Ohio State entered the College Football Playoff with its back against the wall a year ago and tore through the field of 12, winning its first national championship in a decade. This time around, the expectations are much higher.
It's title-or-bust for the Buckeyes, who have looked dominant throughout the year and were rarely challenged in the regular season.
While a home playoff game is what got the ball rolling for Ohio State last winter, Ryan Day's team is set to skip that step this season. The Buckeyes are ticketed for a first-round bye, meaning they will have to wait a bit longer to find out their first opponent.
Here's a complete guide to Ohio State's first College Football Playoff matchup and the full bracket.
MORE: Explaining Notre Dame's higher ranking over Miami in CFP
College Football Playoff bracket
This section will be updated when the bracket is revealed.
MORE: Where will CFP games be played this year?
Who will Ohio State play next?
Ohio State is set to receive a first round bye, meaning the Buckeyes won't know their quarterfinal opponent until either Dec. 19 or Dec. 20. The game that will determine Ohio State's opponent won't be known until the bracket is revealed.
MORE: 5 things to know about College Football Playoff format
When does Ohio State play again?
Assuming Ohio State receives a first round bye, the Buckeyes won't play until either Dec. 31 or Jan. 1. If the Buckeyes win the Big Ten championship, they will play in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1.
College Football Playoff schedule 2025
| Date | Round | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
| Dec. 19 | First Round | TBD vs. TBD | 8 p.m. | ABC/ESPN |
| Dec. 20 | First Round | TBD vs. TBD | Noon | ABC/ESPN |
| Dec. 20 | First Round | TBD vs. TBD | 3:30 p.m. | TNT/truTV |
| Dec. 20 | First Round | TBD vs. TBD | 7:30 p.m. | TNT/truTV |
| Dec. 31 | Quarterfinals | TBD vs. TBD | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 1 | Quarterfinals | TBD vs. TBD | 12 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 1 | Quarterfinals | TBD vs. TBD | 4 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 1 | Quarterfinals | TBD vs. TBD | 8 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 8 | Semifinals | TBD vs. TBD | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 9 | Semifinals | TBD vs. TBD | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 19 | National Championship | TBD vs. TBD | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |