Just under a year ago, Ohio State found themselves in an all-too familiar position: bested by a decidedly average Michigan team. Despite a 78-10 record as head man, head coach Ryan Day’s tenure has been tainted by his rivalry week shortfalls. Ohio State’s 2024 campaign ended in a national title, but, in 2025, an undefeated bid feels like a distinct possibility for a seemingly invincible Buckeye squad.
Ohio State has stomped out competition in eight impressive outings. After a Week 1 slug fest against Texas, every win has come by at least 18 points. Their total scoring margin, +24 ranks fourth nationally and second in the Big Ten. A first-half scare against Penn State this past weekend kept the Buckeyes on their toes for a fleeting moment before they went on to pitch a second half shutout, resuming their shakedown of the Big Ten’s middle class.
The reigning national champion’s unrivaled dominance begs the question: Can anyone topple Ohio State?
The remainder of the Buckeyes regular season slate doesn’t pose any major concerns. A trio of games against teams below .500 precede a November 29th showdown with Michigan, which, on paper, feels like a layup.
The Wolverines are completing passes at just a 59.8% clip. Their offensive defects are largely owed to spotty play on the line and quarterback Bryce Underwood’s erratic decision making. Ostensibly, Ohio State’s front seven should capitalize on Michigan’s lack of physicality in the trenches, forcing Underwood into ill-fitting situations for a young quarterback.
Recent history offers a cautionary tale about “The Game.” Ohio State fans will be hard pressed to forget the moment kicker Dominic Zvada’s go-ahead field goal sailed through the uprights in Columbus last fall. The Buckeyes just seem to have an inexplicable tendency to collapse against Michigan; rivalry week yips are a hallmark of the sport, so the Bucks will undoubtedly roll into the Big House on high alert.
For all of Ohio State’s success, Indiana has been similarly flawless. As the Big Ten’s frontrunners plow through the forgiving backend of their schedules, a showdown in Indianapolis seems increasingly inevitable.
Indiana’s offensive unit ranks second in the Big Ten in total yards per game, 504.9. The Buckeyes defense is first in the Big Ten in the accompanying defensive category, allowing just 214.8 yards per outing. The Big Ten’s two solo tackling leaders, Ohio State defensive end Caden Curry and linebacker Arvell Reese could prove to be problematic for quarterback Fernando Mendoza and company, who have waltzed through a run of mediocre defenses.
While the Hoosiers and Buckeyes are on parallel paths of dominance, experience gives Ohio State the edge. Head coach Kirk Cignetti’s two-year tenure has yielded unprecedented success in Bloomington, but it’s hard to replicate the Buckeyes’ big game familiarity. With an automatic berth and No. 1 overall seed in the bounds, the Buckeyes should leverage practice over immaturity to hoist their first Big Ten title since 2020.
South of the Mason-Dixon, Texas A&M continues to roll toward the Playoff. The SEC’s darling looks to reassert the conference’s dominance after a four year title drought.
Could Texas A&M pull it off? Yes, with a few caveats. Mike Elko has the Aggies situated to cruise to the postseason, with a 98.5% chance to make the field, according to ESPN’s All State Playoff Predictor.
A&M also leads the nation in strength of record, a metric that overlays strength of schedule against win-loss total. Quarterback Marcel Reed can be a loose cannon at times, but his athleticism could prove tricky for an untested Buckeyes’ secondary.
Even A&M’s defense, which once paled in comparison to their offensive firepower, is steadily improving. Their 23.6 allowed points per game ranks 12th in the SEC, but recent performance should inspire cautious optimum. Their beatdown of LSU last weekend was sealed by a second half shutout where the Tigers failed to break 300 total yards.
Defensive end Cashius Howell anchors the Aggies front seven, totaling 9.5 sacks, an SEC high. Their physicality in the trenches could stretch Ohio State’s offensive line, which has allowed just three sacks on the year.
This list isn’t exhaustive, though. Alabama has recovered well from its dumbfounding Week 1 flop at Florida State. The Tide have scored four consecutive ranked wins, including a signature victory in Athens. Georgia, Oregon and Ole Miss have also each notched top 10 wins, offering potential for deep Playoff runs and a potential unseating of the Buckeyes.