Ohio State football’s gripes over last season’s controversial College Football Playoff (CFP) seeding may soon fade into history.
In a pivotal shift, the CFP committee announced a revamped seeding model—ditching automatic first-round byes for conference champions. For the Buckeyes, this means smoother roads to future national titles.
Last season, Ohio State’s No. 8 seed stunned fans and analysts alike, forcing them into a grueling playoff gauntlet. Despite trailing behind conference champions Boise State and Arizona State—teams widely viewed as title longshots—the Buckeyes bulldozed their way to glory.
Their historic four-game sprint included victories over Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame, cementing one of college football’s most legendary championship runs.
Under the new system, however, raw strength—not conference titles—will dictate seeding. This rewards elite programs like Ohio State, which consistently dominates both on the field and in rankings. No longer penalized for lacking a conference championship (a rarity under coach Ryan Day), the Buckeyes are poised to secure higher seeds, avoiding early showdowns with top-tier opponents.
While Ohio State proved they could conquer adversity, the revised rules offer a strategic advantage. Imagine a 2025 scenario where a one-loss Buckeye squad, boasting marquee wins, snags a top-two seed and a first-round bye. Such a path reduces wear-and-tear and amplifies title odds.
For a program eyeing its first CFP crown since 2024, this change is a touchdown. As Day’s roster reloads with five-star talent, the message is clear: Ohio State’s playoff future just got brighter. Buckeye fans, rejoice—the committee finally has your back.
