The Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up to defend their national championship title, a challenging feat not accomplished since 2014. While they’ve seen a significant turnover in their starting lineup, they remain one of the most formidable teams in college football, thanks to the retention of two of their standout performers: Jeremiah Smith on offense and Caleb Downs on defense.
With those elite talents still in the fold, it’s easy to see why Ohio State is considered a strong contender for the championship. The betting odds reflect this sentiment, as sportsbooks are optimistic about their chances to repeat as national champions. However, ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) paints a different picture, presenting a more skeptical view of the Buckeyes’ title prospects compared to some other analysts.
According to the FPI, Ohio State is currently ranked fourth nationally. They trail Texas, Georgia, and Alabama—an interesting placement, particularly considering Alabama’s struggles last season, where they suffered three losses and failed to make the College Football Playoff under head coach Kalen DeBoer. Meanwhile, Penn State rounds out the top five.
It’s hard not to notice a trend suggesting this might be an example of SEC bias within ESPN’s ranking algorithms. Georgia, for instance, lost a comparable amount of talent to Ohio State, yet they find themselves higher in the rankings despite not being the defending champions. Additionally, Alabama, which lags in several analytical metrics, still manages to secure a spot above Ohio State based on this ranking.
What’s particularly noteworthy is that both the Buckeyes and the Crimson Tide supposedly share an identical 10.8% chance of winning the national title—an intriguing juxtaposition given their rankings.
This lack of consistency in the rankings illustrates a larger issue in college football media, where bias can often skew perceptions, whether in favor of the SEC or other conferences. ESPN isn’t alone in this, as FOX has seen its share of favoritism towards the Big Ten in their coverage as well. The claims of impartiality should be called into question, as conversations surrounding the rankings could benefit from a little more balance and less regional bias. For now, Ohio State will have to rely on its talent and coaching to prove the doubters wrong and make another title run.
