The 2004 edition of the Ohio State Buckeyes represented Jim Tressel's first team solely comprised of his recruits.
Ohio State's record over the two previous seasons stood at 25–2 but 2004 served as a year of transition. The school's 115th team needed to replace 13 starters — six on offense and seven on defense. Gone were Michael Jenkins, Will Allen, B.J. Sander and Will Smith, all key players over the past two years. But replacing Craig Krenzel at quarterback proved more challenging than expected.
| The 2004 Buckeyes | |
|---|---|
| Record | 8–4 |
| B1G Record | 4–4, 5th |
| Coach | Jim Tressel (4th year, 40–11) |
| CaptainS | Dustin Fox, Simon Fraser, Mike Nugent, Lydell Ross September 11th • Marshall • Ohio Stadium |