Ohio State, the defending NCAA Football national champions, are demonstrating a solid title defense in the 2025 season, maintaining their status as a powerhouse while facing the typical pressures that come with championship expectations. After clinching the 2024 national title with a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship, Ohio State entered the new season with high hopes and considerable scrutiny[2][3][4]. Their performance so far indicates they are meeting many expectations, though challenges remain as they navigate a competitive landscape.
The Buckeyes’ 2024 championship run was marked by a balanced and effective offense led by quarterback Will Howard, who combined efficient passing with impactful rushing to keep defenses off balance[3]. This dual-threat capability has carried into the current season, helping Ohio State remain unbeaten and competitive against strong opponents. Their defense, which played a crucial role in their title win, continues to be a key strength, limiting opponents’ yardage and forcing turnovers. This defensive consistency is essential as they face a deeper and more varied field of contenders in 2025.
Despite their strong start, Ohio State is not without challenges. The expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format has intensified competition, with more teams capable of making deep runs and upsetting favorites. Ohio State’s path to repeating as champions will require sustained excellence and the ability to adapt to evolving strategies from rivals. The Buckeyes’ coaching staff and players have shown resilience and tactical flexibility, but the margin for error is slimmer than ever in this new playoff era.
Other defending champions from recent years have faced mixed fortunes, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining dominance in college football. For example, Clemson, which entered the 2025 season with the highest returning production, has struggled early, illustrating how even top teams can falter under pressure and changing dynamics[1]. Ohio State’s ability to avoid such pitfalls so far underscores their preparedness and depth, but the season is still unfolding, and maintaining momentum will be critical.
In summary, Ohio State is largely meeting expectations as defending champions, leveraging a strong defense and a versatile offense to stay competitive. However, the increased playoff field and rising competition mean their title defense is far from guaranteed. Their performance through the remainder of the season will be closely watched as they aim to solidify their place atop college football once again.