Despite a tough early-season loss to Oregon, Ohio State remains firmly in the hunt for a College Football Playoff berth.
While many fans and pundits initially viewed the defeat as a significant blow to the Buckeyes’ championship aspirations, the landscape of college football suggests the setback may not be as damaging as it first appeared.
In today’s CFP era, a single loss does not necessarily doom a team’s season—especially when it comes early in the year. For Ohio State, the timing of their defeat offers a key advantage. The Buckeyes can still control their destiny by running the table in the Big Ten and securing a conference championship. The selection committee historically favors conference champions with strong finishes, and Ohio State has the opportunity to strengthen its resume with key wins against ranked opponents like Penn State, Michigan, and potentially a Big Ten Championship Game appearance.
Moreover, the national perception of the strength of the Big Ten is another factor working in Ohio State’s favor. With teams like Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin performing well, the Buckeyes have a chance to collect impressive victories that will boost their standing in the eyes of the committee. Additionally, Oregon’s own struggles following their win over Ohio State help to mitigate the impact of that loss. The Ducks are no longer viewed as a top-tier contender, making that defeat seem less significant.
Ultimately, Ohio State’s path to the playoff remains clear: win out and capture the Big Ten title. In a chaotic college football season, their early stumble might be nothing more than a footnote on the road to the final four.
