The Ohio State Buckeyes have long been a powerhouse in college football, yet despite their constant presence in the national conversation, they still seem a step away from truly contending for championships. The lofty expectations surrounding the program are not unfounded; the Buckeyes have consistently recruited at the highest level, producing elite talent year after year. But for all their efforts, they have failed to capture a national title since 2014, and that gap between competing and winning has remained ever so slight.
Much of this perceived gap can be attributed to the evolution of the college football landscape. The rise of other powerhouses—teams like Alabama, Clemson, and Georgia—has shifted the balance of power. These programs, with their consistent elite-level recruiting and innovative coaching, have created an arms race that Ohio State has struggled to match at times. But more than just the competition, there are deeper, often unspoken issues within the Buckeyes’ program that have kept them on the cusp of greatness but never quite there.
One major factor is their quarterback play. Ohio State has produced some exceptional quarterbacks over the years, such as Justin Fields and Dwayne Haskins. However, the inability to develop a truly elite signal-caller who can perform on the biggest stage has been a recurring issue. Fields, for example, had all the physical tools to be a game-changer, but in critical moments—especially in the biggest games—he came up short. In contrast, other championship-contending teams have had quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, Trevor Lawrence, and Tua Tagovailoa, who were able to elevate their teams to new heights when it mattered most. Until the Buckeyes can find a quarterback who consistently delivers in those high-pressure moments, they will remain a team of “almosts.”
Coaching stability is another element at play. While Ryan Day is undoubtedly a talented coach with a successful track record, his teams have shown cracks in critical situations. Ohio State has been known for dominating lesser opponents, but when it comes to games against top-tier competition, they have faltered. The 2022 College Football Playoff loss to Georgia was emblematic of this trend. Despite having an incredibly talented roster, Day’s play-calling and in-game adjustments didn’t rise to the occasion. It was a similar story in 2020, when Ohio State couldn’t overcome Alabama in the national title game. In those high-stakes moments, there seemed to be something missing, whether it was Day’s strategic acumen or the mental fortitude of his players.
However, it’s essential to understand that reaching the peak of college football takes time. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and Ohio State’s journey back to championship contention was never going to be a simple or linear process. The program underwent a massive transformation after Urban Meyer’s departure, and Day has been tasked with continuing that legacy while also evolving the team’s style of play. This involves more than just finding the right quarterback or making the right calls during the game; it’s about adapting to a new era of college football, where NIL deals and the transfer portal have shifted the balance of recruiting power.
Furthermore, let’s not forget that Ohio State is a victim of its own success. The expectations placed upon them are often unrealistic, and anything short of a national title is considered a failure. This pressure can be suffocating, not just for the players but for the coaching staff, which is constantly under the microscope. The Buckeyes are in a position where they have to be perfect, or else the narrative becomes about their failures rather than their successes.
In the end, while the Ohio State Buckeyes remain just a step away from truly contending for championships, their journey is far from over. The challenges are many, but the potential is undeniable. Success in college football is cyclical, and with the right adjustments, Ohio State could find itself back on top sooner than many expect. But for now, the Buckeyes remain in a bittersweet position—almost there, but not quite yet. The question is whether the gap will continue to close or if another season will slip through their fingers.
