"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."

When Texas travels to Ohio State for a Cotton Bowl rematch to kick off the 2025 season, it'll mark a historic season-opener.

Ohio State football quality control coach Joe Lyberger has been on paid administrative leave since December while the school's Office of Institutional Equity conducts an investigation. OSU has declined to comment.