How Expanded Playoffs Could Have Changed Ohio State Football History
There’s been a lot of chatter lately about expanding the College Football Playoff (CFP) to 24 teams. It makes you wonder, which Ohio State squads from the BCS and CFP eras—so, since 1998—would’ve thrived with more playoff spots?
Over the years, plenty of Buckeye teams with serious talent and strong records found themselves on the outside looking in. Just not enough room. Here are five Ohio State teams that, honestly, could’ve made a real run if the playoff field had been bigger.
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The 2005 Ohio State Buckeyes
Jim Tressel’s 2005 Buckeyes wrapped up the regular season at 9-2, landing at No. 4 in the final BCS poll. They lost two tough ones: 25-22 at home to No. 2 Texas and 17-10 at Penn State.
The offense was loaded—Troy Smith, Antonio Pittman, Ted Ginn Jr., Santonio Holmes, Anthony Gonzalez. On defense, A.J. Hawk and Malcolm Jenkins were the anchors.
Four-Team CFP Scenario
If the four-team CFP had existed, Ohio State would’ve drawn No. 1 USC in a semifinal. Pete Carroll’s Trojans were no joke, but Tressel’s guys could’ve pulled off something wild. Maybe a rematch in the title game with Texas or Penn State—both games that were razor-close earlier that year.
12-Team CFP Scenario
With 12 teams, Ohio State gets a first-round bye and then faces whoever wins between No. 5 Oregon and No. 12 LSU. Either way, that’s a challenge, but the Buckeyes had the firepower. The path probably leads to another showdown with USC, and maybe Texas or Penn State for all the marbles.
24-Team CFP Scenario
In a 24-team playoff, Ohio State still nabs a first-round bye. The Sweet 16 could mean a date with No. 13 Alabama or No. 20 Michigan—imagine that. The Elite Eight? Maybe Oregon, LSU, or Boston College. If they survive, it’s USC, Miami, Auburn, or another powerhouse in the Final Four, and then a shot at Texas, Penn State, or whoever else survives the gauntlet.
The 2018 Ohio State Buckeyes
Urban Meyer’s last season in 2018 finished with a 12-1 record and a No. 6 CFP ranking. That 49-20 loss at Purdue really stung, even though they bounced back to win the Big Ten and the Rose Bowl.
Four-Team CFP Scenario
Ohio State ended up just outside the four-team field at No. 6. In a 12-team setup, they’d host LSU in round one—Dwayne Haskins vs. a pre-superstar Joe Burrow. Win that, and it’s likely Notre Dame next, then maybe Clemson in the semis. The title game? Could be Alabama, maybe somebody else.
24-Team CFP Scenario
With 24 teams, Ohio State gets a bye. Then, possibly LSU or Northwestern in the Sweet 16. Elite Eight could bring Notre Dame, Kentucky, or Texas A&M. If they keep winning, the Final Four might include Clemson, Michigan, or Florida, and the championship could be against Alabama, Oklahoma, Georgia, or whoever else emerges from the chaos.
The 2013 Ohio State Buckeyes
Urban Meyer’s second year, 2013, saw the Buckeyes hit the Big Ten Championship 12-1, riding a 24-game win streak. Then Michigan State ended their national title dreams.
Four-Team CFP Scenario
Ohio State finished No. 7, missing the four-team playoff. In a 12-team bracket, they’d host Oregon in round one. If they win, Auburn waits in the quarters. Semis could mean Alabama or Baylor, and the championship might be Florida State or another elite squad.
24-Team CFP Scenario
With 24 teams, Ohio State gets a first-round bye. Sweet 16 could be Oregon or Northern Illinois. Elite Eight might mean Auburn, UCF, or Louisville. The Final Four? Maybe Alabama, Baylor, or Oklahoma. If they reach the title game, it’s likely Florida State, Michigan State, or someone else who survived the madness.
The 2015 Ohio State Buckeyes
Urban Meyer’s 2015 team was stacked and finished 11-1 with a No. 7 CFP ranking. A close loss to Michigan State knocked them out of playoff contention.
Four-Team CFP Scenario
Again, No. 7 meant no four-team CFP. In a 12-team field, Ohio State would host North Carolina in the first round. If they win, Alabama looms in the quarters, and the semis could be Michigan State or Stanford. The championship? Maybe Clemson, maybe not—hard to say.
24-Team CFP Scenario
With 24 teams, the Buckeyes get a bye. Sweet 16 could be North Carolina or Tennessee. Elite Eight might be Alabama, Oregon, or Houston. The Final Four could include Michigan State, Stanford, or TCU, and the championship could be Clemson, Oklahoma, or whoever else makes it through.
The 1998 Ohio State Buckeyes
John Cooper’s 1998 squad, one of his best, finished 10-1 and ranked No. 4 in the BCS. A late loss to Michigan State cost them a shot at the title game.
Four-Team CFP Scenario
In a four-team CFP, Ohio State would face Tennessee in the semis. The winner probably gets Florida State or Kansas State for the championship.
12-Team CFP Scenario
With 12 teams, Ohio State gets a bye and then faces the UCLA/Virginia winner. The semis could be Tennessee, Florida, or Wisconsin, and the title game might be Florida State, Kansas State, or another top dog.
24-Team CFP Scenario
In a 24-team format, Ohio State would’ve started with a first-round bye. That’s a nice perk, isn’t it?
They might’ve run into Arkansas or Texas in the Sweet 16. If they made it past that, UCLA, Virginia, or Oregon would likely be waiting in the Elite Eight.
The Final Four could’ve featured Tennessee, Florida, or Wisconsin. And if Ohio State made it all the way, the championship game might have been against Florida State, Michigan State, or maybe another powerhouse.
If you want a deeper dive into how these Ohio State teams might’ve actually performed in bigger playoffs, check out this comprehensive analysis.
