Ohio State’s Dominance Questioned: Mandel’s Mailbag Insights and Coach Rankings
In a season full of chaos and strange twists, Ohio State keeps grabbing the headlines. From coaching drama to new private equity money, the 2025 season just refuses to be normal.
Ohio State’s dominance is front and center, and everyone’s wondering if they’re headed for another national title. There’s a lot to unpack—how they compare to other heavyweights, what the rest of college football looks like, and how playoff hopes are shifting all over the place.
Contents
Ohio State’s Unquestioned Dominance
This year, Ohio State’s defense has been nasty. They embarrassed Texas and Arch Manning, which really set the tone early.
But let’s be honest, their schedule isn’t exactly murderer’s row. Sure, they’re dominant, but who have they really played?
Key Performances and Wins
Their 24-6 win at Washington stands out—shutting down a top-20 offense and holding them to just 234 yards is no joke. That game showed what their defense can do.
After that, wins over teams like Illinois and Minnesota didn’t exactly move the needle. Those aren’t the kind of wins that get you respect in December.
Comparing Schedules
Stack Ohio State’s schedule up against other top teams and, well, it looks a little soft. Indiana, Texas A&M, Alabama, and Georgia have all taken on tougher opponents this year.
Indiana knocked off Oregon on the road. Texas A&M went to Notre Dame and won. Alabama has beaten four straight ranked teams. Georgia just handled a top-5 Ole Miss team. That’s a gauntlet.
The Road Ahead for Ohio State
Even with all their hype, Ohio State isn’t in the clear yet. Their next game with Penn State used to look scary, but now it feels like just another hurdle.
The real test is going to be *The Game*. That’s the one everyone circles, right?
Potential Pitfalls
Ohio State fans know the pain of late-season heartbreak. Remember 2006, 2013, and 2022? Undefeated, then suddenly… not.
It’s a pattern that’s hard to ignore, and it keeps everyone a little on edge.
Looking Beyond 2025
If they win it all this year, Ohio State’s probably the favorite again in 2026. Only eight seniors in their main rotation, so the core’s sticking around.
That’s a scary thought for the rest of the country.
Broader College Football Landscape
Ohio State’s the story, but there’s more going on. Teams like Georgia Tech and BYU are fighting for at-large playoff spots, and scheduling is a mess.
Georgia Tech vs. BYU
Georgia Tech could grab an at-large bid if they beat Georgia. BYU is undefeated, but the Big 12’s reputation isn’t helping them at all.
Their best shot? Pulling off wins at Texas Tech or Cincinnati and hoping the committee notices.
Scheduling Challenges
Big 12 teams need to schedule Big Ten or SEC opponents if they want a playoff boost. But that’s getting harder, especially with the SEC going to nine conference games.
Alabama and Florida have already scrapped home-and-home series with West Virginia and Arizona State. It’s just one more headache for athletic directors.
Challenges for Historically Struggling Programs
Some teams just can’t catch a break. Indiana and Vanderbilt have had their moments, but plenty of programs are still stuck in the mud.
Programs to Watch
- Stanford: Used to be a top-10 team, but now they’re fighting a shrinking talent pool and the whole NIL circus.
- Group of 5 Teams: Most MAC, Conference USA, and Sun Belt squads would have a hard time making even the FCS playoffs.
- Rutgers: Greg Schiano’s got them believing, but statistically, their defense is the worst in FBS right now.
Success Stories
It doesn’t have to be doom and gloom, though. With the right coach, an athletic director who gets it, and donors who care, things can flip fast.
Look at Wake Forest, Iowa State, or Kentucky—proof that with the right mix, you can build something real.
Fired Coaches: Who’s Next?
There’s always a coaching carousel, and this year is no different. James Franklin’s at the top of the list, even with Penn State’s recent struggles.
Pat Fitzgerald, Mike Gundy, and Billy Napier are names to watch too. It’s a weird market, honestly.
Top Candidates
- James Franklin: He’ll get calls from Power 4 schools like UCLA, Stanford, maybe Virginia Tech. Someone will take a chance.
- Pat Fitzgerald: Well-liked in coaching circles. He could land in the American or maybe drop down to FCS and rebuild his rep.
- Mike Gundy: His resume is solid. Could see him at a place like Oregon State or Colorado State, somewhere off the radar.
Quirky Traditions and Controversies
College football just wouldn’t be the same without its oddball traditions. Texas Tech’s tortilla-throwing is under fire again, and the Big 12 isn’t amused.
The Tortilla Controversy
Tech fans have been tossing tortillas for decades, but now the conference is cracking down hard. The school is telling fans to stop, but it’s tough to kill off something that’s been part of the game day vibe for so long.
Fan Reactions
Fans are pretty frustrated about this. They argue the tradition’s never hurt anyone, so the new penalties feel like an overreaction.
Some folks even joked that the tortillas ended up as snacks for local pigs, which adds a weirdly funny twist to the whole thing.
For more details and the full article, check out the original source here.
