Ohio State surprisingly significant favorite to repeat as national champs based on latest shocking betting market trends

Could the Ohio State Buckeyes be only the second program since 1994-95 to repeat as National Champions? According to sportsbook data from analytics guru Bud Davis, the Buckeyes are an absolute power in the eyes of oddsmakers. If his power rankings formula is right, then Ryan Day and his staff could make history. The Buckeyes […]

Ian Valentino — National College Football Writer
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Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day addresses the team during football training camp at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on Aug. 1, 2025. © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Could the Ohio State Buckeyes be only the second program since 1994-95 to repeat as National Champions? According to sportsbook data from analytics guru Bud Davis, the Buckeyes are an absolute power in the eyes of oddsmakers. If his power rankings formula is right, then Ryan Day and his staff could make history.

The Buckeyes enter the season No. 3 behind the Texas Longhorns and the Penn State Nittany Lions, but their Week 1 showdown against the Longhorns could catapult them to the top spot with a win. Davis’ power rankings the Buckeyes are the best team in the nation, so winning at home against a program that is also replacing a massive amount of production from last year’s team should be reasonable.

But running the table? Despite Ohio State being favored in every game, that remains to be seen. But the Buckeyes aren’t just considered powers because they host Texas and Penn State this year. His formula accounts for playing on a neutral field.

He later delved into conference-based win total ranges. The Buckeyes have a 10.5 win total set by FanDuel, but that range varies from eight to 12. That’s a large gap, but actually smaller than that of Penn State’s and Oregon’s. Both of Ohio State’s top competitors also share a 10.5 win total line, but a floor of only seven wins.

We’ll see if it plays out to where Day can etch his name into history or if the Buckeyes will face more challenges as they break in new starters all over the field and two new coordinators.

Ohio State Buckeyes 2025 schedule

  • Aug. 30: vs. Texas
  • Sept. 6: vs. Grambling
  • Sept. 13: vs. Ohio
  • Sept. 20: Bye
  • Sept. 27: at Washington
  • Oct. 4: vs. Minnesota
  • Oct. 11: at Illinois
  • Oct. 18: at Wisconsin
  • Oct. 25: Bye
  • Nov. 1: vs. Penn State
  • Nov. 8: at Purdue
  • Nov. 15: vs. UCLA
  • Nov. 22: vs. Rutgers
  • Nov. 29: at Michigan

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