Ohio State football picks, predictions: Expert shares best Buckeyes futures bet for 2025 season

Can Ohio State do it again? That’s the question on the minds of fans and college football betting enthusiasts everywhere. The defending national champions are intriguing because they lost a lot of key players from last year’s title team but are still loaded with young talent, led by all-world sophomore receiver Jeremiah Smith. However, the Buckeyes must replace eight starters on defense, including team leaders like Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau.

Smith is the most dynamic player in the country, but like many top contenders this season, Ohio State will be breaking in a new quarterback. Julian Sayin takes over for Will Howard. There is no denying Sayin’s talent, although Howard’s experience and leadership in big games will be missed. The Buckeyes must also replace three starting offensive linemen, their top two running backs, and receiver Emeka Egbuka.

It’s always challenging to replace a lot of key contributors, especially on a team that won the national title a year ago. Ohio State still has dynamic playmakers but the college football landscape is quickly approaching parity due to the transfer portal and NIL spending. In a conference like the Big Ten, there are plenty of other powers who can quickly catch up to the Buckeyes. Ohio State’s new players will be put to the test immediately, as the Buckeyes face the Texas Longhorns on Aug. 30 in Week 1. The Buckeyes will also have to replace some key defensive players and adjust to a new coordinator, as Jim Knowles made the jump to rival Penn State in the offseason.