Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

Ohio State predicted to play a surprising team to try to repeat their national championship and Buckeye fans won’t like the result

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Jul 30, 2025 1:20 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes went on a magical run last season after losing to Michigan. Running through Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame was enough for Ryan Day to capture his first National Championship.

Pressure will be on the Buckeyes to try and run it back this season—especially from the fanbase. After losing to Michigan for a fourth straight time last year, the first major goal for Ohio State in 2025 is clear: beat Michigan. That’s where the journey starts.

Ohio State had 14 players drafted into the NFL this past April, so they’ll be reloading at several key positions. Still, one college football analyst believes the Buckeyes will make it back to the national title game.

Ohio State predicted to face LSU in the National Championship game

In a recent College Football Playoff prediction by On3’s J.D. Pickell, Ohio State is projected to be the No. 2 seed and will ultimately face LSU in the National Championship—where Pickell predicts the Tigers will come out on top.

NEW: College Football Playoff Prediction via @jdpickell

Do you agree? https://t.co/cMliBoKqye pic.twitter.com/KOg4ezZFqI
— On3 (@On3sports) July 29, 2025

Pickell has Ohio State earning a first-round bye as the Big Ten Championship winner. The Buckeyes are predicted to face the Baylor Bears and then the Clemson Tigers. Clemson, led by quarterback Cade Klubnik, should feature a high-powered offense and will be a tough challenge for anyone in 2025.

Oregon appears on the opposite side of the bracket but is predicted to be eliminated in the semifinals by LSU. The Ducks were the No. 5 seed, while Penn State came in at No. 6—joining Ohio State as one of three Big Ten teams in the playoff field.

LSU returns quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and boasts an explosive offense with playmakers like Nic Anderson, Barion Brown, Caden Durham, and Aaron Anderson. After missing the playoff last season, the Tigers could be poised for a deep run.

Ohio State is just days away from beginning fall camp and preparing for its Week 1 matchup against the Texas Longhorns. That game could carry a College Football Playoff atmosphere—despite being scheduled for a noon kickoff.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: