the team has lost to the NFL and graduation, but it’s also a testament to the depth, culture, and consistent recruiting success that Ryan Day and his staff have cultivated in Columbus.
Coming off a thrilling national championship season, Ohio State faces the daunting challenge of defending its crown without several key contributors. Star quarterback Kyle McCord is gone, as are All-Americans like Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and J.T. Tuimoloau. The defense, which turned a corner last year, must retool with new leadership. There are questions at quarterback, wide receiver depth, and the secondary, but none of that seems to deter Steele from placing the Buckeyes firmly in his elite tier of title contenders.
What makes Ohio State so dangerous despite these personnel changes is the infrastructure. The program has become a machine built on five-star recruiting classes, elite strength and conditioning, and a relentless commitment to development. Ryan Day may not be universally loved by all segments of the fan base, but the numbers speak for themselves. Multiple playoff appearances, consistent top-five finishes, and an ability to reload rather than rebuild. That’s why when a guy like Phil Steele speaks, people listen. And when he says Ohio State is still a threat to run the table and claim another title, it turns heads.
One of the biggest reasons for continued optimism is the defensive continuity. Jim Knowles returns to lead the defense, and after last year’s resurgence, the expectations are sky high. The defensive front still boasts NFL-caliber talent, and while some names have moved on, there’s plenty of young depth ready to step up. The linebacker unit is loaded with experience, and the secondary has a mix of veterans and underclassmen with massive upside. If the Buckeyes can generate consistent pressure and force turnovers, they’ll give their offense plenty of chances to take over games.
Speaking of the offense, all eyes are on the quarterback battle. It’s one of the most scrutinized competitions in the country, with multiple former blue-chip recruits vying for the starting job. Whether it’s Devin Brown, Lincoln Kienholz, or true freshman Julian Sayin emerging from the pack, Ohio State’s ability to develop quarterbacks under Ryan Day provides a strong foundation. Whoever takes the reins will have the benefit of throwing to a talented group of receivers, including rising stars like Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss. The offensive line, while young, has the tools to dominate under new leadership.
Phil Steele also points out the intangibles. Championship teams need more than just talent—they need leadership, hunger, and resilience. Those qualities often shine through when expectations are recalibrated. While many pundits might be hedging on the Buckeyes because of who they’ve lost, Steele believes that this is the kind of environment where Ohio State thrives. Being counted out has a way of galvanizing programs that know what it takes to win. The Buckeyes aren’t trying to rebuild a legacy—they’re trying to extend one. And with the College Football Playoff expanding, the margin for error widens, allowing talented teams like Ohio State to figure things out over time and peak when it matters most.
But while national attention swirls around Ohio State’s title hopes, a different kind of celebration is unfolding within the program. Wide receiver Gee Scott Jr., known as much for his personality and character as for his on-field potential, recently got engaged—and the Buckeye family showed up in force to celebrate with him. Former teammates, current players, and alumni poured out congratulations on social media, showing just how tight-knit this brotherhood is.
Gee Scott Jr.’s journey at Ohio State has been anything but conventional. A highly-rated wide receiver recruit out of Washington, he made the selfless decision to switch positions early in his career, transitioning to tight end to better help the team and increase his chances of making an impact. The move required patience, resilience, and a willingness to do the dirty work—traits that have earned him deep respect among his peers and coaches.
His engagement announcement was met with heartfelt messages from teammates past and present. C.J. Stroud, now with the Houston Texans, called Gee “one of the most genuine guys” he’s ever met. Former tight end Jeremy Ruckert chimed in with words of encouragement, reminding him that life’s biggest moments often happen off the field. And current Buckeyes like Jack Sawyer, Denzel Burke, and TreVeyon Henderson posted their congratulations, showing how closely bonded this team remains even as players come and go.
In today’s era of college football, where NIL deals and the transfer portal often dominate the conversation, moments like Gee’s engagement remind everyone of the human side of the game. These players are more than just athletes—they’re sons, brothers, friends, and future husbands. The camaraderie, support, and genuine affection shown for Gee Scott Jr. during this milestone speaks volumes about the culture inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
It’s also indicative of the type of leadership Ohio State nurtures. Players like Gee don’t just wake up one day and decide to change positions, grind through adversity, and remain focused on their goals without a strong support system. From position coaches to nutritionists to teammates, the environment in Columbus is structured to produce not just great football players, but great men. That’s why so many Buckeyes find success at the next level, both in the NFL and in life.
The engagement celebration, simple as it might seem on the surface, also serves as a snapshot of why Ohio State continues to be one of the most attractive programs in the country. Recruits see the brotherhood. Parents see their sons being shaped into responsible young men. Alumni see a program that still embraces its traditions. And analysts like Phil Steele see a program that isn’t going anywhere, no matter how much talent it loses from one year to the next.
As Ohio State prepares to enter a new season with a fresh roster and a target on its back, moments like Gee’s engagement offer a grounding perspective. Championships are the goal, but relationships are the foundation. The bonds formed in locker rooms, on the practice fields, and during team meetings are the glue that holds everything together when adversity hits. That’s something stats and rankings can’t measure—but it’s exactly what separates good teams from great ones.
Phil Steele knows that. He’s not just analyzing who’s returning at left tackle or which quarterback has the strongest arm. He’s watching culture. He’s tracking programs that foster continuity, build leaders, and stay hungry no matter how many trophies are in the case. That’s why his belief in Ohio State is so noteworthy. It’s not blind faith—it’s informed confidence in a machine that has shown time and again it can overcome obstacles and emerge stronger.
For Ohio State fans, this kind of endorsement is fuel for the fire. The idea that the Buckeyes are still viewed as a national title threat, even after the departures of some of the most talented players in school history, is both humbling and inspiring. It reinforces the notion that winning isn’t about one or two guys—it’s about the collective. It’s about stepping up when your name is called, trusting the system, and playing for something bigger than yourself.
And that, in a roundabout way, is what Gee Scott Jr.’s story reflects. His personal milestone isn’t separate from Ohio State’s journey—it’s a symbol of it. Growth, evolution, and unity. Whether it’s Steele breaking down game tape or teammates sharing in a life event, the message remains the same: the Buckeyes are built differently.
As the season approaches, there will be doubters. That comes with the territory. But there will also be believers—people like Phil Steele, who know what greatness looks like and aren’t afraid to call it early. For Ohio State, the challenge is clear. Repeat as champions. Block out the noise. And along the way, keep celebrating the moments that matter, both on the field and off.
The road ahead is long. There will be highs and lows. But if the foundation remains strong—if players like Gee Scott Jr. keep showing what Buckeye Brotherhood truly means—then the sky is still the limit in Columbus. And as Phil Steele reminds us, never count out a team that knows how to win and remembers why it plays in the first place.
