Ohio State's football team is gearing up to take on some of the nation's best talent in the upcoming 2024 regular season. According to the recently released EA Sports College Football 25 rankings, the Buckeyes will go head-to-head with 18 of the top 100 players in the country.

Out of their 12 opponents, five teams have at least one player featured in the top 100 rankings. This puts Ohio State's schedule among some of the toughest in the nation. The Big Ten conference dominates the list with 31 players in the top 100, followed closely by the SEC with 29 players. The ACC and Big 12 conferences each have 15 representatives in the top 100.

Impressively, Ohio State itself boasts eight players on the list, the most of any school nationwide. This speaks to the high caliber of talent within the Buckeyes' roster.

When analyzing the specific matchups, it becomes clear that Ohio State won't face a top 100 player until their fifth game of the season. However, the Iowa Hawkeyes will come to Columbus with four players ranked with a 90 overall grade or higher. These players are predominantly on the defensive side, highlighting Iowa's formidable defense that stands as one of the best in the nation.

One standout player from Iowa is Higgins, who was named a first-team All-American last year. Known for his outstanding defensive prowess, Higgins recorded an impressive 171 total tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, a forced fumble, five pass deflections, and an interception. He was also honored as the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year by Phil Steele.

Another key opponent for Ohio State will be the Oregon Ducks, whom they will face in a highly anticipated matchup at Autzen Stadium on October 12. Oregon boasts three top 100 players who transferred to their program this offseason, adding significant talent and depth to their roster. These players include Evan Stewart from Texas A&M, Jabbar Muhammad from Washington, and Dillon Gabriel from Oklahoma.

Penn State will also present a tough challenge for Ohio State. Although the Nittany Lions only have one player in the top 100, Nicholas Singleton, they possess a strong rushing attack with Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Additionally, Penn State's defense, which ranked third in scoring defense last year, will prove to be a formidable force led by defensive stars Abdul Carter and Kevin Winston Jr.

Purdue, an unexpected contender, will also showcase a top 100 player in standout safety Dillon Thieneman. Thieneman was recognized as the FWAA Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2023 and had an outstanding season with 106 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and six interceptions.

Arguably, Ohio State's most crucial game of the season will be against Michigan, as they face the top-rated player in the country, cornerback Will Johnson. Johnson played a pivotal role in helping the Wolverines secure a national title, with 27 tackles, four pass deflections, and four interceptions. Mason Graham, ranked eighth in the top 100, will also be a key player for Michigan with his impressive defensive statistics from the previous season.

With the release of EA Sports College Football 25 on July 19, football enthusiasts can anticipate thrilling matchups and fierce competition throughout the 2024 regular season. Ohio State's schedule, featuring 18 top 100 players, sets the stage for an exciting and challenging campaign.