The Ohio State football program is in a strange situation right now. It has lost three straight games to Michigan, hasn’t been to Indianapolis since 2020, and hasn’t won a Big Ten title. Yet the Buckeyes still regularly rank in the top five and were even within a hair’s breadth of likely winning a national title in 2022.

Most programs would be thrilled with that kind of run, but things are judged by winning championships and beating Michigan in Columbus (not necessarily in that order). Ohio State had a lot of guys who should be playing in the NFL come back to make up for the past few years, but that doesn’t mean it’ll be easy. Here are OSU’s three toughest games that could stand in the way of the Buckeyes’ attempt to reclaim the Big Ten and make a run at the College Football Playoff.

3. at Penn State | Saturday, November 2

The Nittany Lions have beaten everyone in the Big Ten except Ohio State and Michigan the last three years, but they have been consistent contenders. The Buckeyes have had success visiting Happy Valley over the years, but it’s never easy. The crowd will be in a frenzy and this game will be circled on the calendar as the top target. It will be a physical game with players who can make life difficult for a loaded OSU roster no matter what.

2. vs. Michigan | Saturday, November 30

It feels a little odd not to see “The Game” as the toughest game on Ohio State’s schedule, especially since things haven’t gone well the last three seasons. There’s no doubt the Buckeyes have the better roster, but that doesn’t always equate to a win. OSU will have to be focused, perform at a high level, and not let the demons of the past take hold psychologically. Especially against a team that is now investing everything in the rivalry. It’s in Columbus this year, but it’s still going to be a tough game.

1. in Oregon | Saturday, Oct. 12

Michigan who? By far the toughest thing for Ohio State in 2024 is the road trip to Autzen Stadium to play in what could be a top-five matchup in mid-October. The Buckeyes have a loaded roster, but so does Oregon, which has a potential Heisman candidate in Oklahoma transfer quarterback Dillon Gabriel. The nation will be watching.