Urban Meyer, the former head coach of Ohio State, has made a bold prediction for the upcoming College Football Playoff (CFP) that may not sit well with Buckeyes fans. According to Meyer, Oregon is his pick to win it all, despite Ohio State’s strong history and talent. Ohio State, coming off a disappointing loss to Michigan, now faces a tough road ahead in the playoffs. The Buckeyes will need to defeat Tennessee in the first round and, if successful, potentially face Oregon again, who had previously beaten Ohio State by a narrow margin in October.
Oregon’s perfect season and balanced team performance have made them a favorite to take home the national championship. Meyer, when asked about his national title pick during an interview on The Triple Option, praised Oregon’s speed and overall team balance. He emphasized that Oregon’s defense, in particular, has been at a high level all season, describing them as the fastest team in the country. Meyer acknowledged that Oregon appeared to struggle in the second half against Penn State, but he believes that when fully operational, they are the best team in college football.
Ohio State, on the other hand, is in a more difficult position. The Buckeyes’ loss to Michigan means they miss out on a first-round bye in the CFP, which would have given them a bit more rest and a potentially easier path to the national title game. Instead, they must first overcome Tennessee and then likely face Oregon in a rematch of their earlier season encounter. This presents a significant challenge for Ohio State and their head coach, Ryan Day, who is still trying to establish his legacy following Meyer’s successful tenure.
Ryan Day’s task is now to prove that he can lead Ohio State to a national championship, which would silence critics who have questioned his ability to maintain the program’s elite status after Meyer’s departure. A victory in the CFP would not only redeem the season for Ohio State but would also affirm that Day is capable of delivering on the program’s championship aspirations. While Day faces immense pressure, Meyer’s comments show that he believes Oregon’s current form and dominance make them the team to beat in the playoffs.
For Ohio State fans, Meyer’s pick could be seen as a slight against their team. After all, Meyer is a beloved figure in Columbus, having led the Buckeyes to a national championship during his time as head coach. His endorsement of Oregon could sting, as it highlights Ohio State’s perceived shortcomings, especially after their failure to secure a bye in the playoffs and their loss to Michigan. However, Meyer’s praise for Oregon is not just a critique of Ohio State but a reflection of the impressive season that Oregon has had, solidifying their reputation as a top contender.
If Ohio State can defeat Tennessee and then take on Oregon in a high-stakes rematch, the Buckeyes will have a chance to rewrite the narrative around their program. A championship victory would not only give them redemption over Michigan but would also prove the doubters wrong, including Meyer himself. It would be a statement of resilience and a demonstration of the potential within the Ohio State program, even under Ryan Day’s leadership.
Ohio State’s journey to the national title is far from easy, but it remains possible. The Buckeyes will need to step up their game and perform at the highest level to secure victories over both Tennessee and Oregon. A national championship for Ohio State would be a major accomplishment for Ryan Day, solidifying his place as one of the top coaches in college football and proving that Ohio State can continue to compete for titles even after Meyer’s departure. As the playoffs approach, all eyes will be on Ohio State as they attempt to prove their worth and silence the skeptics, including their former head coach, Urban Meyer.
