Ohio State’s Path to a Repeat Title Could Run Straight Through the SEC - And That’s No Accident
The College Football Playoff is here, and Ohio State is staring down a potential gauntlet that could define not just their season, but their place in college football history. If the bracket holds, the Buckeyes could face - and potentially beat - three straight SEC opponents on their way to a second consecutive national championship.
That’s not just a tough road. That’s a legacy-defining stretch.
Let’s rewind for a second. Ohio State’s title run last season started with a statement win over Tennessee in Columbus - a game that turned into more of a demolition than a contest.
They followed that up with a semifinal victory over Texas, finishing the year 2-0 against SEC competition. That’s not a fluke.
That’s a team built to go toe-to-toe with the best the Southeastern Conference has to offer - and come out on top.
Now, the 2024 playoff bracket sets up a scenario where Ohio State could face an all-SEC trilogy: Texas A&M (or Miami) in the quarterfinal, Georgia in the semifinal, and potentially Alabama in the title game. If they run that table? You can start carving their name into the granite of all-time greats.
First Up: A&M or Miami
Ohio State gets a bye this weekend, but their next opponent will be the winner of Texas A&M vs. Miami.
If it’s the Aggies, it’s worth noting that their 2024 campaign came with a big asterisk: the schedule. Somehow, A&M managed to avoid every top-tier SEC team this season.
Not one opponent they faced finished in the conference’s top seven. Instead, their slate featured teams that landed somewhere between 8th and 16th in the SEC standings.
And even then, it wasn’t smooth sailing. A&M needed a miracle comeback to edge out South Carolina, and they barely squeaked by Auburn and Arkansas.
When they finally ran into a top team - Texas - they got beat. So while the Aggies have talent, their resume doesn’t scream “playoff-tested.”
Miami, for their part, could play spoiler, but either way, Ohio State’s next game looks like a matchup where the Buckeyes will be favored - and for good reason.
The Heavyweight Clash: Georgia in the Semifinal
If Ohio State advances, they’ll likely meet Georgia in the Fiesta Bowl. The Bulldogs have a relatively straightforward path to the semis, needing to get past either Ole Miss or Tulane. No disrespect to those programs, but Georgia will be the clear favorite.
That sets up a collision course between two of college football’s perennial powerhouses. Georgia, with its punishing defense and deep roster, is the SEC’s top dawg - and the Buckeyes wouldn’t have it any other way.
A win here would be more than just a ticket to the championship. It would be a statement.
Waiting in Pasadena?
On the other side of the bracket, it’s a bit more of a long shot for another SEC team to reach the title game. The path would require wins over Indiana and then either Oregon or Texas Tech - not impossible, but not likely either.
Still, Alabama is lurking. If they can get past Indiana, there’s a growing belief they could pull off a run and meet Ohio State in Pasadena.
That would be a classic Big Ten vs. SEC showdown for all the marbles - and the final chapter in Ohio State’s quest to run the SEC table.
What’s at Stake?
If Ohio State knocks off three straight SEC teams in the postseason, the narrative changes. The Big Ten-SEC debate, which has fueled years of college football talk, would tilt dramatically. And Ohio State wouldn’t just be defending champions - they’d be the undisputed kings of the sport.
This isn’t just about winning another title. It’s about building a legacy, silencing doubters, and reshaping the power structure of college football.
The Buckeyes have the roster, the coaching, and the experience. Now, they have the opportunity.
And if they pull it off? The SEC might have to get used to looking up at Ohio State.