The Ohio State Buckeyes football program have had no shortage of talent in recent years. But they have been unable to win the big game when it matters most against Michigan. But this offseason, they have made a number of significant moves in hopes that they can reach the promised land.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has completely shifted around his coaching staff this offseason. Perhaps the most notable change came by bringing in former NFL head coach Chip Kelly as the team’s new offensive coordinator.
In total, the payroll for the Ohio State Buckeyes coaching staff totals over $20 million, a clear indication that the program is serious about winning.
Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith spoke about his mindset heading into the upcoming 2024-25 season in a recent press conference, proclaiming that the program is going “all in” to win a national championship.
“I probably put a significant burden on Ross with the budget because I was playing poker with football. Went all in,” Smith said, via Eleven Warriors. “Where we are with football and not winning Big Ten championships, I wanted to make sure that we did everything we could to make sure football has a real chance next year.”
Not only has the team gone “all in” in regards to their coaching staff. But they have also done so through the transfer portal, bringing in established players such as Quinshon Jenkins and Will Howard along with former five-star recruits like Julian Sayin and Caleb Downs.
At the end of the day, it has come down to Ohio State beating the likes of Michigan to make it to the CFP, which they haven’t been able to do. But with the new 12-team CFP format coming next year, Ohio State should certainly be in the mix to get a playoff spot, and perhaps even more if things go their way.