Ohio State's path to the College Football Playoff is closely tied to its regular-season performance, strength of schedule, and ranking in the final CFP standings. With a tradition of high performance and quality wins in the Big Ten Conference, Ohio State is often in contention, provided they avoid significant upsets and excel in key matchups, particularly against ranked teams. The CFP selection committee considers factors like Ohio State’s overall record, quality of wins, and competitiveness in the conference, making each game critical. Even after an unexpected loss, a combination of winning out the season and strong performances from prior opponents can boost Ohio State’s standing in the national rankings, keeping them in the playoff conversation until the final decision.