Ohio State Prepares for a Transformative 2025 in College Football
With major changes looming in college football, Ohio State celebrates a national title while gearing up for a new era of rules and structure.
ATLANTA (AP) — Ohio State enters the offseason as the early favorite to win next year’s national championship, but there’s a big question mark hanging over the future of college football: What will the game look like when the Buckeyes, and all other teams, return to action next fall?
After a national championship run fueled by significant investment—reportedly $20 million—and strategic use of the transfer portal (with key signings like quarterback Will Howard and running back Quinshon Judkins), Ohio State, like everyone else, faces a rapidly changing landscape. The 2025 season will bring new rules, with a landmark legal settlement allowing schools to pay players directly while simultaneously reducing roster sizes and increasing the number of available scholarships.
Before the dust settles, schools will have to figure out how Title IX regulations fit into the mix. Additionally, there’s the looming issue of a transfer portal that many believe is getting out of hand, and the potential for further adjustments to the newly expanded 12-team playoff format.
“There are so many unknowns,” said Gloria Nevarez, commissioner of the Mountain West Conference. “We’re trying to track it all to the best we can and offer solutions. But we’ve got to see what the ‘it’ is so that we can determine how it affects us.”
Playoff Expansion Benefits Ohio State’s Well-Constructed Team
For Ohio State, the most fortunate development was the 12-team playoff expansion, which granted them a second chance after a loss to Michigan in November. While the defeat knocked them out of the Big Ten title race, under the old system, their season would’ve ended there. Thanks to the expanded playoff, the Buckeyes, seeded eighth, earned a spot and took full advantage.
The playoff’s current seeding system may still face changes, though, with some discussing tweaks to better balance the field.
“I think there will be a good, honest conversation about whether any adjustments are needed,” said Pete Bevacqua, Notre Dame’s athletic director.
Uncertainty Surrounds Player Payments
Meanwhile, changes are also coming in the form of direct player payments. The House settlement, set to be approved by April 7, allows schools to pay players a share of up to $20.5 million in revenue. While football and basketball are expected to receive the bulk of these funds, some worry about potential conflicts with Title IX rules, particularly if a disproportionate amount is paid to male athletes. The issue is further complicated by the new administration's potential to adjust the guidelines.
“It’s been five years of adapting to daily changes,” said Grant House, the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit driving many of these shifts. “We’re looking for solutions.”
The Need for a Commissioner to Oversee College Football's Changes
Amidst these changes, the idea of a centralized commissioner for college football continues to gain traction. The role would ideally tackle issues ranging from the playoff structure to scheduling and the growing complexities of the transfer portal.
“It would help fans enjoy the game more,” said ESPN’s Chris Fowler. “You need a more level playing field and someone who can enforce new rules—especially with revenue sharing on the horizon.”
2025 Season Expected to Feature Familiar Powerhouses
Despite the turmoil and new dynamics brought about by the transfer portal and NIL deals, the favorites for next year’s championship remain familiar names in college football. LSU is widely regarded as having made the best transfer portal moves, while Texas will start the season with quarterback Arch Manning, grandson of Archie Manning. Georgia’s Gunner Stockton is expected to take over for Carson Beck, who transferred to Miami.
Meanwhile, Ohio State will look to five-star recruit Julian Sayin, who transferred from Alabama, to replace NFL-bound quarterback Will Howard.
Coach Ryan Day, whose job was on the line after last season’s loss to Michigan, isn’t resting on his laurels. Despite the national title, he’s already focused on next year’s high-stakes opener against Texas on August 30.
“Try losing the first game and see how that goes at Ohio State,” Day said. “We’ll see about that.”
As college football heads into this period of transition, Ohio State, like everyone else, faces a future full of questions. But one thing is clear: The game is evolving, and the Buckeyes are determined to adapt and succeed.