In a surprising turn of events, the Ohio State Buckeyes have been selected for the College Football Playoff (CFP), sneaking in as the fourth seed after a chaotic end to the regular season. Despite being one of the nation’s most prestigious programs, the news hasn’t been universally celebrated by Buckeye fans. Instead, it has sparked a wave of frustration and anger among the fanbase, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding the team’s selection and their perceived ability to compete on the national stage.
The Buckeyes finished the regular season with an 11-1 record, their lone loss coming to Michigan in a hard-fought battle in Ann Arbor. While their overall performance was strong, it lacked the signature dominance fans have come to expect from a team vying for a national championship. Ohio State struggled at times offensively and leaned heavily on their defense to win close games against teams like Penn State and Notre Dame.
With Michigan winning the Big Ten Championship and other playoff contenders faltering, the door opened for the Buckeyes to claim the final playoff spot. The selection committee cited Ohio State’s strength of schedule, quality wins, and overall talent as key factors in their decision.
Despite the opportunity to compete for a national championship, a significant portion of Ohio State fans are less than thrilled. The reasons for their anger are varied but share a common theme: dissatisfaction with the team’s trajectory.
1. The Michigan Loss: For Ohio State fans, the rivalry with Michigan isn’t just another game—it’s everything. Losing to the Wolverines for a third consecutive year was a crushing blow, and many fans believe it disqualifies the Buckeyes from playoff contention. “How can we be in the playoff when we can’t even win our conference or beat Michigan?” one fan wrote on social media.
2. Concerns About Competitiveness: Ohio State’s offense, led by quarterback Kyle McCord, has been inconsistent throughout the season. Fans worry that the team isn’t equipped to compete against elite programs like Georgia or Michigan, and fear another embarrassing playoff exit like last year’s heartbreaking semifinal loss to Georgia.
3. **Perceived Lack of Accountability**: Many fans are directing their frustration at head coach Ryan Day, who is now 1-3 against Michigan. Despite his impressive overall record, the inability to win rivalry games has led some fans to call for change at the top. The playoff berth, while prestigious, is seen by some as a way to prolong a regime they feel has underperformed in big moments.
While fan frustration is palpable, the Buckeyes now have a golden opportunity to silence their critics and prove they belong among the nation’s elite. Ohio State will face a formidable opponent in the semifinal, likely Georgia, a team that has been a juggernaut in recent years.
For the Buckeyes to succeed, they’ll need a complete performance from both sides of the ball. The defense, which has been a strength all year under coordinator Jim Knowles, will need to contain a high-powered offense. Meanwhile, McCord and the offense must find a way to be explosive and efficient against an elite defense.
While some fans remain furious, others are cautiously optimistic. “At the end of the day, it’s a chance to win it all,” said one fan. “I don’t care how we got here—just win.”
Ohio State’s return to the playoff underscores the high expectations that come with being a powerhouse program. For better or worse, the Buckeyes will have the opportunity to make their case on the field. Whether they rise to the occasion or fall short, one thing is certain: the eyes of the college football world—and a skeptical fanbase—will be watching.