Josh Pate predicts how Ohio State’s College Football Playoff path will go, and the teams they will have to face

College Football Playoff Semifinals

Pate has the Buckeyes playing Georgia in the semifinal and that’s the dental expectation as long as both teams can get through the quarterfinal. Georgia hasn’t lost since Sept. 27 against Alabama, and they’re undoubtedly one of the best teams in the country. Georgia’s defense isn’t the typical unit that it is, but they still run the ball well and defend it just as well. Ohio State was defeated in the College Football Playoff in 2022 by the Bulldogs and here’s a chance to right that. 

College Football Playoff National Championship 

While the Buckeyes didn’t have to play the Oregon Ducks during the regular season, Pate has them matching up with Dan Lanning’s team for a chance to win it all. Oregon and Ohio State split their two games last season, but the Buckeyes won when it mattered in the quarterfinal. Oregon will have to play four CFP games if it’s playing in the national championship due to the first round game against James Madison. 

Facing Oregon would be a big-time quarterback battle between Ohio State’s Julian Sayin and Ducks’ Dante Moore. In the end, Pate has the Buckeyes repeating and Day winning his second title in Columbus.  

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This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Dec 17, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.