The Ohio State Buckeyes helped the Big Ten secure back-to-back national titles in football, but they can also do the same for themselves this fall.
With under 100 days to go until college football gets underway, the Buckeyes remain a top storyline in the sport even if their starting quarterback hasn't been fleshed out just yet.
Still, even so, CBS Sports sees the Buckeyes as a team that, if the chips fall where they may, could do some big-time damage again.
"It was an emotionally draining year; at most programs, there would be some buffer when it comes to expectations the following season," Chip Patterson wrote. "But Ohio State is not most programs, because subjective fan expectations are that the Buckeyes should be competing for a national championship every year. As we prepare for 2025, the objective expectations agree."
The Buckeyes did lose a plethora of talent to the NFL, but Patterson said they should be able to rebound as such with stars like safety Caleb Downs and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith still in Columbus.
"Ohio State is currently the co-favorite, with Texas, to win the national championship at +600 odds despite the Buckeyes losing their offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator and 14 NFL Draft picks," Patterson wrote. "Ohio State does still have arguably the offensive skill player (Jeremiah Smith) and defensive back (Caleb Downs) in the country, but how the "next man up" mentality translates for a lot of highly recruited players who will be thrust into bigger roles with title-contending expectations will be a huge storyline to track for the reigning champs."
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Even with all its talent returning, Ohio State still has a nut to crack: Michigan. Day has swung and missed each of the last four years. This year, the scenario will likely be oddly similar, as for the first time in two seasons, both will likely play for a trip to Indianapolis and the College Football Playoff, at stake.
Patterson believes something has to give, and this fall needs to reach a complete stop of Michigan head-to-head dominance.
For now, all that and more remains to be seen.