In order to have the consistency and success of a program like Ohio State, you not only have to be good in the here and now, but also have the base and culture to be a force in the future. It’s hard to measure things that need a crystal ball, but ESPN likes to give it the old college try.
Adam Rittenberg uses the quarterback position, offensive line/defensive line situation, roster management, star power (All-Americans, national award contenders, all-conference contenders), and coaching staff to try and figure out which teams will be ranked highly over the next couple of years, and he believes Ohio State will still be among the best.
In fact, Rittenberg has the Buckeyes ranked No. 2 in “College Football Future Power Rankings through 2027,” behind a team you might be surprised to see at the top. It’s not Georgia, not Oregon, but Notre Dame that Rittenberg has as No. 1 (eat your heart out SEC).
So, why does the ESPN writer think Ohio State is positioned to be really, really good through 2027? He likes the quarterback situation, star power, and coaching staff, but notes there are some unanswered questions about the offensive and defensive lines, as well as some roster turnover.
Rounding out the top ten behind the Fighting Irish and Buckeyes are Texas (3), Oregon (4), Georgia (5), Miami (FL) (6), Indiana (7), LSU (8), Texas A&M (9), and Alabama (10).
As with any of these types of things, predicting the future is only as good as actual results on the field. You feel pretty good about Ohio State continuing to be among the best, but how things go when the lights are on beginning this fall will go a long way towards figuring it all out.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State overtaken by northern school in ESPN future power rankings
Reporting by Phil Harrison, Buckeyes Wire / Buckeyes Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Phil Harrison, Buckeyes Wire | USA TODAY Network
