The upcoming College Football Playoff (CFP) matchup between No. 9 seed Tennessee and No. 8 seed Ohio State is generating significant attention, particularly because of the stark differences in talent recruitment and roster construction between the two teams. On paper, the game might look like a mismatch, as Ohio State boasts the highest percentage of four- and five-star recruits in college football, while Tennessee’s roster features a mix of experienced veterans and late-blooming players. But the reality of this matchup goes beyond the recruiting rankings and talent gaps, as Tennessee’s success is largely driven by player development and strategic use of the transfer portal.
Blue-Chip Talent: Ohio State’s Recruiting Dominance
Ohio State’s recruiting efforts are unparalleled in recent years. The Buckeyes have achieved the highest “blue-chip ratio” in college football, a term coined by recruiting analyst Bud Elliott to measure the percentage of a team’s roster made up of four- and five-star recruits. Ohio State’s blue-chip ratio stands at a staggering 90%, meaning that nearly 9 out of 10 of their scholarship players are elite recruits. This ratio is the best in the nation, with Ohio State’s recruiting classes consistently ranked in the top five nationally, including four consecutive years of top-tier talent between 2021 and 2024.
Tennessee, by contrast, has a blue-chip ratio of just 46%, significantly lower than Ohio State’s. The Volunteers’ recruiting classes have been ranked between No. 10 and No. 22 during coach Josh Heupel’s tenure, which isn’t terrible but doesn’t match Ohio State’s consistent dominance. Despite this, the Vols have managed to bridge the talent gap with a focus on player development, veteran leadership, and transfers. While Tennessee has fewer high-profile recruits, their roster is full of experienced players who have matured into formidable competitors, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines.
Tennessee’s Strategy: Veteran Leadership and Transfers
Unlike Ohio State, which primarily builds its roster with high-level recruits, Tennessee has taken a more diverse approach. The Vols have been able to compete with teams like Ohio State thanks to a blend of veteran players and transfers. This strategy has been especially evident in the trenches, where Tennessee’s offensive and defensive lines have been integral to their success this season. Key players like offensive linemen Cooper Mays and Javontez Spraggins, as well as defensive linemen Omari Thomas and Elijah Simmons, were all part of the 2020 recruiting class or even earlier, meaning they fall outside of the blue-chip ratio calculations. These players may not have been highly ranked recruits, but they’ve grown into critical contributors.
Additionally, Tennessee has utilized the transfer portal to fill in gaps, particularly along the lines of scrimmage. Offensive linemen like Lance Heard (LSU), Andrej Karic (Texas), and John Campbell (Miami) have provided crucial experience and depth, while defensive linemen Omarr Norman-Lott (Arizona State) and Jaxson Moi (Stanford) have been key contributors to the Vols’ defensive front. These players don’t count toward the blue-chip ratio but have nonetheless been vital to Tennessee’s success.
Overachievers: Tennessee’s Underappreciated Talent
Tennessee’s roster isn’t just about experienced players, though. The Vols have excelled at finding hidden gems, particularly in the transfer portal. A prime example is running back Dylan Sampson, who was a three-star recruit but has emerged as one of the SEC’s most dynamic offensive players. Sampson was named SEC Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for nearly 1,000 yards this season, a remarkable achievement for a player who wasn’t highly recruited. Backup running back DeSean Bishop is another example of Tennessee’s ability to develop talent, as he was a walk-on player who contributed significantly in 2024.
By comparison, Ohio State’s roster is filled with five-star recruits, including running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. Judkins was a three-star recruit but emerged as an elite player for Ole Miss before transferring to Ohio State. Henderson, meanwhile, was the top-rated running back in the 2021 class and has been a standout for the Buckeyes. These players combine for over 1,500 rushing yards, outpacing Tennessee’s running back duo. However, the Vols’ Sampson and Bishop’s combined 1,918 yards highlight the team’s ability to extract maximum value from their players, even if they weren’t heavily recruited.
Defensive Comparisons: Two Different Approaches
In the secondary, Ohio State and Tennessee have taken different routes to build their defenses. The Buckeyes landed Alabama transfer safety Caleb Downs, a former five-star recruit who has been a standout for Ohio State this season, earning Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year honors. Meanwhile, Tennessee countered with Jermod McCoy, a three-star recruit who had minimal offers coming out of high school but has developed into one of the top cornerbacks in the SEC. McCoy was an All-SEC first-team selection this season and represents the type of player who has overachieved for the Vols.
Another surprising comparison comes at safety, where Tennessee’s Will Brooks, a walk-on, has played a crucial role in the secondary. Brooks’ emergence, alongside McCoy, illustrates how Tennessee has been able to succeed despite not having the same level of talent as Ohio State.
Health and Injuries: A Potential X-Factor
One factor that could help even the playing field for Tennessee is injuries. Ohio State has dealt with significant losses on its offensive line, with two All-Big Ten linemen—center Seth McLaughlin and tackle Josh Simmons—out for the season. These injuries leave Ohio State vulnerable against Tennessee’s deep and talented defensive line, which could exploit these weaknesses and pressure quarterback Will Howard.
Talent Gap: The Reality of the Matchup
When comparing recruiting rankings and blue-chip talent, Ohio State clearly has the upper hand. However, Tennessee has closed the gap through player development, transfers, and a culture of overachievement. Despite recruiting classes that are ranked lower than Ohio State’s, Tennessee has managed to field a playoff-caliber team through excellent coaching, strong player development, and effective use of the transfer portal. Both teams have earned their spot in the CFP, with Ohio State’s high-level talent offset by underperformance on the field, and Tennessee’s overachievement placing them in a favorable position despite being viewed as an underdog.
Ultimately, the College Football Playoff matchup between Tennessee and Ohio State will come down to more than just recruiting rankings. While Ohio State may have the superior talent on paper, Tennessee’s experienced roster, player development, and tactical approach could make this one of the most competitive games of the first round. The Vols may not have the same recruiting pedigree as the Buckeyes, but they’ve proven that experience and grit can sometimes overcome raw talent.
