What will Ohio State football's record be in 2025? Expert predictions for Buckeyes

It is difficult to repeat as a college football national champion, but the rebuilt version of Ohio State is predicted to be in the mix to defend its national title.

With star safety Caleb Downs and standout receiver Jeremiah Smith leading a roster filled with highly ranked recruits, the Buckeyes are ranked No. 2 in the preseason US LBM coaches poll and No. 3 in the Associated Press media poll.

With the Buckeyes' season opener coming Aug. 30 against No. 1 Texas, we have assembled predictions from our Dispatch staff and from national publications.

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Expert predictions for Ohio State football in 2025

What will Ohio State football's record be?

• Bill Rabinowitz, Dispatch beat writer: 11-1
• Joey Kaufman, Dispatch beat writer: 10-2
• Rob Oller, Dispatch columnist: 11-1
• USA Today: 9-3
• ESPN: 10-2
• Sports Illustrated: 10-2

Will Ohio State football beat Michigan?

• Bill Rabinowitz, Dispatch beat writer: Yes
• Joey Kaufman, Dispatch beat writer: Yes
• Rob Oller, Dispatch columnist: Yes

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Will Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith win Heisman Trophy?

• Bill Rabinowitz, Dispatch beat writer: No
• Joey Kaufman, Dispatch beat writer: No
• Rob Oller, Dispatch columnist: No
• The Athletic: Yes

Will Ohio State football win College Football Playoff?

• Bill Rabinowitz, Dispatch beat writer: No
• Joey Kaufman, Dispatch beat writer: No
• Rob Oller, Dispatch columnist: No
• The Athletic: No
• ESPN: No
• Sports Illustrated: No

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State football expert predictions: Buckeyes' projected record