Coming into the 2025 season, the Buckeyes had the momentum of their natty run. But the new roster was completely different from what won them the national championship. Losing double-digit starters is, anyway, a concern, but when you look at where they lost them, it just adds to a sense of upcoming instability. On the O-line, Ohio State lost LT Josh Simmon, OG Donovan Jackson, RT Josh Fryar, and center Seth McLaughlin. On top of that, Ohio State’s O-line coach, Justin Frye, left for the Arizona Cardinals. But the new O-line hasn’t let us feel the effect of these departures. The same was confirmed by ESPN analysts Greg McElroy and Cole Cubelic.

The Week 1 game against Texas featured a world-class defensive line, with many touting it to be in the top 5 in the country. Despite that, the O-line’s dominance didn’t decline one bit. Texas didn’t have a single sack in the game and just one tackle for loss. That enabled Julian Sayin to pass for 126 yards and complete 13 of the 20 passes as OSU won 14-7. Many then expected Washington in Week 4 to give some trouble to Ohio State in Seattle. But the team’s brilliance was still unmatched, with just one sack allowed and a single TFL.

McElroy sat with Cole Cublic on the 30th September episode of ‘Jox 94.5’ and discussed the dominance Ohio State under Ryan Day is continuing to show. Cole Cublic then highlighted how the Washington game changed his mind entirely about OSU’s O-line.

“I’m not going to say they’re the best right now. They’re the cleanest right now. But there is zero doubt in my mind that Ohio State has the most violent offensive line in college football. And I’ll include the tight ends in that group as well. They go after you. They’re out for blood up front,” said Cubelic.

The Husky Stadium is easily one of the most intimidating venues in the country, and the win was a dominant statement. The O-line, led by players like Austin Siereveld, Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, and Phillip Daniels, paved the way for OSU, rushing for 149 yards, including a game-sealing touchdown by CJ Donaldson in the 3rd quarter. In that drive, Ohio State gained 75 yards in 14 plays and cruised past Washington 14-3. Greg McElroy was then visibly awestruck by the unit’s dominance.

“I mean, seriously, so much of it is like bootleg here, RPO bubble here, short passing attack. But I mean, they had to call nine 10 bootlegs in the game last weekend. I mean, it’s unbelievable. And it’s great. So, I think that it’s a repeatable recipe,” said McElroy.

Ohio State is currently ranked 4th in sacks allowed, with just 2 allowed so far. In tackles for loss, the team again stands out and is first nationally, with just 5 TFLs allowed so far, giving just 15 yards. And mind you, OSU has played two difficult opponents in their 4 games, which speaks to the quality of the O-line. So, with the unit performing like it has so far, another natty run won’t be too far-fetched for Ryan Day now, surely. Greg McElroy, owing to the unit, pushed Ohio State further up in his rankings.

Greg McElroy elevates Ohio State to an unexpected spot in his rankings

Ohio State is currently first in the latest CFB rankings, followed by Oregon and Miami. Ole Miss, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M follow suit downwards in the rankings, although they are still far behind in total points. It’s not a doubt then that Miami, Oregon, and Ohio State are the legitimate natty contenders now. However, when Cole Cubelic asked McElroy, “Would you notch them above Oregon based on what you saw with Oregon against Penn State?” It was a surprise for Cole, too, as he placed Ohio State behind Miami and Oregon at third.

“So you go Miami, Ohio State, and Oregon?” asked Cole. McElroy, on the other hand, said a blunt “no” and presented his rankings. “I think I might lean toward Ohio State now. Miami at two, Oregon at three,” said McElroy.

Everything seems to be clicking for Ryan Day, and the games ahead, except for Penn State and Michigan, aren’t difficult. Considering that, could Ryan Day establish his name among coaches like Kirby Smart and Urban Meyer by winning a second natty?