In a season where the Big Ten is redefining its identity, two powerhouses, Ohio State and Oregon, are set to collide in the Rose Bowl in what feels like a defining moment for the conference’s future. The stakes could not be higher, as the game doubles as a College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinal and a battle for modern supremacy between two of the league’s most financially potent programs.
Oregon’s Bold Entrance into the Big Ten
Just months ago, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning stood at the Big Ten Media Days, delivering a near nine-minute introduction that blended gratitude, personal anecdotes, and a vision for the Ducks’ future in their new conference. Highlighting Oregon’s innovative culture, cutting-edge facilities, and bold ambitions, Lanning positioned his team as not just participants but challengers to the established Big Ten powers of Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State.
“We’re mighty different,” Lanning declared, emphasizing Oregon’s reputation for innovation and excellence. That confidence has translated into results, with the Ducks entering the 2024 season as the highest-ranked new Big Ten member and maintaining their status as a top-tier program under Lanning’s leadership.
Ohio State: The Established Powerhouse
Ohio State, long the standard-bearer of Big Ten dominance, continues to be a recruiting and competitive juggernaut under head coach Ryan Day. Despite their narrow October loss to Oregon—a 32-31 thriller in Eugene—the Buckeyes remain one of the most formidable teams in college football, buoyed by a blend of homegrown talent and key transfer acquisitions.
The Buckeyes have long prided themselves on their high school recruiting dominance, ranking among the nation’s best year after year. However, the rise of the transfer portal has added a new layer to roster-building, one where Oregon has begun to excel.
Recruiting and NIL: A New Arms Race
The dynamic between these programs reflects the broader shifts in college football. Oregon, fueled by the financial backing of Nike co-founder Phil Knight, has emerged as a leader in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. The Ducks’ aggressive approach has not only attracted top talent but has also flipped blue-chip recruits originally committed to Ohio State, signaling a shift in the balance of power.
This year, Oregon boasts the nation’s top average recruit rating and a transfer class ranked second nationally, featuring game-changing players like quarterback Dillon Gabriel and cornerback Jabbar Muhammad. Ohio State, while slower to adapt to the transfer portal, made significant strides in 2024, landing key transfers such as safety Caleb Downs and quarterback Julian Sayin, ensuring their roster remains among the nation’s elite.
A Rematch for the Ages
Their first meeting this season was a microcosm of their contrasting strengths: Oregon’s innovative offense and aggressive play-calling versus Ohio State’s disciplined execution and star-studded lineup. The Ducks edged out a one-point victory, but the stakes are far higher now.
This Rose Bowl clash represents more than just a game; it’s a referendum on what the Big Ten will look like in the coming years. Oregon is eager to cement its place among the league’s elite, while Ohio State aims to reaffirm its long-standing dominance.
Legacy and the Path Ahead
For Lanning, this game is an opportunity to validate Oregon’s decision to join the Big Ten and to prove that the Ducks can thrive on the biggest stages. For Day and the Buckeyes, it’s a chance to avenge their earlier loss and advance one step closer to another national championship.
“We’re excited to face a great opponent in Ohio State,” Lanning said. “It’s a testament to what the Big Ten is capable of and what college football is all about.”
As the two teams prepare to meet in “The Granddaddy of Them All,” the stakes transcend the scoreboard. This showdown in Pasadena is about supremacy, legacy, and the future of college football in the Big Ten.