Saban’s Alabama Is Being Reborn in Columbus, OH

Ohio State isn’t just winning—they’re evolving.

The Buckeyes are coming off a national championship, sitting at 7-0 heading into a bye week atop the polls as the #1 team in the country, and carrying themselves like a program that finally understands what it takes to stay there. This isn’t about chasing Georgia anymore. This is about becoming Saban’s Alabama—the gold standard for sustained dominance in college football for over a decade.

Ryan Day has been on a mission since the heartbreaking losses of the early 2020s. Critics questioned his toughness, his ability to win “the big one,” and his program’s defensive identity. Now, a few years later, those doubts have vanished. What’s emerged in Columbus is a complete, balanced, and mature football machine that feels eerily similar to Nick Saban’s Alabama teams in their prime.

Matt Patricia Has Brought NFL Discipline and Dominance to the Defense

When Ryan Day hired Matt Patricia, many fans were unsure what to expect. Patricia’s NFL résumé was filled with ups and downs, but his reputation for defensive IQ was undeniable. In his first season in Columbus, he’s transformed the Buckeyes into one of the most disciplined, physical, and fundamentally sound defenses in college football.

Gone are the days of missed tackles and blown coverages that plagued Ohio State in big games. Now, they swarm to the football, communicate seamlessly, and make offenses look ordinary. Patricia’s approach—mixing pro-level schemes with college-level speed—has elevated the program’s identity. The Buckeyes no longer just outscore teams; they smother them.

The defensive line, led by veteran stars and fueled by an injection of young talent, is playing with an edge that brings back memories of the Bosa and Chase Young eras. The secondary, once a weak link, is now a strength, filled with long, athletic corners who can lock down any wide receiver in the country. Not to mention Caleb Downs – the best player in college football from some people’s opinions. Patricia’s fingerprints are everywhere, and it’s turned Ohio State into a complete football team.

Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith: The Core of a New Era

On the offensive side, the Buckeyes are just as dangerous. Julian Sayin, the highly touted quarterback transfer and former five-star recruit, has been the perfect fit for Ryan Day’s offense. His calm presence in the pocket, lightning-quick release, and accuracy under pressure have elevated Ohio State’s passing game back to elite status.

Sayin isn’t just managing games—he’s commanding them. His chemistry with the wide receivers, particularly with Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, has been something special to watch. Smith, the sophomore phenom, has been everything he was hyped up to be—and more. He’s built like an NFL receiver already, with the explosiveness of a track star and the hands of a veteran.

Every week, Smith does something that makes you shake your head. Even when he’s not doing something, he is taking the defense’s entire attention opening up opportunities for Carnell Tate and other Ohio State playmakers. He’s not just Ohio State’s next great wide receiver—he’s on track to be one of college football’s all-time greats.

And the best part? Both Sayin and Smith return next season. That’s a nightmare for the rest of the country.

Eight True Freshmen Already Making an Impact

Dynasties aren’t built on one class or one year—they’re built on sustained success. And that’s exactly where Ohio State stands out. The Buckeyes have already played eight true freshmen in meaningful roles this season, and each has proven they belong.

That kind of depth and trust in young players is rare at the top level of college football. It means the future is already on the field, gaining experience and confidence, learning what it takes to win championships. When veterans graduate or head to the NFL, the next wave will already be ready.

That’s how you build a program, not just a team. It’s how Alabama stayed dominant for over a decade. And it’s how Ohio State plans to stay on top moving forward.

The Blueprint for a Decade of Dominance

Georgia may have set the pace over the past few seasons, but Alabama defined what true, long-term greatness looks like. Ohio State is now poised to blend both blueprints—the momentum of Georgia with the machine-like consistency of Alabama.

Under Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have quietly evolved from a high-powered offense with defensive flaws into a balanced juggernaut. They’ve maintained elite recruiting, adapted to the transfer portal era, and built an infrastructure that allows them to reload every year.

You can feel the shift in culture. Players aren’t satisfied with playoff appearances—they expect to win championships. The program doesn’t just develop first-rounders—it develops leaders. And the results are undeniable.

Ohio State is no longer looking up at anyone. They’ve taken the throne, and they look like they’re planning to keep it for a long, long time.

Not the Next Georgia — The Next Bama

When you step back and look at the big picture, one thing is clear:

Ohio State isn’t trying to be the next Georgia.

They’re becoming the next Alabama—a dynasty in the making, led by an elite coach, an NFL-caliber defense, a star quarterback, and the best young talent in the country.

Ryan Day’s Buckeyes aren’t chasing greatness anymore. They’ve caught it. They’ve built it. And if the rest of college football isn’t careful, they’re going to run this sport for the next decade.

Because in Columbus, the machine has been built—and it’s just getting started.