March 13, 2025 – It’s the first week of NFL free agency, wallets are opening, and former Ohio State Buckeyes are out here grabbing new contracts like it’s a Black Friday sale. The league’s new year kicked off at 4 p.m. EDT on March 12, and these Scarlet and Gray legends are reminding us why Columbus is basically a football factory. Let’s dive into the stories of these guys—some old favorites, some under-the-radar heroes—who’ve got fresh ink on NFL deals this week.

Justin Fields: New York, New Vibes

Justin Fields, our dual-threat quarterback heartthrob, is taking his talents to the New York Jets. He signed a two-year, $40 million deal with $30 million guaranteed—cha-ching! After bouncing from Chicago to Pittsburgh, he’s now linking up with his Ohio State buddy Garrett Wilson in the Big Apple. I can already hear Jets fans dreaming of Fields juking defenders and tossing bombs. Honestly, it’s about time this guy got a stage to shine—he was electric at Ohio State, and now he’s got a fresh shot.

Joey Bosa: Buffalo’s New Beast

Joey Bosa’s been wrecking quarterbacks for nine years with the Chargers, but this week, he’s packing his bags for Buffalo. The Bills snagged him with $12 million guaranteed, and it could hit $15.6 million if he keeps being, well, Joey Bosa. The 49ers and Dolphins tried, but Buffalo won the tug-of-war. Imagine Bosa chowing down on wings and chasing Josh Allen in practice—those Buckeye roots are about to make Bills Mafia even rowdier.

Chase Young: Staying a Saint

Chase Young didn’t even have to flirt with free agency drama. On March 10, the New Orleans Saints said, “Nah, you’re ours,” and handed him a three-year, $51 million deal that could climb to $57 million. After a wild ride—Washington, San Francisco, now NOLA—Young’s finally got some stability. That dude who was eating quarterbacks for breakfast at Ohio State? He’s still got it, and Saints fans are probably lighting extra candles in thanks. Check out his journey on his NFL profile—it’s a wild ride.

Luke Farrell: From Jags to Niners

Luke Farrell’s the tight end you don’t notice until he’s pancaking someone or snagging a clutch pass. He left Jacksonville after four years and signed with the San Francisco 49ers this week—three years, up to $20.25 million, $11 million guaranteed. That’s a nice paycheck for a guy who’s all about the dirty work. I bet he’s already texting his old OSU teammates about the Cali weather—classic Buckeye grit meets 49ers gold.

Malik Harrison: Steelers Steal a Raven

Malik Harrison’s pulling a plot twist—after five years with the Ravens, he’s jumping to their arch-rival Pittsburgh Steelers on a two-year, $10 million deal. Signed around March 10, it’s like he couldn’t wait to ditch Baltimore’s purple for black and gold. This linebacker’s got that Ohio State toughness, and now he’s gonna be tackling his old teammates twice a year. AFC North just got spicier, folks.

Baron Browning: Desert Days Continue

Baron Browning wasn’t about to let free agency mess up his vibe. On March 9, the Arizona Cardinals locked him down with a two-year, $15 million extension—could hit $19 million if he keeps balling. Traded from Denver mid-2024, Browning’s speed and power (hello, OSU training) have him thriving in the desert. Cardinals fans are probably high-fiving over keeping this Buckeye gem.

Josh Myers: Jetting Off with Fields

Josh Myers, the center who’s been snapping balls in Green Bay, is joining Justin Fields on the Jets. The deal’s still fresh as of March 13—money details are trickling in—but he’s heading to New York to protect his old Ohio State QB. Imagine the locker room vibes: “Hey, Justin, remember that time in Columbus?” These two could be the secret sauce the Jets need.

Liam McCullough: The Snapper Stays

Liam McCullough’s the long snapper you forget about until a punt goes sideways—and that’s why the Atlanta Falcons love him. On March 6, they gave him a four-year extension, right before the free agency chaos. He’s been perfect since 2022, and that Ohio State precision isn’t going anywhere. Falcons fans, you’re welcome—your special teams are safe.

Who’s Next?

This week’s already a Buckeye party, but keep an eye out—J.K. Dobbins and Dre’Mont Jones are still out there, top free agents who could drop a signing bombshell any minute. As of noon-ish on March 13, nothing’s official for them, but the week’s not over. I’m refreshing my phone like it’s game day. Want the latest? Peek at the NFL free agency tracker—it’s moving fast.

Buckeyes Being Buckeyes

From Fields chasing stardom to McCullough quietly holding it down, these guys are living proof Ohio State breeds NFL winners. They’re out here signing deals, chasing dreams, and making us proud—or jealous, depending on your bank account. Free agency’s just getting started, so grab some popcorn—more Buckeye stories might be coming our way.

In the wild world of high school football recruiting, CJ Sanna is quickly becoming the name on everyone’s lips for the 2026 class. This linebacker from Olentangy High School in Lewis Center, Ohio, isn’t just turning heads—he’s capturing hearts with his grit and talent. Now a junior stepping into the spotlight of his recruiting journey, CJ’s got this rare mix of size, speed, and pure football smarts that’s got college coaches across the country dreaming of what he could do for their teams. As of today, February 27, 2025, let’s dive into CJ’s story and see how this Ohio kid is lighting up the 2026 recruiting scene.

The Guy on the Field

Picture this: a 6-foot-3, 225-pound junior barreling through the line, chasing down quarterbacks, and stuffing runs like it’s nothing. That’s CJ Sanna on game day. He’s got the kind of build that makes you go, “Yep, that’s a linebacker,” but it’s his heart and hustle that really set him apart. In his 2024 junior season, CJ was everywhere—97 tackles, 11 of them for a loss, seven sacks, and a couple of fumble recoveries over 11 games, according to MaxPreps. Whether he’s crashing into the backfield or chasing down a receiver, he plays with this fire that’s impossible to miss. Michigan State’s defensive coordinator Joe Rossi put it perfectly when he called CJ “long, athletic, and smart”—the kind of player who seems built for today’s fast, tricky college game.

The Recruiting Buzz

CJ’s not just a local hero anymore—he’s a national name. The recruiting folks are all over him, and it’s fun to watch his star rise. ESPN and On3 see him as a four-star kid, ranking him around No. 250 in their top-300 lists for 2026. Meanwhile, 247Sports and Rivals give him three stars but still put him high up as the No. 26 or 27 linebacker in the country and a top-20 player in Ohio. The numbers might differ, but everyone agrees: CJ’s on his way up, and by the time his senior year rolls around, he could be shining even brighter.

Colleges Come Calling

Back in September 2024, CJ’s phone started lighting up with offers, and it hasn’t stopped since. Iowa State was the first big Power 4 school to say, “We want you,” followed by Iowa, Purdue, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Michigan State jumped in too, and then Minnesota got in on the action after a chat with their coach Mariano Sori-Marin in January 2025. Smaller schools like Liberty and Toledo chimed in early, but the real game-changer came on January 31, 2025, when Ohio State—the team every Ohio kid grows up watching—offered him a spot. That’s when things got real.

Ohio State’s offer hit close to home, literally and figuratively. CJ’s from their backyard, and the Buckeyes love keeping Ohio’s best right where they belong. Posts on X from recruiting gurus like Steve Wiltfong and Alex Gleitman are buzzing with Ohio State vibes, and On3’s giving them a whopping 97.4% chance of landing him. Plus, CJ’s teammate, four-star safety Kaden Gebhardt, is also on Ohio State’s radar—imagine the two of them sticking together in Columbus. But CJ’s keeping his options open—he’s got an official visit to Wisconsin lined up for June 12, 2025, and four unofficial trips planned to Ohio State, with Iowa State, Michigan State, and Minnesota still hanging around, hoping to steal his heart.

Why Ohio State Feels Like Home

For Ohio State, CJ’s the kind of player they dream about. Under head coach Ryan Day, they’ve got a knack for snagging Ohio’s toughest, most athletic kids, especially linebackers who can do it all. CJ fits that mold perfectly, and when he visited Columbus in January 2025 to celebrate their national championship win, you could tell it clicked. The offer came soon after, and it’s hard not to picture him in scarlet and gray, joining stars like five-star receiver Chris Henry Jr. and four-star defensive back Jakob Weatherspoon in their 2026 class. Keeping CJ in-state wouldn’t just be a win for the team—it’d be a point of pride for Buckeye Nation.

What’s Next for CJ?

Spring and summer 2025 are about to get wild for CJ. He’s got camps to show off at, visits to take, and a senior season ahead that could turn heads even more. That trip to Wisconsin in June? It’s a chance to see what life could be like outside Ohio. Those four stops at Ohio State? They’re a sign he’s seriously thinking about staying home. Wherever he lands, one thing’s for sure: CJ’s got the talent and drive to make a mark. If he keeps balling out like he did last fall, he might just lock in that fourth star across the board and climb even higher up the recruiting ranks.

Ohio State has made headlines yet again by recruiting Matt Patricia for the position of new defensive coordinator. Patricia will join the Buckeyes, and his credentials boast being an NFL legend and a reputation for being a defensive genius. That adjustment came after the previous coordinator left for a job at Penn State. While the Buckeyes' offense was high-flying, it is hoped that Patricia can repair the defensive issues that hindered the team two seasons ago.

Who is Matt Patricia?

Matt Patricia's rise to fame in the NFL came with the New England Patriots, where he learned under the legendary team of Bill Belichick, constructing defenses that were truly nightmares for the opposing teams. He then had a turn at coaching with the Detroit Lions, where there were equal shares of highs and lows. He came back to the Patriots briefly as an advisor. Now, he's going to step up in the college football arena and bring a big-time shake-up to Ohio State with all his years of experience.

Why Ohio State?

Experience and Expertise: Patricia's deep dive into defensive strategies during his successful years in the NFL is expected to elevate Ohio State's defensive game plan.
Cultural Fit: His detail-oriented, disciplined approach aligns with Ohio State's ethos of excellence.
Recruitment Boost: His NFL pedigree could attract high-caliber defensive recruits eager to learn from an established coach.

Challenges Ahead

Transition to College Football: Adapting from professional to collegiate levels involves learning new aspects like recruiting and managing student-athletes' academic commitments.
Rebuilding Trust: After his Detroit tenure, Patricia will need to re-establish his coaching credibility.
Defensive Scheme Adaptation: The team will face the task of learning and adapting to potentially new defensive plays, which might initially disrupt the rhythm but could prove advantageous over time.

Fan and Team Reaction

The Ohio State community has mixed feelings; there's excitement for what Patricia could bring, but also a whisper of caution due to his recent NFL stint. Within the team, there's a buzz of anticipation, with players and coaches eager to soak up his knowledge.

On one of several key developments of the college football coaching carousel to this point in the offseason, Ohio State University has officially introduced Tyler Bowen to its coaching stable as its new offensive line coach, succeeding Justin Frye. Frye parted ways with OSU for the NFL ranks. The addition of Bowen now ushers in a new era for the Buckeyes as they seek to continue the prowess on the offensive front that defined their season-long run to the national championship.

Who is Tyler Bowen?

Bowen, 35, comes to Columbus with a diversified coaching background. The last three seasons, he spent as offensive coordinator at Virginia Tech. While with the Hokies, he split his duties coaching tight ends and quarterbacks-the versatility in both major offensive coaching roles. Before joining the Hokies, Bowen had some eloquent coaching in the Big Ten after serving the Nittany Lions of Penn State as a tight ends and co-offensive coordinator since 2018 up to 2020. During his stay with Penn State then, Bowen was the co-offensive coordinator in the year 2020 as his hot recruit list went out for Olu Fashanu and Tyler Warren.

His other NFL experience came in 2021 when he had a brief stop with the Jacksonville Jaguars under former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer, adding to his high-level football acumen. His last stop as an offensive line coach came at Maryland back in 2017, which could raise some eyebrows about the position he's taking at Ohio State.

Ohio State Implications

It says Bowen is part of a new energy Ohio State head coach Ryan Day wants to implement among the offensive coaches. There had been several departures: not just Frye but also offensive coordinator Chip Kelly to the Las Vegas Raiders and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to Penn State. Ohio State had been in flux, trying to rebuild its coaching stable; the addition of Bowen is about shoring up the staff:

Recruiting: Bowen pulled off some of the greatest recruiting during his stay with Penn State, a virtue that will come in handy as Ohio State seeks to lock down the next generation of offensive linemen, particularly in the coming recruiting cycles.

Offensive Philosophy: While not strictly an offensive line coach in recent years, Bowen brings an offensive coordinator perspective that could add some fresh twists and wrinkles to Ohio State's attack. His exposure to multiple offensive systems in the past could also be instructive on how best to hone the Buckeyes' ground-based attack.

Mentorship and Development: The task is cut out for Bowen to prove himself in the development of players, most especially the offensive line, a position very key to Ohio State's success. The last time he was directly involved in that capacity was close to a decade ago, and while it presents an opportunity, it is equally a challenge.

Upcoming Challenges

Success from Day One, Bowen steps into a role of expectation. This Ohio State OL was huge in the championship season, suffered injuries to some of your key guys, and yet still managed to be ranked top in keeping the quarterback upright. The expectation there will be that he not only maintains that mark but betters it with Bowen, especially due to the coaching turnover.

Also, how Bowen's style will mesh with the team and new offensive coordinator - possibly Brian Hartline - will be important. The synergy of the coaches is going to provide how fast Ohio State can adjust to move on back with business as usual.

Few tales of college football recruiting come so draped in local pride as one about Maxwell Riley, a leading offensive tackle talent out of Avon Lake, Ohio, regarding his 2026 class thoughts on the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Interest and Offers End

His name has been hot on the boards of many collegiate programs since inception, but right at the center of it is Ohio State, his home-state pride. First-year offensive line recruit Maxwell Riley visited Ohio State for its initial spring practice of 2023 and left Columbus with an offer from the Buckeyes, one of the first high school offensive line prospects in the class of 2026 with a Buckeye offer. That early offer underlined how much the Buckeyes' coaching staff thought of him, not just as a talented player, but as a priority for their future lineup.

Building Relationships

The relationship between Riley and Ohio State has only gotten closer with time. He has visited Columbus several times, taking in game days and practices and even going so far as to celebrate with the Buckeyes after their 2025 National Championship. These visits have placed him in a position where he can know on a personal level the head coach, Ryan Day, and the offensive line coach, Justin Frye. The interactions that have been pivotal with him often referring to the intensity and focus that the Ohio State offensive line gives as impressive, while the commitment of the coaching staff to players' development remains key.

Recruiting Journey

The journey of recruitment about Riley has showcased his talent and potential. The options have not been in short supply, with Riley being considered one of the top-rated offensive tackles in the nation and the second-best prospect in Ohio for the 2026 class. Amongst the power programs in his recruitment list were Alabama, Florida State, Michigan State, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Clemson. But with multiple visits to Ohio State, and a program history steeped in the tradition of churning out NFL-caliber offensive linemen, the Buckeyes have emerged as a clear leader.

Decision Time Nears

With his senior year of high school in full bloom for Riley, his college decision isn't getting any farther away. The coaching staff at Ohio State means something to him-or at least it should if he is taking developed players to national championships. Of course, Crystal Ball Predictions via social media platforms like X also have it going big toward Ohio State.

What Ohio State Offers

The reason Ohio State stands out is not just because it is a top program but also because of the legacy-a place where offensive linemen often get molded into professional athletes. With idols like Orlando Pace, Riley knows what the path from Columbus to the NFL looks like. Recent national championship success for the Buckeyes only furthers the appeal: promises of not just playing but winning at the highest level.

Columbus, Ohio - The Ohio State Buckeyes pulled off what many described as the biggest upset this season in college basketball, topping the No. 11 Purdue Boilermakers 73-69 in an electric matchup at the Schottenstein Center. This win also snapped a three-game losing streak for Ohio State and sent a ripple throughout the Big Ten conference.

Game Recap

It was a tight game from the opening tip, neither side giving an inch as both sides flexed their muscles on either end of the hardwood. Still, it was Ohio State-under the trust of acting head coach Jake Diebler-that conducted the virtuous second-half comeback.

The Buckeyes were at one point down seven before junior guard Micah Parrish took over, scoring 21 points on the night including a number of clutch shots down the stretch. Bruce Thornton added 19 more and brought his typical defense against a star-studded Purdue lineup.

Key Moments

Second-Half Surge: Ohio State came out with a renewed sense of urgency to start the second half, erasing the lead built by the Boilermakers rather quickly after it took just a 10-2 opening run for the Buckeyes to get all the momentum they needed. Pivotal Plays: With the game on the line, Parrish nailed a crucial three-pointer with just over a minute left to give Ohio State the lead. That was followed by a defensive stand where the Buckeyes forced a key turnover from Purdue.
Bench Contribution: Huge for the team came off the bench and was sophomore forward Devin Royal, who had 16 points and six rebounds. He did give that boost in some very critical moments during the second half of the game. Along with him, quality time from junior guard Ques Glover and sophomore center Austin Parks kept defensive intensity and ball rotation together at rest time for starters. Their efforts, though not necessarily reflected in the box score, were vital in sustaining their momentum. This performance by the bench underlined Ohio State's depth and toughness, key players in overcoming a top-ranked opponent like Purdue.

Coaching Effect

Interim head coach Jake Diebler, cast into the post following Chris Holtmann's departure, has been one under scrutiny lately, but this game showcased his leadership acumen and teaching. Accountability and leadership from his players were echoed by Diebler on and off the court. He praised the team's resilience and focus, stating, "This win is a testament to these young men's character. They've been through a lot, and tonight, they showed what they're capable of."

Purdue's View

The defeat snapped a 26-game home winning streak, pointing out some frailties that further opponents may want to take advantage of. But even in defeat, Purdue is in a very good position at 15-5 overall and 7-2 in Big Ten play. It was an important lesson that showed the Boilermakers how to keep up the consistency with its defense and resiliency. As Coach Matt Painter says, there are some key areas that need improvement so this doesn't happen again. Now, the question will be how well Purdue can review this loss and move on from it. How well they can keep their focus and adaptability will determine their trajectory in the highly competitive Big Ten conference. The loss, though impactful, offers a chance for growth as the Boilermakers strive to achieve their season objectives.

The College Football Playoff National Championship pits the Ohio State Buckeyes against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Atlanta, Georgia, on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET.

How to Watch:

The game will be nationally broadcast on ESPN. If streaming is your thing, it will be available on ESPN+. It can also be streamed on other platforms such as FuboTV, which has a free trial along with the subscription.

Coaching Matchup:

Ohio State Buckeyes, under the guidance of head coach Ryan Day, took a disarrayed season and overdrive post the loss to Michigan with an aim toward championship aspirations. The Buckeyes have one tactically proper resilient side in place under his tutelage.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish, meanwhile, are led by third-year coach Marcus Freeman, who has quickly turned the Fighting Irish into a power. The intrigue for this matchup is added by Freeman having been a linebacker at Ohio State during his playing career.

Star Players:

Ohio State:
QB Will Howard led the team quite well in the playoffs, especially with his 72.6% completion of passes, which was indicative of how well he can manage the offense with great precision.
Freshman WR Jeremiah Smith has turned into a star, particularly in playoff games, because he catches everything.

DE Jack Sawyer had an 83-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the semifinals to show just how game-changing the defense can be.

Notre Dame:
QB Riley Leonard has been a dual-threat under center with a lot of production both through the air and on the ground.
RB Jeremiyah Love has been one of the most efficient runners in the nation, averaging 7.1 yards per carry.
DB Xavier Watts has been the outstanding of defense, leading this team in interceptions and general defensive plays.

Phase-by-Phase Analysis:

Offense: Ohio State probably has the edge because it possesses a more dynamic and explosive passing game with Howard and Smith. However, Notre Dame, with Love leading from the backfield, may very well rise to the challenge if they can control time of possession.

Defense: Both teams have elite defenses, but Ohio State forces turnovers, and Sawyer's performance makes them a tad more effective. Not many scores get past the Fighting Irish defense, which is ranked second in the nation for points allowed.

Special Teams: This could be one area where the Fighting Irish can make a difference in -- big plays that could alter the momentum of a game, much like in their semifinal game.

Odd:

Ohio State opens as an 8.5-point favorite and is -350 on the moneyline, with Notre Dame coming in at +315, meaning bookmakers aren't fully ruling out the possibility of an upset. The over/under for the game is at 45.5 points.

Prediction:

While the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame do tend to have more pressure with Ryan Day's experience in massive-stage games and trending upward, adding offensive firepower at Ohio State coupled with defensive toughness. Great Notre Dame defense and a penchant for huge upsets somehow cannot slight entirely. A special teams uprising would just about be enough if it's a low-scoring game that Notre Dame will do everything to hold the opposition's offenses down.

It is time for the huge fight in North Texas in the 2025 College Football Playoff semifinals, as the Ohio State Buckeyes are set to go head-to-head against the Texas Longhorns inside AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Nicknamed "Jerry World," this venue in Arlington is the home of the Dallas Cowboys and will convert into a battle-scarred environment where two of the most tradition-laden college football programs face off for supremacy and a trip to the national championship game. This is the stuff of a dream matchup steeped in history and high stakes, with an electric atmosphere as fans from each state converge on this modern coliseum in anticipation of a winner emerging at the Cotton Bowl. Ohio State comes into the game boasting one of the nation's premier defenses, while Texas will counter with an energetic, potent line-up, ensuring this isn't a clash based solely on regional pride-the two programs want to continue another chapter in the college football annals.

How to Watch:

The game will start at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. The game will air on ESPN and can be streamed on the ESPN App or FuboTV. Tickets for in-person attendees are currently on sale across a few different platforms, beginning around $200, but those prices may change as the event nears.

Coaches:

The Ohio State Buckeyes, led by head coach Ryan Day, will enter the Cotton Bowl with a game plan centered on capitalizing on the high-powered offense spearheaded by quarterback Will Howard and true freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Day usually utilizes an energetic passing game with a mix of ground attacks, where the line can easily assert its will. It happened during games involving Tennessee and Oregon.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has compiled one of the top defenses in the land, able to contain the most high-powered offenses. Sarkisian's game plan will more than likely be to take away Howard and limit Ohio State's big plays while counting on former Buckeyes quarterback Quinn Ewers to exploit openings in Ohio State's secondary. The battle between Day's play-calling ingenuity and Sarkisian's defensive acumen could very well determine the outcome of the game, with each coach's strategy serving as the key to either moving on to the National Championship or ending one's season.

Key Players:

Ohio State:
QB Will Howard is on fire, having given many tremendous performances in the playoffs.
FR WR Jeremiah Smith has been the dominant force this season, with some fans already comparing him to being at the NFL level.
Texas:
QB Quinn Ewers had experience and brought leadership to the Longhorns offense following his commitment from Ohio State.
RB Quintrevion Wisner has been the key to the ground attack to bring some balance in attack.

Game Phases Analysis:

Offense: Ohio State's passing game with Howard and Smith has been uncontainable and might have an edge in this area, while Texas' offense is something that should not be underestimated since Ewers could take the driver's seat for his team in such a balanced attack situation.

Defense: Each team has one of the nation's best defenses. Ohio State is ranked the top scoring defense in college football, and Texas is ranked at number three. It could very well be a battle of attrition, and that might be slightly in Ohio State's favor because they would be able to disrupt Texas's rhythm.

Special Teams: Usually not taken into consideration, but both teams do have a decent kicker and returner, which can make this close; Ohio State might have an advantage in that it has not committed too many mistakes in its last games.

Odds:

The Buckeyes have come in as a 5.5-point favorite, while the game-a over/under-will be 53.5 points. Moneyline odds certainly reflect a high level of confidence in Ohio State, and it would appear that Texas will be the underdog, even with its home-state advantage.

Team Preparation:

Ohio State: A week removed from that inexplicable final regular-season game loss to Michigan, Ohio State has been appreciably better, both schematically and in execution, through the playoff, placing a new premium on a high-octane passing game while keeping its defense stifling.

Texas has outlived close calls throughout its playoff games against Clemson and Arizona State. Prep work has remained steady on making sure their defense firms up and their offense doesn't sputter with the pressure, particularly after that overtime win in the Peach Bowl.

Ohio State football, in a dominance few could have predicted, has turned the page from a string of regular-season disappointments to the most discussed storyline regarding the CFP. A recent 41-21 victory over No. 1 Oregon in the Rose Bowl catapulted the Buckeyes into the CFP semifinals and once again brings into discussion their potential to win a national championship.

A Rose Bowl for the Ages

The headline out of Pasadena was clear: Ohio State was not only ready for Oregon, it was prepared to make the statement. Quarterback Will Howard-who had been criticized because of how he managed the game in Ohio State's regular-season loss to the Ducks-threw three touchdown passes, including the long connections to Jeremiah Smith, an example of some of the Buckeyes' firepower. Smith, a true freshman, had a day for the history books in the Scarlet and Gray, setting an Ohio State single-game freshman receiving yardage record with 187 yards and two touchdowns to take Rose Bowl Offensive MVP honors. The individual accomplishments were more than that-really, an expectation setter for what Ohio State was when it was firing on all cylinders.

Buckeyes' Defensive Performance

While the offense stole much of the limelight, Ohio State's defense was just as impressive. They held Oregon to negative rushing yards, showing a level of resiliency and grit many questioned after the defeat by Michigan late in the season. It was a defensive performance against one of the best teams in the country that spoke volumes about how well the coaching staff could adjust and prepare for a high-level game, quieting criticism about head coach Ryan Day's big-game management.

Looking Ahead: The Cotton Bowl and Beyond

The victory sets up a highly anticipated semifinal matchup with Texas at the Cotton Bowl on January 10, 2025. More than just a game that could move them into the National Championship, this matchup is a storybook tale filled with storylines. Texas, led by former Ohio State quarterback Quinn Ewers, will look to upset the momentum Ohio State has built. This also so happens to be a prelude to their 2025 season opener, adding an extra layer of intrigue. Ohio State's ability to handle Texas's defense-one of the best this season-will be key. The Buckeyes are peaking at just about the right time, and both offensive and defensive units have shown that they can dominate a game when it matters. That leadership from Howard, combined with the explosive plays from Smith and a stout defense, makes Ohio State a real contender, according to analysts giving the team some of the best odds for taking the national title.

Coaching Staff Implications

The Rose Bowl win had implications further than the field itself.

Ryan Day and his staff, particularly offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, have been criticized for performances in big games. This win, in addition to their earlier CFP quarterfinal victory against Tennessee, would suggest a maturing of strategy and execution. The ability of the coaching staff to motivate and prepare this team for back-to-back playoff games speaks to a resilience perhaps underestimated after the Michigan loss. This coaching acumen will further be tested in the upcoming game against Texas.

Team Resilience and Future

Ohio State's run through the playoff has been a storybook one of redemption and proving the depth and talent. Overcoming adversity-most strikingly after the Michigan game-is a theme that really ate its way into the hearts of fans and analysts alike. This team has shown the ability to learn from setbacks, adapt, and perform under pressure-all characteristics necessary for a national championship run.

As the Buckeyes build into their semifinal match, not only does winning have value, but the method continues to pay off by evolving. Mixing this leadership together with exciting youngsters like Smith could suggest Ohio State stands at the threshold of a breakthrough into excellence.

Max Klare, the extra talented tight end out of Purdue University, moved his commitment to The Ohio State University, it was announced on December 23, 2024. He is from Cincinnati, Ohio, and attended St. Xavier High School. Klare certainly brings a load of talent and experience to the Buckeyes.

Background and Performance at Purdue:

Klare was ranked as the No. 1 tight end in the NCAA transfer portal by ESPN. A versatile weapon at tight end who was one of the more touted transfers this cycle, Klare led Purdue in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns in 2024 with 51 receptions for 685 yards and four touchdowns. He was good enough to be considered the best tight end looking through the transfer portal, which speaks volumes of his worth to any team looking to fill up their offensive roster.

Reason for Transfer and Choice of Ohio State:

A number of factors influenced Klare's choice to go with Ohio State. Among them was the possibility of further development with head coach Ryan Day, who is renowned for sending players to the NFL. Klare said Day's track record of developing players was one of the main reasons he decided to commit to the Buckeyes. He also said he liked how offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and tight ends coach Keenan Bailey outlined how he would be used in the offense. Klare said he's also excited about the opportunity to compete against and learn from Ohio State's five-star safety Caleb Downs, which he thinks will elevate his game.

Impact on Ohio State's Team:

Ohio State has been active in the transfer portal, taking commitments from several players over the past few weeks, including Klare. He adds depth to an already talented tight end room, complementing players like Will Kacmarek, who is known as a blocker, and other players at the position. Klare's receiving skills are likely to add a new dimension to Ohio State's offensive plays, particularly with the loss of some key players to the NFL draft. His experience of having played in the Big Ten Conference should also ease his transition.