Ohio State’s Rank on Stephen Means’ AP Top 25 Post-Big Ten Championship
Ohio State suffered a narrow defeat in the Big Ten Championship Game against Indiana on December 6, 2025. This loss resulted in Indiana claiming the title and securing the top seed for the College Football Playoff. Indiana’s quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, is a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy following his outstanding performance.
Ohio State and Playoff Rankings
The Buckeyes finished the season with a record of 12-1. Their only loss came by a slim margin of three points, an impressive feat against a fellow undefeated team. Despite this defeat, many argue that Ohio State should still be considered among the top contenders in college football.
AP Top 25 Rankings Following Championship Weekend
After the weekend’s championship games, the AP Top 25 rankings saw some shifts. Key teams performed well in their respective conference championships, solidifying their playoff positions.
- 1. Indiana – 12-0
- 2. Ohio State – 12-1
- 3. Texas Tech – 12-1
- 4. Georgia – 12-1
- 5. Oregon – 11-1
- 6. Texas A&M – 11-1
- 7. Ole Miss – 11-1
- 8. Oklahoma – 10-2
- 9. BYU – 11-2
- 10. Alabama – 10-3
- 11. Miami – 10-2
- 12. Notre Dame – 10-2
- 13. Utah – 10-2
- 14. Texas – 9-3
- 15. Tulane – 11-2
- 16. Vanderbilt – 10-2
- 17. USC – 9-3
- 18. James Madison – 11-1
- 19. North Texas – 10-2
- 20. Michigan – 9-3
- 21. Arizona – 9-3
- 22. South Florida – 9-3
- 23. Houston – 9-3
- 24. Georgia Tech – 9-3
- 25. Virginia – 10-3
With this ranking, Ohio State looks to maintain its reputation as a powerhouse in college football. Analysts are keen to see how the playoff selection committee will weigh Ohio State’s performance against the other leading teams.
Expert Opinion
Stephen Means, who covers Ohio State football for El-Balad, highlighted the Buckeyes’ competitive spirit despite the championship loss. He emphasized that strong performances throughout the season should not be overlooked as the playoff discussions continue.
This season’s outcomes have sparked debates about the potential inclusion of Group of Five teams in the playoff. As the selection process unfolds, the remaining matches will undoubtedly influence the final rankings and invitations.
