ESPN college football insider gives a glass half full hot take on what is going to happen for the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2025

The Ohio State Buckeyes will soon be back on the practice field preparing for the 2025 season. After winning the College Football Playoff last year, Ohio State faces the pressure of trying to run it back.

The Buckeyes are replacing a ton of talent, including 14 players who were drafted back in April to the NFL. There’s no ignoring that. But Ohio State reloads every year, putting major resources into recruiting and the transfer portal to stay at the top.

One ESPN analyst believes the Buckeyes will finally get over the Michigan hurdle this season but doesn’t see a Big Ten title in their future.

ESPN’s Heather Dinich doesn’t believe Ohio State will win the Big Ten in 2025

Ohio State hasn’t won the Big Ten since 2020, and Dinich predicts that drought will continue—despite forecasting a long-awaited win over Michigan.

“Ohio State will beat Michigan, but they will not win the Big Ten,” Dinich said on ESPN’s Get Up, via On3. “Look, I’m sorry, Buckeyes, but there are a lot of questions.

“When you lose your quarterback, your two leading rushers, your top three sack leaders, and—by the way—both of your coordinators? There are some questions in Columbus.”

Replacing a starting quarterback is nothing new for Ryan Day and Ohio State—it’ll be the third straight season they’ve done it, following C.J. Stroud’s starts in 2021 and 2022. Julian Sayin, a former five-star recruit, is the favorite to win the job, and there’s belief he can rise to the challenge. James Peoples and CJ Donaldson are expected to lead the rushing attack.

Penn State, meanwhile, returns much of its core and could be a serious Big Ten contender. Quarterback Drew Allar is back, along with both starting running backs, and the Nittany Lions upgraded their wide receiver room. Former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles now leads the Penn State defense.

Still, Ohio State brings back what might be the two best players in college football: wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs. The Buckeyes are going to be in the mix again. We’ll see if Ryan Day can run it back in 2025 and solidify his place among the nation’s elite coaches.