Phil Steele is siding with Colin Cowherd in questioning the Ohio State Buckeyes as the 2025 season approaches. Even with talented wideout Jeremiah Smith drawing unprecedented attention, Steele warned on “The Herd” that talent alone might not secure another title.
He pointed out that Ohio State couldn’t capitalize several times last season before winning it all and expects similar hurdles this year. Cowherd echoed that view, noting stars like Smith and defensive back Caleb Downs cannot mask every flaw.
Phil Steele and Colin Cowherd See Trouble Ahead for Ohio State in 2025
Steele and Cowherd believe Ohio State has the talent to contend in 2025, but both see clear warning signs. Appearing on “The Herd,” Steele praised the roster’s overall strength, saying,
“Defensively, they are loaded talent-wise, so they’ve got an outstanding defense.” He added, “Give me a top-notch offensive line, a top-notch defense, and then also the quarterback, and I’ll take that team any day of the week.”
Despite that praise, Steele voiced concern over the losses from last season. “I have my reservations because you lose 16 starters. You have the two best players to me, Caleb Downs and Jeremiah Smith, but I don’t know what Julian Sayin is. How do you make a prediction when we really have nothing to work with at the most important position in the sport, which is obviously quarterback?”
Cowherd echoed the uncertainty, noting that Ohio State remains a “recruiting factory” but must rely on unproven talent under the center. Steele pointed out that even last year’s veteran-heavy team “lost two games in the regular season” and “didn’t even win the Big Ten” or “beat Michigan for a fourth straight year.”
He expects the inexperience to cost Ohio State “a game or two” this season, even though oddsmakers have them favored in all 12 games, including the opener against Texas. The quarterback battle remains unresolved. Head coach Ryan Day recently addressed the competition between Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz.
“They both have had good moments and moments where they’re growing,” Day said. “We’re not where we need to be, but if they continue to learn from the mistakes they’re making, and continue to grow off the plays they’re doing well and moving the offense and taking care of the football, then it’s going to go right down to the wire.”
Day emphasized the need for ball security, leadership, and steady progress as deciding factors.
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“Ultimately, they’ve got to take care of the football. I’m seeing growth, for sure. I’m seeing great attitudes, great work ethic. The practices have been intense, just across the board. I think they’re doing a good job of leading right now. Now, where it goes here by the end of the week will be critical.”
Still, experience remains the lingering issue. As Steele summed it up, “There’s no doubting the talent they have compiled,” but questions under center and the sheer number of new starters could derail a repeat championship run.
For Cowherd and Steele, Ohio State’s path is clear: harness elite talent, find stability at quarterback, and avoid the costly lapses that defined past seasons.