Summary of "The Dan Patrick Show" Episode: Hour 1 – Ohio State Are Your 2025 CFP National Champions

Release Date: January 21, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Dan Patrick Show, host Dan Patrick delves into the thrilling conclusion of the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) season, where Ohio State emerges as the national champions despite a surprising loss to Michigan. Joined by co-host Paul Pabst and special guests, the show navigates the shifting landscape of college football, the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations, and the enduring rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan.

Ohio State's Season Overview and National Championship

Dan Patrick opens the discussion by reflecting on Ohio State's remarkable season. Even after a challenging loss to Michigan, the Buckeyes secured back-to-back national titles for the Big Ten Conference, signaling a potential shift in the power dynamics traditionally dominated by the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Dan Patrick [02:42]: "Welcome to the program. It's hour one on this Tuesday. The college football season has a period at the end of the sentence, it's over. Back to back national titles for the Big Ten."

Analysis of the Ohio State vs. Notre Dame Game

The centerpiece of the episode is a detailed breakdown of Ohio State's decisive victory over Notre Dame. Initially holding a commanding lead of 31-7, the Buckeyes faced a late surge from Notre Dame, prompting crucial strategic decisions from coach Ryan Day. The discussion highlights the tension during key moments, such as the aggressive call on third and nine by Ohio State's offense.

Paul Pabst [06:27]: "We felt like we had an advantage."

Dan Patrick [09:33]: "But why can't you have both? Why can't this still mean so much? But the national title is more important than that."

NIL Implications and Valuation of Players

A significant portion of the conversation centers around the increasing importance of NIL deals in college athletics. The discussion specifically highlights wide receiver Jeremiah Smith's valuation, positioning him as a top non-quarterback asset with an estimated NIL worth of $4-5 million.

Dan Patrick [16:12]: "What's he worth? $10 million. Is that fair? I mean, quarterbacks get six, $7 million. There's nobody like him in the country."

The analysis underscores how NIL opportunities are reshaping recruitment and retention strategies, allowing programs like Ohio State to attract and retain top talent beyond traditional recruiting.

Coaching Decisions and Ryan Day's Future

Dan and Paul scrutinize Coach Ryan Day's decisions during critical phases of the game, questioning the aggressiveness and strategy that ultimately led Ohio State to secure the championship despite the Michigan loss. The conversation probes whether these strategic choices might influence Day's standing and future with the program.

Dan Patrick [12:44]: "Are we reheating Ryan Day?"

Paul Pabst [09:33]: "I want to follow up on that."

The Michigan Rivalry: Importance vs. National Titles

A heated debate ensues over the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry, focusing on whether Ohio State fans prioritize beating Michigan over securing a national championship. Dan argues that while beating Michigan is historically significant, winning the national title should take precedence in the current playoff system.

Dan Patrick [07:38]: "It's so important to beat Michigan. That has been your identity. And yeah, we won a national title, but you need to beat Michigan."

Paul Pabst [09:35]: "Not the team up north."

Fan Base Perspectives and Poll Results

A live poll posed to Ohio State fans asks whether they would prefer to lose to Michigan but win the national title or beat Michigan and lose in the playoffs. The results reveal a strong preference (78%) for prioritizing the national championship over the rivalry victory.

Dan Patrick [07:38]: "What would it be a reasonable number to leave one school for."

Paul Pabst [47:36]: "We got Marvin's up there for the first hour."

The discussion explores the sentiments of the minority (22%) who value the rivalry above the championship, highlighting the deep-rooted passion and differing priorities within the fan base.

Future of College Football Playoffs and Big Ten's Position

The episode speculates on the future landscape of college football, emphasizing the Big Ten's rising prominence as Ohio State continues to secure national titles. The conversation suggests that the expanded playoff system allows teams with multiple losses to vie for championships, thereby reducing the SEC's dominance.

Dan Patrick [29:08]: "But I think people. Make it what it has to be."

Paul Pabst [33:43]: "A team like Ohio State can win a national title with a good 23-year-old quarterback."

Conclusion: The New Era of College Football

As the episode wraps up, Dan Patrick reflects on the evolution of college football, acknowledging the enhanced competitiveness brought about by NIL and the transfer portal. The discussion underscores that the current era allows for a more diverse set of champions, promoting parity across conferences and elevating programs like Ohio State to new heights.

Dan Patrick [31:32]: "It's one of those where you see the end result and you go, how did they lose? How were they shut down at home against Michigan?"

Notable Quotes

• Dan Patrick [07:38]: "It's so important to beat Michigan. That has been your identity. And yeah, we won a national title, but you need to beat Michigan."

• Paul Pabst [09:35]: "Not the team up north."

• Dan Patrick [26:09]: "I don't get it."

• Paul Pabst [47:36]: "We got Marvin's up there for the first hour."

• Doug [52:16]: "You can't claim a national championship unless you win the game. The only thing that matters is how many times you beat Michigan."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show offers a comprehensive analysis of Ohio State's triumphant season, the shifting paradigms in college football governance, and the enduring intensity of one of the sport's most storied rivalries. Through insightful commentary and engaging discussions, Dan Patrick and Paul Pabst provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the factors contributing to Ohio State's national championship and the broader implications for the future of college football.