With 'old soul' Caleb Downs paving the way, Ohio State's defense is off to a historic start

The 2025 college football season has kicked off with impressive TV ratings, showcasing a surge in viewership across the nation. This strong start is significant as it reflects the growing popularity of college football, with four games surpassing 10 million viewers in Week 1 alone. The standout match was Texas versus Ohio State, attracting a remarkable 16.6 million viewers. This trend not only highlights the excitement surrounding the season but also indicates a promising future for college football's fan engagement.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are currently the favorites to win the 2026 College Football National Championship after their impressive victory over Arch Manning and the top-ranked Texas team in Week 1. This strong start has positioned them as a leading contender, generating excitement among fans and analysts alike. With their solid performance, Ohio State is looking to maintain momentum and secure their place in college football history.

This Saturday, Ohio State and Illinois, both ranked in the top 25, will clash in a highly anticipated Big Ten matchup. It's the 104th meeting between these two teams, and Ohio State has dominated recently, winning the last nine encounters. This game is significant not just for the standings but also for the storied rivalry and the Illibuck trophy at stake, making it a must-watch for college football fans.

Ohio State football head coach Ryan Day is encouraging his team to focus on their performance and ignore distractions, drawing inspiration from the legendary Nick Saban. This approach is crucial as it helps the Buckeyes maintain their competitive edge and stay grounded throughout the season, emphasizing the importance of taking each game one at a time.

Former Ohio State quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith has come out in support of Julian Sayin, emphasizing that he deserves more recognition for his performance as a starter in 2025. This endorsement not only highlights Sayin's potential but also adds an interesting dynamic to the ongoing conversation about young quarterbacks, especially in comparison to high-profile players like Arch Manning. Smith's praise could influence perceptions and expectations for Sayin as he continues to develop his career.

No. 17 Illinois is gearing up for a significant challenge as they prepare to face No. 1 Ohio State. Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck highlighted the difficulty of defending against Ohio State's versatile offense, stating, 'You're picking your poison.' This matchup is crucial as it not only tests Illinois' capabilities but also impacts the rankings and playoff implications in college football.

Joel Klatt has updated his top ten college football rankings following a week filled with upsets. After Ohio State's victory over Minnesota, fans are curious to see if Klatt has maintained Ohio State's position at the top. This matters as rankings can significantly influence team morale and playoff prospects.

On November 10, 2007, Illinois pulled off a stunning upset against the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, a moment that remains etched in the memories of fans. Coach Bret Bielema reflected on that day during a recent press conference, highlighting the significance of such rare victories in college football. This game not only showcased the unpredictability of sports but also emphasized the excitement and passion that come with college rivalries, making it a cherished memory for many.

Wisconsin's Week 8 game against the Ohio State Buckeyes, the reigning national champions, has been officially scheduled, generating excitement among fans. This matchup is significant as it not only showcases two competitive teams but also has implications for the season standings, making it a must-watch event for college football enthusiasts.

The Illinois football team, led by coach Bret Bielema, is focusing on improving their tackling ahead of their upcoming game against Ohio State. Despite their impressive record of forcing fumbles, the Illini's nine missed tackles in their recent victory over Purdue raised concerns about their defensive performance. This highlights the importance of refining their skills as they prepare for a challenging opponent, making it crucial for the team to address these weaknesses to maintain their competitive edge.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has shared his mindset that has propelled the Buckeyes to a perfect 5-0 start this season. In a landscape as unpredictable as college football, Day emphasizes the importance of focus and preparation to avoid potential upsets. His approach not only inspires his team but also reassures fans that Ohio State is ready to tackle any challenges ahead, making this a crucial moment in their quest for success.

Ohio State has made a strong comeback, reclaiming the top position in the Big Ten Power Rankings by FOX Sports, as highlighted by Michael Cohen. This shift is significant as it reflects Ohio State's dominance in college football, while Penn State's recent struggles have caused them to drop in the rankings. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these changes will impact the upcoming games and the overall landscape of the conference.

JJ Redick recently took a jab at media members who were misled by LeBron James' latest career move, referring to them as 'idiots.' This commentary highlights the ongoing relationship between athletes and the media, especially in the NBA, where narratives can shift rapidly. Redick's remarks resonate with fans who often feel that media coverage can be sensationalized, making it a significant moment in sports discourse.

In his debut as head coach of the New York Rangers, Mike Sullivan faced a tough start, losing 3-0 to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the team he previously coached for nearly a decade. This matchup was particularly significant for Sullivan, who had to navigate the challenge of coaching against his former star player, Sidney Crosby. The loss highlights the difficulties of transitioning between teams in the competitive NHL, making Sullivan's future with the Rangers a topic of interest for fans and analysts alike.

The Arizona Cardinals are facing scrutiny after a tense moment between head coach Jonathan Gannon and running back Emari Demercado during a recent game against the Tennessee Titans. This incident, which occurred after a narrow loss, has raised concerns about the team's leadership and ability to handle pressure. It's crucial for the Cardinals to address these issues as they aim to improve their performance and maintain team morale moving forward.

The 2025 college football season has kicked off with impressive TV ratings, showcasing a surge in viewership across the nation. This strong start is significant as it reflects the growing popularity of college football, with four games surpassing 10 million viewers in Week 1 alone. The standout match was Texas versus Ohio State, attracting a remarkable 16.6 million viewers. This trend not only highlights the excitement surrounding the season but also indicates a promising future for college football's fan engagement.

Michael Busch continues to impress as he hit another leadoff homer for the Chicago Cubs in Game 3 of the NL Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. This exciting moment not only tied the game but also set the tone for a strong start, showcasing Busch's talent and the Cubs' determination in the playoffs. His performance is crucial as the team aims for success in the postseason.

Petr Yan is gearing up for a rematch with UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili this December, expressing confidence that the outcome will be different this time around. Yan revealed that he felt he was only at 50 percent during their first encounter, suggesting that he has more to offer in the upcoming fight. This rematch is significant not only for Yan's career but also for the bantamweight division, as it could reshape the title landscape.