Is this the year the Buckeyes win the national title?

Not long after Michigan raised the national championship trophy earlier this month, plenty of pundits were suggesting that it was perhaps the Wolverines’ biggest rival that was actually the best team in the country.

That’s not a totally crazy notion. After all, Ohio State started the season with 11-straight wins. The Buckeyes were ranked No. 1 in the nation for two weeks and entered their pivotal regular-season finale against Michigan as the No. 2 team in the country, an instant classic that they lost 30-24 at The Big House.

In other words, Ohio State was right there with the eventual champs. There’s no reason to believe the Buckeyes won’t be next year, either.

On the recruiting front, the Buckeyes once again have a top-five class. Depending on what happens to Alabama’s class following the retirement of head coach Nick Saban, Ohio State might have the best incoming freshman in the country.

In terms of the transfer portal, things weren’t quite as bright. After all, there aren’t a ton of spots to fill on the Buckeyes roster. But by most accounting, Ohio State once again finished in the top 10.

In other words, Ryan Day will have a loaded roster again in 2024. And this time around, he’ll be getting Michigan on his home turf.

Bud Parmalee’s pick: Ohio State to win national championship (+500)

Oddly enough, the two favorites to win the national title following the 2024 college football season didn’t participate in this year’s playoff. Michigan isn’t up there. Neither is Washington. Texas doesn’t make an appearance. And Alabama is sliding down the board. Instead, it’s Georgia at the top (+350), followed by Ohio State (+500). It makes sense. Both teams were loaded this past season and both added a ton of great players in the month since they last played. The cupboards are overflowing in both Athens and Columbus. One thing they’ll have to contend with this year is the expanded playoff. More games means more chances to have a bad day. But with a roster like the Buckeyes possess, it’s really only Georgia that looks like a threat to knock them off. Take the chance and roll Ohio State at 5-to-1 odds.