The Ohio State football team had the best possible start to the 2025 season. Starting out 12-0 gave the Buckeyes a lot of confidence that they were going to be able to repeat as national champions. Unfortunately, they lost their final two games of the season, ruining any shot of winning a Big Ten Title and a national title.
Those losses at the end of the year were certainly painful for Ohio State. It kept them from being a true dynasty under Ryan Day. Still, the 2026 team returns plenty of talent on the offensive side of the ball. Having the offense lead the team next year will be a change from what Matt Patricia's unit did.
While the losses were unfortunate, there is still something that can be learned from failing to emerge victorious in those last two contests. The 2026 Ohio State Buckeyes can take these valuable lessons into next season and make sure they don't repeat their mistakes.
What the 2026 Ohio State football team can learn from 2025
Perhaps the biggest thing the Buckeyes can learn from last season's end is that they cannot have Ryan Day as a play-caller at any point next year. It was clear that he called both the Big Ten Championship and the Cotton Bowl after Brian Hartline decided to leave for USF.
Arthur Smith is now on staff, so that should solve that issue. Another thing the Buckeyes should take from 2025 is that Julian Sayin still needs time to develop. The offensive line needs to be able to keep Sayin upright and able to scan the field. Otherwise, their season will end the same way it did this past year.
The 2026 Ohio State Buckeyes are still going to be one of the favorites to win it all. Utilizing the lessons that they have learned will be the key to Day bringing home another national championship. The schedule is hard, but they can get through it.