The Ohio State Buckeyes’ frustration with their eighth seed in the first 12-team College Football Playoff is well-documented, and it’s easy to see why. Being ranked behind Boise State and Arizona State, both conference champions who earned automatic byes, felt like a slight to a program with Ohio State’s pedigree. Most fans agreed that neither Boise State nor Arizona State was a legitimate national title contender, so the byes seemed unwarranted. But once the games started, the Buckeyes didn’t dwell on it. They embarked on a historic four-game run, defeating Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame to claim the national championship, a feat that’s been hailed as the most impressive in college football history.
Now, with the College Football Playoff moving to a straight seeding model starting in 2025, Ohio State’s path to glory could get smoother. The new format ditches the automatic byes for conference champions, opting instead for seeding based solely on the CFP rankings. It’s a change that should benefit the Buckeyes moving forward. “Because of this move, the Buckeyes are likely going to be one of the highest seeds in most years,” the article notes. “They won’t be stuck at eight like they were in 2024, as long as they don’t completely stink. That will result in an easier path to the national championship for them.” It’s a fair assessment, given Ohio State’s consistent excellence and the talent they bring to the table year after year.
Of course, the Buckeyes proved they could handle a tough draw in 2024, but the new seeding model offers a chance for a less arduous journey. Fans are hopeful that Ohio State can secure the No. 1 overall seed in 2025, a position that would give them a first-round bye and a clearer shot at the title. The straight seeding model is a win for meritocracy, and for Ohio State, it’s a chance to leverage their status as one of college football’s elite programs. Stay tuned, because this story’s got legs, and for the Buckeyes, the future looks bright. The CFP’s evolution is a game-changer, and Ohio State’s ready to capitalize.
