Phil Steele considers whether Ohio State can win back-to-back national championships

Ohio State has a lot of talent back for the 2025 season and there’s potential for a repeat national championship year. However, veteran college football writer Phil Steele pointed out one key factor that could prevent it from happening.

Granted, Ohio State’s veteran team slipped up a couple of times last year en route to a title. Steele expects that to happen this year as well, but that doesn’t mean lack of experience will be the end all, be all.

Talent is talent, but Ohio State has to replace the QB from last year, Will Howard. Julian Sayin is the projected starter, but it’ll be his first full season.

“A lot of times you have to look at the surrounding cast, and I think when you look at Ohio State, they’ve got that surrounding cast,” Steele said on The Herd. “Jeremiah Smith will make a lot of people look good at wide receiver, they’ve got talent. Running back, offensive line. Actually, there’s no questioning the talent of Ohio State. The question is experience. Now, believe it or not, you look at your schedule, Colin, they can be favored in all 12 games this year. They’re already favored over Texas in the opener. 

“But I think that inexperience may bite them a little bit in a game or two. And let’s keep in mind last year’s NFL laden team with all those seniors lost two games in the regular season. They didn’t even win the Big Ten, they didn’t even beat Michigan for a fourth straight year. So I think Ohio State might slip up a game or two this year, but there’s no doubting that talent they have compiled.”

Smith and DB Caleb Downs are two of the best overall players in college football and that’ll help carry their sides of the football. But still, as host Colin Cowherd asked Steele, the quarterback is the biggest question mark if Ohio State is to repeat.

Last week, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day pulled back the curtain on the Buckeyes’ QB competition between Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz.

“They both have had good moments and moments where they’re growing,” Day said. “The competition continues, but I will say that I’ve been pleased with the progress. We’re not where we need to be, but if they continue to learn from the mistakes they’re making, and continue to grow off the plays that they’re doing well and moving the offense and taking care of the football, then it’s going to go right down to the wire.

“Ultimately, they’ve got to take care of the football. I’m seeing growth, for sure. I’m seeing great attitudes, great work ethic. The practices have been intense, just across the board. I think they’re doing a good job of leading right now. Now, where it goes here by the end of the week will be critical.”