Ohio State prepares for a more challenging schedule this college football season

Ohio State officials and players are emphasizing the need to face tougher opponents to improve team performance this season. The program received criticism following an early exit from the college football playoffs last year, with analysts attributing the lack of success to a weak schedule. Coaches and team personnel now identify a lack of being battle-tested as a primary factor that hindered their postseason potential. The team is shifting its focus toward a more rigorous slate of games to ensure the roster is prepared for high-stakes competition. By testing themselves against stronger opposition, the Buckeyes aim to avoid the shortcomings experienced in previous campaigns. This change in approach marks a strategic effort to better align the regular season competition with the demands of the national playoff format.

• 12:34 PMESPN — Ohio State says it wasn't 'battle tested' before. That's about to change