The immediate ripple effects of Ohio State’s narrow loss to Indiana have shaped the national conversation around the Buckeyes’ title defense. While the defeat did not cost them a playoff berth, it challenged the perception of an offense that had been dominant for most of the season.

We asked our staff at Buckeyes Wire to predict and pick the entire CFP bracket, including the championship game. Here's what they all had to say.

Ohio State is favored by 7.5 points over Texas A&M and 8.5 points over Miami entering the Aggies’ matchup with the Hurricanes, which will determine OSU’s Cotton Bowl opponent.

If this were last season, Ohio State would be preparing to play in the first round since only the conference winners got byes. However, the Buckeyes benefit from a much-needed rule change that grants the top four seeds the first-round byes instead.

An eye-catching, young defensive star has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal. and the Ohio State Buckeyes are more than likely going to be keeping an eye on him.

After a full season of development and position refinement, CJ Hicks enters the College Football Playoff as a potential situational contributor, with his redshirt preserving an even bigger role in Ohio State’s future.