Eric Boggs
The early projections are in, and despite an offseason filled with renewed optimism and elite roster talent, Ohio State enters the 2025 season projected to finish second in the Big Ten behind Penn State. According to an unofficial preseason poll conducted by Kings of the North, which surveyed 54 media members from all 18 conference schools along with national analysts, the Nittany Lions were picked to win the league by 35 voters, compared to 18 for the Buckeyes and just one for Oregon. While it’s always notable when Ohio State isn’t viewed as the consensus favorite, Buckeye fans know better than to put too much stock in summer projections—especially when history favors the Scarlet and Gray.
The poll predicted a Big Ten Championship Game rematch between Ohio State and Penn State, a matchup chosen by 43 of the 54 voters. Interestingly, of those 43, 23 picked Penn State to win, while 20 backed Ohio State to capture the conference crown. The projections reflect a widespread belief in Penn State’s roster depth and experience heading into 2025, with veteran stars like quarterback Drew Allar, running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, and defensive linemen Dani Dennis-Sutton and Zane Durant returning to lead the way. But if Penn State is going to live up to these lofty expectations, they’ll need to overcome a significant hurdle: they haven’t beaten Ohio State since 2016, losing eight straight to the Buckeyes.
Cleveland.com’s annual preseason media poll echoed a similar sentiment, with Penn State again edging Ohio State by the slimmest of margins—11 votes to 10, with Oregon and Michigan also receiving nods. Still, the strength of Ohio State’s roster is hard to ignore, particularly at the top. Safety Caleb Downs and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith are projected to be the best players in the entire conference on their respective sides of the ball. Downs dominated the defensive player of the year voting with 43 of 50 first-place votes, while Smith ran away with the offensive player of the year tally, earning 39 of 50 first-place selections. Quarterback Julian Sayin and linebacker Sonny Styles also received votes, giving Ohio State four different players recognized as top-tier talents heading into the season.
When asked how many Big Ten teams will reach the expanded College Football Playoff in 2025, all 54 voters predicted at least three. In fact, 65% expect four teams from the conference to qualify, which speaks volumes about the perceived strength and balance of the Big Ten this year. Even with the challenge of Oregon, Washington, USC, and UCLA joining the fray, Ohio State remains firmly planted in the national title conversation.
While these projections currently favor Penn State, the reality is that championship seasons aren’t won in July. With the star power, depth, and motivation Ohio State brings into 2025—especially after falling short of expectations in recent years—Buckeye fans have every reason to believe that this team will rise to the occasion. If the young talent delivers and the leadership stays locked in, the road to the Big Ten title may once again run through Columbus.
