Can the Buckeyes Win It All Again? — A 2025-26 Title Outlook
🏈 Football: Chasing Back-to-Back Glory
The Moment They’re In
B⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️M pic.twitter.com/18pyDGrCqP
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 18, 2025
Ohio State enters the season as one of the top national championship contenders. According to FOX Sports, they’re favorites at +200 to win the 2025–26 title. Bet365 also lists them very strongly, reflecting high confidence from oddsmakers.
That’s no small talk — after winning it all in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, the Buckeyes are now squarely on the radar as repeat contenders.
Strengths & Momentum
Championship Experience: Having navigated the first-ever 12-team playoff and come out on top gives OSU a huge psychological edge. Coaching and Leadership: Ryan Day remains a proven leader, and despite some key changes (for instance, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles left), the program’s momentum is strong. Youth & Talent: Young players who contributed in last season’s playoff run are now more seasoned, and that continuity could pay dividends.
Challenges They’ll Need to Overcome
Tough Road: According to some analysts, OSU faces tricky road matchups (e.g., Washington, Michigan) that could derail a perfect run. Pressure of Expectations: As defending champs, they’re going to be the hunted. Every team is gunning for them. Roster Turnover: Like any big program, they’ll need to replace key contributors. Any drop-off could make a playoff run riskier.
Bottom Line on Football
Yes — Ohio State has a very realistic shot at repeating. Their title odds, combined with the experience gained from last season, make them a top-tier contender. But it won’t be easy: they’ll need to stay sharp, avoid trap games, and lean on their depth.
🤼 Wrestling: Fighting for a Team Title (or More)
Where They Stand
No. 2 team in the country clocking in 🫡#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/YOngt6a0Qj
— Ohio State Wrestling (@wrestlingbucks) November 18, 2025
Ohio State qualified 9 or 10 wrestlers (depending on reporting) for the 2025 NCAA Championships — meaning they’re competitive across nearly all weight classes. They sent 4 wrestlers to the NCAA quarterfinals in 2025, showing that they can compete deep in the brackets. At the 2025 NCAAs, Jesse Mendez (141 lbs) won his second national title. Team-wise, Ohio State finished tied for 5th in the national standings. At the Big Ten championships, they finished 6th, which isn’t dominant but shows they’re in the mix. According to The Open Mat rankings, they ended the season with 51.5 team points, placing them around 5th/6th nationally.
Strengths & Opportunities
Championship-Caliber Individuals: Mendez is a proven winner, and having a multi-time champion is a huge asset. Depth Across Weights: Qualifying almost every weight class gives OSU flexibility and the potential to rack up team points. Coaching Stability: Tom Ryan is a veteran coach with a history of building All-Americans and national contenders.
Ohio State Wrestling Shirt on Amazon
Challenges to a Full Team Title
Competition Is Stiff: Penn State remains a heavyweight in college wrestling, and OSU will need multiple high placers to catch up. Consistency Under Pressure: It’s one thing to get individual champions; it’s another to have many wrestlers place high enough to win a team title. Big Ten Battles: Finishing 6th in the conference means they won’t be coasting; they need strong performances in duals and tournaments.
Bottom Line on Wrestling
A team national championship is possible, but a long shot — OSU would need several wrestlers to finish very high or win individual titles. That said, they absolutely have the talent to bring home individual national championships, and Mendez is a favorite to repeat.
Final Thoughts
Football: The Buckeyes are in a very strong position to repeat. Their odds, experience, and roster depth make them one of the most dangerous teams in the country. Wrestling: While a full team title is a steep climb, Ohio State has legitimate individual threats and enough depth to make a serious run.
Bottom line: Yes, both teams could win national championships — but football feels more likely for a repeat, while wrestling is more about individual glory than a full team crown (at least in 2025–26).
READ NEXT: Ultimate Guide to Ohio Stadium
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