Does the Ohio State football team need this win to be considered elite?

The College Football conversation for the last 5 years has revolved around Alabama and Clemson being the top tier followed by the Ohio State football program and others. With a win over Clemson last week, do the Buckeyes enter the top tier of college football, or do they need one more win?

Since the College Football Playoffs began, a core group of teams have established their dominance. Ohio State in the Big Ten. Alabama in the SEC. Clemson in the ACC. Oklahoma in the Big 12.

On a national stage, it has clearly been Clemson and Alabama that have taken over in the last 7 years. Ohio State would often like to claim that due to recruiting and performance they belong in that conversation. However, without the same level of Playoff success, most would not include them in the conversation of upper-echelon of elite.

The Buckeyes were able to take a huge step forward by dismantling Clemson last week in the Sugar Bowl and making their second trip to the National Championship in the Playoff era. Does this win put Ohio State into the conversation of Clemson and Alabama?

I would argue, no. Not yet, at least. While it is a huge step forward and continues to separate the Buckeyes from the tier with Oklahoma and Notre Dame, without a National Championship Ohio State should not be considered in the same category as the Tigers and Tide.

With a loss to Alabama, Ohio State would be in a category of their own between the great teams on a national scale and the teams that win their conference/regular season but get dominated in the Playoffs.

With a win, the Ohio State football program would immediately join the top tier as all three teams would have 2 National Championships in the 7 years of the Playoffs. This is the best chance the Buckeyes have of starting a dynasty of their own that can be carried forward for years to come.