Ohio State vows tougher slate after early playoff exit

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day told reporters that the Buckeyes entered the 2023 season with a schedule that did not adequately prepare them for the rigors of the College Football Playoff. The team’s first‑round loss sparked criticism that the Buckeyes had been "battle tested" on a weak slate of opponents, a point ESPN highlighted in its coverage of the fallout.

In response, Day said the program will deliberately add more challenging games for the 2024 campaign. While the exact opponents have not been announced, the coach indicated the school will seek additional matchups against top‑25 Power Five teams and will explore a stronger non‑conference opponent to replace the current schedule’s easier entries. The shift aims to give the Buckeyes a better chance to prove themselves against elite competition before the postseason selection committee meets.

Strength of schedule has become a pivotal factor in the playoff era, where the committee evaluates not only win‑loss records but also the quality of opponents. Teams that pad their records with lower‑ranked foes often find themselves on the outside looking in, as seen with Ohio State’s early exit. Historically, programs that schedule tougher games—whether through traditional rivalries or marquee non‑conference contests—tend to receive higher rankings and more favorable seeding, a trend that has shaped recruiting and revenue strategies across the NCAA.

If Ohio State follows through on its promise, the Buckeyes could see a ripple effect throughout the Big Ten and the broader college football landscape. A more demanding schedule may improve the team’s résumé, bolster its national perception, and provide a clearer benchmark for the players heading into the NFL draft. Conversely, a tougher slate also raises the risk of additional losses, which could complicate the Buckeyes’ path to the playoff. As the new schedule takes shape, fans and analysts will watch closely to see whether the Buckeyes can translate a tougher regular season into deeper postseason success.