The Ohio State University football program has consistently stood as a colossus in the landscape of college football for over a decade. Since the 2014 season, a period often referred to as the College Football Playoff era, the Buckeyes have not merely competed; they have dominated, establishing a level of sustained excellence that is almost unrivaled.1 Their statistical supremacy, reflected in various advanced metrics and traditional records, paints a clear picture of a program operating at an elite tier, setting the standard for consistency and winning.
One of the most telling indicators of Ohio State’s sustained power is their average SP+ rating since 2014, which stands at an impressive 28.1.2 SP+, developed by ESPN’s Bill Connelly, is a tempo- and opponent-adjusted measure of college football efficiency. A higher rating indicates a better team, and 28.1 places Ohio State firmly among the very best.3 In fact, within this remarkable analytical framework, only Alabama has a better program rating than Ohio State during this period. This comparison itself is a testament to the Buckeyes’ elite status, as Alabama under Nick Saban has been widely regarded as the most dominant dynasty in modern college football history. To be consistently ranked directly behind them in an efficiency metric speaks volumes about Ohio State’s prowess.
The Buckeyes’ consistent presence in the national conversation is further highlighted by their remarkable run in the Associated Press (AP) poll. In 11 years since 2014, the Buckeyes have finished every single season in the AP Top 10. This streak of top-tier finishes is virtually unparalleled and showcases an unwavering ability to perform at a championship level year after year. Whether it’s been navigating tough conference schedules, bouncing back from unexpected losses, or making deep runs in the postseason, Ohio State has consistently ended its seasons as one of the elite teams in the nation, a feat that few, if any, other programs can claim over such a prolonged period.
Beyond just high rankings, Ohio State has translated that consistent excellence into the ultimate prize: national championships. Since 2014, they have won two national titles.4 The first came in the inaugural College Football Playoff in the 2014 season, a Cinderella run under Urban Meyer where they defeated Alabama and then Oregon to claim the championship.5 More recently, in the 2024 season, Ohio State secured their second title in this era, cementing their place as a multi-championship program.6 This demonstrates not just the ability to contend, but to close, a crucial characteristic of truly elite teams.
Their dominance extends to their conference, the Big Ten, which has grown increasingly competitive over this period. Despite facing perennial challengers and navigating a tough divisional structure (prior to the 2024 realignment), Ohio State has asserted its supremacy. They have won the Big Ten conference championship five times since 2014.7 This remarkable record of conference titles underscores their consistent ability to overcome rivals, win pivotal matchups, and perform under the pressure of championship games within one of the most competitive football conferences in the nation. Their victories have often come with dominating performances, leaving little doubt about their regional superiority for much of this period.
Perhaps the most compelling evidence of Ohio State’s unmatched consistency is their overall winning percentage. Since 2014, Ohio State has maintained the greatest winning percentage in the entire Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), standing at an astounding 0.884.8 This means that for every 100 games played, the Buckeyes have won nearly 89 of them. This incredible mark outpaces every other program in the country, further solidifying their position as the most consistently victorious team over the last decade-plus. It’s a testament to superior coaching, unparalleled recruiting, and a culture of winning that permeates every aspect of the program.
Furthermore, Ohio State’s ability to live up to expectations, particularly when viewed as the superior team, is unmatched. Since 2014, Ohio State has won 90% of its games while favored, which is the highest percentage in the nation.9 This statistic is crucial because it speaks to the team’s discipline, preparation, and ability to avoid “trap games” or upsets. Many highly-ranked teams falter when facing lesser opponents, but Ohio State consistently takes care of business, demonstrating a ruthlessness and focus that is rare in college football. This high percentage of wins when favored reinforces their status as a dominant force that rarely slips up against perceived weaker competition.
In essence, the Ohio State University football program since 2014 has been a model of consistent, high-level performance. Their average SP+ rating, consistent AP Top 10 finishes, multiple national and conference titles, and unparalleled winning percentages—both overall and as a favored team—paint a comprehensive picture of a truly dominant force in collegiate athletics. While other programs have had bursts of brilliance or short dynastic runs, Ohio State’s decade-long track record of elite status and unwavering success places them in an exclusive category, second only to the most successful program of the era, Alabama. They have not just won games; they have truly dominated, solidifying their legacy as one of college football’s enduring powers.
