The confetti fell, the fight song echoed, and Ohio State stood atop the college football world once again. Less than two months ago, this outcome seemed improbable. The Buckeyes were reeling after another gut-wrenching loss to Michigan, leaving fans questioning if Ryan Day’s team could ever get over the hump. But on Monday night in the College Football Playoff championship game, Ohio State answered every doubter, beating Notre Dame 34-23 to claim their ninth national title-and their first since 2014.
This wasn’t just any title run. The expanded 12-team playoff, making its debut this year, demanded more from champions than ever before. For the Buckeyes, it meant navigating a gauntlet of four postseason games. They dismantled Tennessee, avenged a regular-season loss to Oregon, and outlasted Texas before setting their sights on Notre Dame. By the time the final whistle blew Monday, it was clear-Ohio State had earned this one the hard way.
At the heart of the victory was senior quarterback Will Howard, a transfer from Kansas State who played like a man on a mission. Howard opened the game with 13 straight completions, a playoff record, and finished 17 of 21 for 231 yards and two touchdowns. His calm under pressure and ability to dissect one of the nation’s top pass defenses was nothing short of masterful.
But this wasn’t a one-man show. Running back Quinshon Judkins, a transfer from Mississippi, stole the spotlight with 100 rushing yards, 21 receiving yards, and three touchdowns. His 70-yard run early in the third quarter broke the game wide open, setting up a 28-7 lead and leaving the Fighting Irish scrambling for answers.
Buckeyes silence doubters, secure historic championship with dominant defense and explosive finish
The Buckeyes’ defense also made its mark. After allowing Notre Dame’s methodical, record-setting 18-play touchdown drive to open the game, Ohio State clamped down. JT Tuimoloau led the charge with five tackles, including two for a loss, and a sack. The Irish’s rushing attack? Virtually non-existent, with running backs combining for just 16 yards.
Notre Dame fought valiantly, led by quarterback Riley Leonard, who threw for 255 yards and two touchdowns. A late rally brought them within eight points, but Ohio State’s explosive plays-and Howard’s clutch third-down strike to Jeremiah Smith in the closing minutes-sealed the deal.
For Ryan Day, this championship is more than a trophy. It’s validation. After enduring criticism for falling short in big games, he’s now cemented his place in Ohio State lore. Day joins legends like Woody Hayes and Urban Meyer as a title-winning coach, his team delivering a postseason run for the ages.
As the Buckeyes hoisted the trophy, the narrative shifted. What began as a season defined by heartbreak ended as one for the history books. The doubters? Silenced. The champions? Undeniable.