ESPN’s famous FPI metric released its latest rankings ahead of the 2023 season and listed the Ohio State football team at No. 1.

ESPN’s football power index was released earlier this week and its rankings were surprising to some. The Ohio State football team checked in at number one followed by Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. The Buckeyes ranked nearly 3.5 points higher than the Crimson Tide (28.2), and 4 points higher than the defending champion Bulldogs (27.4). 

Ohio State (31.5) ranks a full 10 points better than archrival Michigan (21.4). The projected win totals are also worth noting as the Buckeyes are expected to win 11.8 games in 2023 despite a difficult road schedule and only six home games. 

Elsewhere in college football, Alabama’s total is 11.1, Georgia’s 11.7, and Michigan’s 10.0, which is an interesting set of numbers given the results of each of the last two seasons. 

FPI gives Ohio State a whopping 34.3% chance to go undefeated, 71.2% to win the Big Ten, 82.2% chance to make the College Football Playoff, and a 36.7% chance to win the National Championship. No other team has more than a 20.4% (Alabama) chance to win the title.

Why Ohio State at No. 1?

Looking at the numbers, it is clear ESPN’s metrics love the Buckeyes heading into the season even after losing star QB CJ Stroud and three offensive linemen, including Paris Johnson Jr.

Let’s take a look at why the computers are confident in Ryan Day’s 2023 Ohio State Buckeyes:

• Marvin Harrison Jr 

The star Buckeye receiver is essentially already a pro by skillset as he returns for his junior season. Harrison Jr burst onto the scene during the Rose Bowl to end the 2021 season and hasn’t looked back since. He was virtually unguardable last season and Ohio State’s de facto WR1 in Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s absence due to injury. Marvin Harrison Jr could potentially link back up with HS teammate Kyle McCord if he outlasts counterpart Devin Brown in the QB battle. The chemistry between the two was evident in the few passes Marvin Harrison Jr caught in last Saturday’s scrimmage. There’s no doubt Harrison Jr will be the best WR in college football again this fall. 

• RB Depth 

Last year, Ohio State’s running game was by committee due to injuries. Usually that doesn’t happen two years in a row, but the entire committee is back +1 as Evan Pryor adds himself to the mix. TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams will still be the featured backs of the offense. But look for Dallan Hayden, Chip Trayanum, and Evan Pryor to make noise this season as well. 

• Veteran Defense 

Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers both return for the Buckeyes in the LB room to provide a veteran presence in the center of the defense. The scheme will be built around those two and elevated by a strong defensive line led by JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer. On the back end, the Buckeyes added two transfers and will get Josh Proctor back from injury. Top to bottom on paper, the Silver Bullets should be among the best overall units in the country. 

If ESPN’s FPI is correct, Justin Frye’s offensive line will need to gel together to protect McCord or Brown as well as for a successful rushing attack. Whoever wins the QB battle will have the deepest weapons chest in college football and should have zero problems getting acclimated. 

It may not seem like it based on personnel losses, but Ohio State is for real this season and a legitimate National Title contender.