"First, Ohio State (No. 1 on [Mark] Schlabach's list) is obviously in despite a challenging 2025 schedule (No. 2 Texas and No. 3 Penn State at home, No. 13 Illinois and No. 21 Michigan on the road) and the requisite loss to the Wolverines," Connelly noted. "The Buckeyes will go 2-1 against the other headliners and advance at 10-2."

Judkins, who transferred from Ole Miss last offseason, has inserted himself as one of the top playmakers for the Buckeyes this season. Since the 13-10 loss to Michigan that ended their regular season, Ohio State has been on a tear — beating Tennessee, Oregon and Texas by a combined 59 points.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are enjoying their national championship as much as they can, but it didn't take long for the rest of the country to turn their attention to next season. The Buckeyes have already lost Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator and could see Chip Kelly depart as well.