Ohio State’s Exciting Milestone: Celebrations and Upcoming Transformations Ahead!

Ohio State celebrates after their win against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff national championship game Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

ATLANTA — Ohio State is the early favorite to win the national championship next year. But there’s a big question mark: What will college football look like when the teams return in seven months?

Ohio State, which won the title by investing about $20 million and effectively using the transfer portal, is in the same boat as everyone else unsure about future changes. QB Will Howard and RB Quinshon Judkins were two key players brought in through the portal.

A new legal settlement will let schools pay players directly while also reducing roster sizes. But it will also increase the number of available scholarships. Schools are anxious to understand how Title IX will influence these changes and how the transfer portal will be regulated. The new 12-team playoff system that was introduced this season might also get tweaks.

“There are so many unknowns,” said Gloria Nevarez, commissioner of the Mountain West Conference. “We’re tracking all this as best we can to find solutions.”

Ohio State was fortunate with the playoff expansion, which increased the postseason from four to 12 teams. After a tough loss to Michigan in November, they were still able to compete due to their ranking and the new system. This gave them a second chance that would not have existed in previous years.

However, any changes to the seeding system would require a unanimous vote from ten conference commissioners and Notre Dame’s athletic director, Pete Bevacqua. “I think we need an honest conversation about any necessary changes to improve the system,” Bevacqua said.

There will certainly be modifications regarding how players receive name, image, and likeness (NIL) payments. Schools can now share up to $20.5 million with players, but there are concerns about ensuring fairness under Title IX rules.

“It’s been a constant evolution,” said Grant House, a lead plaintiff in the lawsuit that drives these changes. “No one has all the answers, but we’re searching for solutions.”

Many believe college football could benefit from having a centralized commissioner to address various issues, from playoff formats to player payments and transfer regulations. ESPN’s Chris Fowler suggested that such an entity could enhance the fans’ experience and ensure more consistent rules.

As for next season, the usual college football powerhouses are expected to dominate. Some highlights include:

• LSU is viewed as a transfer portal winner.
• Texas will have Arch Manning, the grandson of Archie Manning, as their starting quarterback.
• Georgia expects Gunner Stockton to step in as their new quarterback.
• Miami just recruited Xavier Lucas from Wisconsin, raising questions about tampering in the transfer process.

The Buckeyes will look to Julian Sayin, a five-star recruit transferred from Alabama, to take over the quarterback position after Howard’s departure.

Coach Ryan Day, who faced pressure after losing to Michigan, is already focused on the upcoming season opener against Texas on August 30. “Losing the first game at Ohio State is tough,” said Day. “We’ll see what happens.”