The Ohio State Buckeyes are riding high after defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in last week’s National Championship Game.
The victory for Ryan Day’s squad marked Ohio State’s first championship since their 2014 run, when Cardale Jones led the Buckeyes to glory in the inaugural playoff era.
As Buckeye fans revel in their triumph, attention is already shifting to next season.
Speculation about which team will claim the next national title is underway, and ESPN has made its bold prediction.
Surprisingly, ESPN selected Penn State as its favorite to win the 2025-26 College Football Playoff National Championship.
The prediction sees the Nittany Lions toppling powerhouse Georgia in the title game.
Here’s how ESPN sees the road to Penn State’s potential championship unfolding:
-First round: 5 Alabama over 12 Boise State, 6 Texas over 11 North Carolina, 7 Notre Dame over 10 LSU, 8 Michigan over 9 Ohio State (!!!)
-Quarterfinals: 1 Georgia over 8 Michigan (Sugar Bowl), 5 Alabama over 4 Louisville (Orange Bowl), 3 Utah over 6 Texas (Big 12’s revenge in the Cotton Bowl), 2 Penn State over 7 Notre Dame (Rose Bowl)
-Semifinals: 1 Georgia over 5 Alabama (Peach Bowl), 2 Penn State over 3 Utah (Fiesta Bowl)
-Finals: 2 Penn State over 1 Georgia. “Hey, if Will Howard can win a national title, so can Drew Allar. Especially with new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles in Penn State’s corner.” -ESPN
The prediction comes on the heels of a significant offseason move for Penn State.
The Nittany Lions recently hired Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to a lucrative $3 million contract, bolstering James Franklin’s coaching staff.
ESPN’s pick reflects high expectations for the combination of Knowles’ defensive acumen and quarterback Drew Allar’s potential.
It’s been a week to remember for Penn State, but the pressure will mount as the season approaches. Can Franklin and his team deliver on ESPN’s lofty expectations?
In the meantime, Ohio State fans can savor their hard-earned championship while wondering: Will the Buckeyes be in contention to defend their crown next season?
What are your thoughts on ESPN’s prediction?
Sure, it’s very early – but who do YOU think will win the national championship next season???
