College Football 2016: 25 bold predictions

3. Ohio State finishes the season barely in the top 25

The Buckeyes are never going to be too down under Meyer, and his reputation alone has earned Ohio State a preseason No. 6 ranking. Ohio State is still a very talented team, but this schedule might be too much to handle for an inexperienced roster, and three or four losses are possible.

Since Meyer arrived in Columbus in 2012, the Buckeyes have been nearly unbeatable both on the field and in recruiting. Meyer owns a 50-4 record at Ohio State and won the 2014 national championship despite starting a third-string quarterback in the playoff.

Last season’s team had enough talent to become the first unanimous preseason No. 1 team in AP Poll history. Given Meyer’s track record, it’s understandable why the Buckeyes are the highest ranked team in the Big 10 entering the season.

Still, losing five first rounders and 12 draft picks to the NFL is a lot for even Meyer to overcome. There are a ton of unknowns on the roster, and trips to Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Michigan State and a home date with Michigan would challenge any team.

Things won’t be too bad on offense with J.T. Barrett still under center, but the backs and receivers will basically all be brand new, and the offensive line could feature three new starters. The secondary also suffered plenty of turnover, although the front seven should still be disruptive enough.

While the Buckeyes will be back to national title contender status in 2017, that much change will prove to be too much to win the Big Ten title this year.

Next: 2. Les Miles restores faith with a title run