“Historic College Football Program Takes a Hit: Ohio State Buckeyes Slipped to No. 5 in Latest Rankings, Fans Left Scratching Their Heads”
In a shocking turn of events, the Ohio State Buckeyes have been disrespected in the latest rankings, falling to No. 5 despite their impressive performance last season. The historic college football program, known for its dominance on the field, has been ranked behind Texas Longhorns, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Clemson Tigers, and Penn State Nittany Lions.
The Reason Behind the Drop
According to On3’s Andy Staples, the Buckeyes’ inexperience on the roster and uncertainty at the quarterback position have contributed to the drop. With three quarterbacks competing for the starting gig, including Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz, and Tavien St. Clair, the team’s fate hangs in the balance. Despite having star wideout Jeremiah Smith returning from last season, the Buckeyes’ ranking has taken a hit ¹.
A Look at the Buckeyes’ Roster
The Ohio State Buckeyes have a talented roster, with several key players returning from last season. Jeremiah Smith, the nation’s best returning offensive player, is expected to shine again this season. On the defensive side, safety Caleb Downs, the nation’s best returning defensive player, will be crucial to the team’s success. The Buckeyes also lost some talented players to the NFL draft, including quarterback Will Howard, who was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round.
NFL Draft Impact
The 2025 NFL draft saw 14 Buckeyes selected across seven rounds, a testament to the program’s strength. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ selection of Will Howard has been questioned by some analysts, citing concerns about his limited arm strength. However, Howard’s toughness and running ability make him a valuable asset to any team. Other notable Buckeyes drafted include wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, who was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round, and running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, who were picked by the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots, respectively, in the second round ² ³ ⁴.
Reaction from Fans and Analysts
Ohio State fans are understandably upset about the ranking, given the team’s impressive performance last season. Some fans are questioning the criteria used by On3’s Andy Staples, while others are defending the ranking, citing the team’s inexperience and uncertainty at quarterback. Analysts have also weighed in on the ranking, with some agreeing that the Buckeyes’ roster lacks depth and talent compared to other top-ranked teams.
What’s Next for the Buckeyes?
As the season approaches, the Buckeyes will need to regroup and refocus. With a talented roster and experienced coaching staff, they have the potential to make a deep run in the postseason. The team’s opener against Texas on August 30 will be a crucial test of their abilities. If the Buckeyes can get off to a strong start, they may be able to climb back up the rankings and prove their doubters wrong.
Conclusion
The Ohio State Buckeyes’ drop to No. 5 in the latest rankings has sent shockwaves through the college football world. While the team’s inexperience and uncertainty at quarterback are legitimate concerns, their talent and depth should not be underestimated. As the season unfolds, the Buckeyes will look to prove themselves and climb back up the rankings. With a strong performance, they could still make a deep run in the postseason and prove their doubters wrong.