Ohio State isn’t done yet. Sure, they took another tough loss to Michigan—that’s four in a row now—but let’s not count them out just yet. Despite all the criticism and pressure on head coach Ryan Day, there’s still a very real shot at a national title. It’ll take four wins to make it happen, starting with Tennessee. Their quarterfinal vs. Oregon is set to take place at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1. The semifinals are the Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl on Jan. 9 and 10. Sounds like a tedious ordeal, right? Maybe. But Adam Breneman, former tight end and analyst, thinks the Buckeyes may actually have what it takes to be the champs!

Sure, it sounds daunting to get four wins, but Breneman sees a real chance for the Buckeyes to make a statement. On Instagram, he passionately shared, “Ohio State is a true contender in the CFP. While they haven’t been the center of many conversations, there’s a reason the Buckeyes have the fourth-best odds to win it all. Their path isn’t easy — they face Tennessee in Round 1 and Oregon in Round 2 — but they have the talent to make a serious run.”

As they get ready for their game against Tennessee, Ohio State is favored by 7.5 points. And the cold weather could work to their advantage, thinks the analyst. However, Oregon is no doubt a major threat. Especially after their earlier 32–31 win over Ohio State in October. Breneman noted, “If they get past Oregon, the path to the title opens up.”

Breneman highlighted the Buckeyes’ top-tier offense and defense and how they carried the team to an unprecedented 10-2 record. Although they are not flawless and still have to have a lot of work to clinch a win from a super organized, undefeated Oregon. Breneman says, ”Don’t sleep on the Buckeyes! 👀.” And maybe rightfully so!

The Oregon Ducks will play either Ohio State or Tennessee Volunteers at the Rose Bowl on January 1st. If the Big 10 foes meet again in a rematch, Lanning will look to secure another win to add value to their deep run to the first national championship in the school’s history. Oregon and Ohio State met in October, and the Ducks pulled out a close 32-31 win over the visiting Buckeyes. While both teams have had a great season so far, Oregon gets some extra points for being undefeated.

For the Buckeye’s next trial against Tennessee, the instant hunch says they will fight hard and eventually stage a comeback from a nasty loss to rival Michigan. But then again, it’s Ryan Day, the guy who has an unofficial rule to drop the ball in the big games. Call him the Zack Taylor of the Bengals, but the hope never dies.

Former Ohio Coach Urban Meyer, however, never subscribed to that hope and put Oregon ahead on his favorite list to lift the trophy, sincerely and unapologetically. What it could mean for Ryan Day’s future at Columbus?

Will 2024 be the last year for Ryan Day with the Buckeyes? 

After a dark night against Michigan, Day was left with no answer at all. But Breneman sees it as a wake-up call. ”Losing a few starters on the offensive line when they did may be a blessing in disguise — they’ve had the chance to address weaknesses and make necessary adjustments heading into the playoff,” he noted.

Day tried everything to change the humiliating history, but he came up short every time. He cannot easily let go of it. He even previously compared the Michigan heartbreak to the pain he felt after his father’s death. However, the feeling is still negotiable, but his job is probably not.

Initially, it looked like it was a ‘win the national title or bust‘ situation for Day. But the ‘Day doldrums‘ are way more tricky. The Buckeyes coach is 3-6 against top-five teams and an incredible 64-3 overall. But that instant Wolverine’s upset made the argument weaker for obvious reasons. Now, as the dust has settled to some extent, Ohio State AD Ross Bjork came up with a different take. He got it cleared that Day won’t be fired with a playoff loss.

He said ‘absolutely‘ when asked if Day would be there cheering his boys on the team’s 2025 season opener. Dismissing the potential losing scenario, the AD noted, “We don’t have any thoughts about that. We want to win, right? That’s the goal.”  He appreciated Ryan Day’s top recruiting effort and deep vision for the sport as well.

It will be intriguing to see how Day and OSU can live up to the national title vote of confidence, if at all.