Through the first half of the 2025 college football season, one thing has become clear: Ohio State has earned its spot as the No. 1 team in the country. The Buckeyes are undefeated, battle-tested, and anchored by a defense putting up numbers not seen in decades. For anyone questioning their résumé, the evidence on the field speaks louder than any poll.
Ohio State’s season began with a statement victory over Texas — a top-10 showdown that set the tone for what’s become a dominant campaign. True freshman quarterback Julian Sayin showed remarkable poise in his first start, leading the Buckeyes to a 14-7 win in one of the most hostile environments in college football. Since then, Ohio State has taken down every opponent in front of them, including key Big Ten matchups, while maintaining a level of consistency that separates contenders from pretenders.
The heart of this team is its defense — one that ranks among the best in school history. The Buckeyes are allowing just over 220 total yards per game and fewer than 10 points per contest. Opponents are averaging roughly 130 passing yards and under 90 rushing yards, numbers that place Ohio State among the top three nationally in nearly every major defensive category.
Under new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, the unit hasn’t missed a beat after Jim Knowles’ departure. The front seven has dominated the line of scrimmage, while cornerbacks have locked down opposing receivers. The Buckeyes have given up only one rushing touchdown all season and have held every opponent under 20 points — an accomplishment few teams in modern college football can claim.
In the red zone, Ohio State has been nearly impenetrable, forcing opponents to settle for field goals or walk away empty-handed. On third down, the Buckeyes are holding teams to conversions around 30 percent, turning almost every defensive stand into a punt. That level of efficiency is what championship football looks like.
Offensively, Sayin has grown each week. Surrounded by elite talent like wideouts Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, along with running backs Bo Jackson, CJ Donaldson and James Peoples, the freshman quarterback has kept the offense balanced and mistake-free. The Buckeyes may not lead the nation in scoring, but they’re controlling tempo, protecting the football, and capitalizing when it matters.
When you combine a true freshman quarterback who doesn’t flinch under pressure, a receiving corps loaded with five-star talent, and a defense that suffocates opponents, you have the most complete team in America. The Buckeyes aren’t just winning — they’re dictating every game’s rhythm and breaking opponents’ will by halftime.
Critics will point to strength of schedule or question whether this dominance will last into November, but the résumé is undeniable. Ohio State owns the most impressive road win in the country, leads the Big Ten in virtually every defensive category, and remains unbeaten in a conference filled with ranked opponents.
For now, there’s no debate. Ohio State is the most complete, balanced, and battle-tested team in college football. The Buckeyes haven’t just earned the No. 1 ranking — they’ve made it impossible to argue otherwise.
