Ohio State clinched its first national championship since 2014, defeating Notre Dame 34-23 in the College Football Playoff (CFP) title game Monday night. The Buckeyes secured their sixth national title and became the inaugural champions of the expanded 12-team playoff format.
The defining moment came late in the fourth quarter when quarterback Will Howard connected with receiver Jeremiah Smith on a 56-yard pass on third-and-11, sealing the victory. The play capped a dramatic season for Ohio State, which rebounded from a devastating loss to Michigan in late November to finish as champions.
Trailing 31-7, Notre Dame staged a spirited comeback with two touchdowns and successful two-point conversions to narrow the gap to 31-23. With the Irish gaining momentum, Howard’s perfectly placed deep pass to Smith not only stopped the rally but also set up a field goal that extended the Buckeyes’ lead and ignited celebrations among their fans.
“They were playing man coverage, and I told myself, ‘Let it loose and let him make a play,’” Howard said. Smith, a second-team All-American, finished the game with five catches for 88 yards and provided the critical play when it mattered most.
Just seven weeks ago, Ohio State’s season seemed doomed after a 13-10 loss to Michigan, the Buckeyes’ fourth straight defeat in the rivalry. The loss sparked intense scrutiny of head coach Ryan Day, with many questioning whether he could continue leading the program.
“It’s an incredible story about a group of guys who faced a lot of adversity and just kept fighting,” Day said. “When people counted us out, they kept swinging.”
Ohio State entered the playoffs as the No. 8 seed but exceeded all expectations, defeating higher-seeded teams in every round. The Buckeyes outscored opponents by an average margin of 36-21 over their four playoff games.
The championship run highlighted the success of Ohio State’s strategy in utilizing the transfer portal. Howard, who transferred from Kansas State, threw for 231 yards and two touchdowns in the title game. Running back Quinshon Judkins, a transfer from Ole Miss, contributed 100 yards and three touchdowns, including a 70-yard burst in the first half that put the Buckeyes in control.
“Judkins and Howard have been game-changers for us all year,” Day said. “Their contributions show how critical the portal can be in building a championship team.”
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, who was attempting to become the first Black coach to win a national title in college football history, will face questions about key decisions in the game. A failed fake punt in the third quarter and a missed field goal attempt in the fourth quarter proved costly for the Irish.
Despite the loss, Freeman remained optimistic about the future of his program. “We fought hard and gave ourselves a chance,” he said. “This will only make us stronger moving forward.”
The victory marked the first time since 1942 that Big Ten teams won back-to-back national titles, following Michigan’s triumph last year. For Ohio State, the win not only ended a decade-long championship drought but also silenced doubts about Day’s ability to lead the program to the pinnacle of college football.
With this title, Day joins the ranks of legendary Ohio State coaches like Urban Meyer, Jim Tressel, and Woody Hayes. His redemption story is now firmly etched in Buckeye lore, alongside the triumphant return of Ohio State to college football’s mountaintop.
