The 2025 Rose Bowl: A Classic Will Be Written

Published: Sunday, December 29, 2024

by Kyle Ferreira

“The Granddaddy of Them All” has seen its share of memorable games.

The Rose Bowl Game is often regarded as the quintessential postseason event in college football. Every New Year’s Day, two of the sport’s top programs face off in front of thousands in the historic stadium and millions watching on TV. With the San Gabriel Mountains as a backdrop, it’s arguably a college football fan’s paradise.

Pasadena, California, has long been home to some of college football's greatest games. The 2006 Rose Bowl, featuring Texas and USC, is widely considered the greatest college football game of all time. Last season’s showdown between eventual national champion Michigan and Alabama was another game for the ages.

On Jan. 1, 2025, the Rose Bowl will once again host a matchup destined to be remembered. The undefeated, No. 1 Oregon Ducks are set for a rematch with the Ohio State Buckeyes. What was once a Pac-12 vs. Big Ten clash is now an all-Big Ten showdown in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal.  

Even before their regular-season matchup in Eugene in October, these two storied programs were familiar foes, especially in the postseason. This will mark the third time they meet in this historic game, with previous matchups in 1958 and 2010. They also faced off in the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship in 2015, where Ohio State claimed victory in Arlington, Texas.

The Buckeyes have largely dominated the series, holding a 9-2 all-time record and a 3-0 mark in postseason play. However, the Ducks have turned the tide recently, winning the last two meetings. And anyone following Oregon this season knows it’s been a special year for the Ducks.

Led by third-year head coach Dan Lanning, the Ducks have been unstoppable in their first season in the Big Ten. Even after current Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix graduated, Oklahoma transfer Dillon Gabriel has been fantastic. The Heisman finalist has arguably been the best quarterback in the nation with his accuracy, football IQ and leadership.

The rest of the offense has been exciting as well, consistent with the history of the Ducks. Running back Jordan James has been dominant on the ground, while wide receiver Tez Johnson has emerged as the top option in the passing game. Despite an underwhelming start to the season, the offensive line has rebounded and shown significant improvement.

Defensively, the unit features talent at every level, which, for a defensive-minded coach like Lanning, is a welcome sight. While questions arose after allowing 37 points to Penn State in the Big Ten Championship Game, the defense should perform better against Ohio State. Defensive lineman Derrick Harmon will be a key player who could wreak havoc in the trenches against the Buckeyes.

For Ohio State, this season carried heavy expectations: win the Big Ten, win the national championship, and of course, beat Michigan. So far, the Buckeyes are 0-2 on those goals, with the home loss to the Wolverines triggering emotional reactions throughout the program. Over the past month, calls for head coach Ryan Day’s job have grown louder, despite his impressive overall record.

Unable to win the Big Ten, Ohio State still made the College Football Playoff and hosted a first-round home game. Whether it was a make-or-break game for coach Ryan Day, he and the rest of the program needed to rebound against Tennessee. On a freezing first day of winter in Columbus, the Buckeyes did just that.

In front of more than 100,000 fans, Ohio State dominated a Volunteers squad that looked overwhelmed and unaccustomed to the cold weather. Buckeye playmakers, including freshman standout Jeremiah Smith and the running back tandem of Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, shined. But major praise was given to the offensive line, which many doubted could handle Tennessee’s formidable defensive front, led by James Pearce Jr.

The Buckeyes neutralized the Volunteers’ offense with a dominant defensive performance. With four sacks from the defensive line and excellent coverage from their secondary, Ohio State made it a nightmare for Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava. The victory sends Ohio State to the Rose Bowl for the 17th time in program history, where they’ll hope for better weather.

So why will this be another classic in the storied history of this game? With immense talent on both sides, high stakes, and the excitement of their October matchup, this showdown promises to deliver. Both programs are hungry for a national championship—especially Oregon, which has never won one in football.

While the winner advances to the Cotton Bowl, this game means more. It's a traditional East Coast vs. West Coast matchup, and while times have changed, it’s a game that could turn someone into a fan. When the sun sets on the historic venue and the game concludes, the winner could become the favorite for the National Championship.

For college football fanatics, Jan. 1 can't come soon enough.

Kyle Ferreira can be reached at kyle.ferreira@student.shu.edu. 

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