Ohio State’s Season Ends with Frustration, Questions, and Urgency for Change
There’s no sugarcoating what happened in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal. Ohio State’s season came to a screeching halt against Miami, and the way it unfolded was as frustrating as it was familiar. For a program that prides itself on preparation and execution, the Buckeyes looked anything but ready in the first half-and by the time they started to show life, the hole was already too deep.
Let’s call it what it was: one of the most underwhelming opening halves we’ve seen from Ohio State in years. The offense sputtered, the defense couldn’t get off the field, and the energy just wasn’t there. It felt like a team that didn’t fully grasp the moment, and Miami made them pay for it.
There were flashes of hope in the second half, thanks largely to true freshman wideout Jeremiah Smith, who continues to look like the next great one in scarlet and gray. But those glimpses weren’t enough to overcome the bigger issues-particularly an offensive line that struggled to hold its ground and a defense that couldn’t deliver the timely stops when it mattered most.
The loss marks Ohio State’s second straight to close the season, and it’s clear there’s some soul-searching to be done back in Columbus. The Woody Hayes Athletic Center is going to be a busy place in the coming weeks-not just because of the usual offseason grind, but because this program has some hard questions to answer.
Let’s start with the offense. The Buckeyes were inconsistent all year in big games, and that trend continued in the postseason.
Whether it was the slow tempo, lack of rhythm, or an overreliance on the idea that they could flip the switch when needed, it just didn’t work. The possessions were limited, and the urgency wasn’t there.
This offense needs a real identity, and that starts with hiring a proven offensive coordinator-someone who can bring clarity, creativity, and consistency. Add in the need for a new wide receivers coach and it’s clear the offensive staff is in flux. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it does mean the next hires have to be the right ones.
And then there’s the transfer portal. Ohio State has been aggressive in past years, and they’ll need to be again.
The roster needs reinforcements, especially in key areas like linebacker and special teams. Yes, special teams.
It’s a third of the game, and Ohio State hasn’t treated it that way lately. Recruiting a kicker might not be glamorous, but it’s necessary.
Rasheem Biles: A Name to Watch in the Portal
Speaking of the portal, there’s a name that should be firmly on Ohio State’s radar: Rasheem Biles.
The Pitt linebacker announced his intent to transfer, and the fit with Ohio State makes a ton of sense. Biles is a Pickerington, Ohio native who’s been a standout at Pitt, earning All-ACC honors twice and proving he can produce at a high level. At 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, he brings size, speed, and experience-three things the Buckeyes could use at linebacker with both Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese heading to the NFL.
Payton Pierce and Riley Pettijohn are promising young players, but depth is a must, and Biles would provide exactly that. With his position coach recently taking a coordinator job elsewhere, the timing of his portal entry lines up, and Ohio State would be a natural landing spot. Add in the hometown factor, and this one feels like a move worth watching closely.
Linebackers coach James Laurinaitis has been instrumental in developing talent at the position, and adding a player like Biles would only bolster that room heading into 2026.
Recruiting Momentum Building for 2027
While the 2025 and 2026 classes are still very much in focus, Ohio State is already making serious noise in the 2027 cycle.
The Buckeyes landed a major commitment this week in DJ Jacobs, a big-time defensive line prospect, and they’re in the mix for several more elite talents. One of those is Louisiana native Braylon Calais, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound athlete ranked No. 99 nationally and No. 4 at his position per the 247Sports Composite.
Calais is drawing heavy interest from Ole Miss, LSU, USC, and Ohio State, with the Tigers pushing hard to keep him in-state. But Ohio State’s recent success in Louisiana-landing two signees from the state in the 2026 class-gives them a real shot here. The staff has built strong relationships and isn’t afraid to go into SEC territory to pull out top-tier talent.
Another name to watch is Justin Weeks, a defensive end out of Georgia who’s also high on the Buckeyes’ board. Ranked No. 179 nationally and the No. 22 edge rusher in the class, Weeks has over 20 offers but has made it clear that Ohio State and Georgia are leading the way.
For a team that knows the trenches often decide championships, stacking elite defensive line talent is a must. Landing Jacobs and staying in the thick of things for Weeks is exactly the kind of momentum Ohio State needs as it looks to reload for the future.
What Comes Next?
The next few weeks will be pivotal. Between coaching hires, portal moves, and recruiting battles, the Buckeyes are entering a defining stretch. The sting of back-to-back losses is real, but so is the opportunity to reshape this team for 2026 and beyond.
Ohio State still has the foundation of a championship contender. But the margin for error is shrinking, and the rest of college football isn’t waiting around. If the Buckeyes want to get back to the top, the work starts now-on the field, in the film room, and on the recruiting trail.
There’s no time to dwell. The offseason just became the most important part of the season.