Ohio State outlasts Notre Dame to win first national title in a decade

Ohio State captured its first national title in a decade, overcoming a late-season loss to Michigan and emerging victorious in the inaugural College Football Playoff expansion to 12 teams. In a thrilling national championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the No. 8-seeded Buckeyes defeated No. 7 Notre Dame 34-23 to claim the 2025 College Football Playoff title.

The win was a remarkable redemption story for Ohio State, which had been reeling after a crushing defeat to archrival Michigan earlier in the season. That loss had dropped the Buckeyes’ record against the Wolverines to 1-4 under head coach Ryan Day, leading to calls for his dismissal. Despite the setback, Ohio State was still guaranteed a playoff spot, and Day and his team channeled their anger and frustration into a dominant playoff run. “There was a point where a lot of people counted us out, and we just kept swinging and kept fighting,” Day said. “This is why you get into coaching—to see guys overcome obstacles, learn life lessons, and reach their dreams. That’s what happened tonight.”

Ohio State’s playoff performance was nothing short of spectacular. The Buckeyes won every game by a wide margin, outscoring their opponents 145-75 across four games. Their playoff journey began with a 31-14 victory over No. 9 seed Tennessee in the first round, followed by a dominant 38-14 win over No. 1 seed Oregon at the Rose Bowl. In the Cotton Bowl semifinal, Ohio State narrowly edged out No. 5 seed Texas, with defensive end Jack Sawyer sealing the win with a scoop-and-score touchdown. The Buckeyes’ rout of Notre Dame in the national title game completed a storybook run.

Despite an early 7-0 lead, Notre Dame’s chances of winning quickly faded. The Irish made several critical mistakes, including self-inflicted errors and missed opportunities. Head coach Marcus Freeman acknowledged the high stakes of the matchup, saying, “When you play a really, really good football team, those types of mistakes cost you points.” The Irish defense, which had ranked highly in several categories, was unable to hold back Ohio State’s explosive offense, and the Buckeyes scored 31 unanswered points.

Notre Dame did not go down without a fight. Quarterback Riley Leonard connected with wide receiver Jaden Greathouse for a 30-yard touchdown pass with 4:15 left, and a successful two-point conversion brought the score to 31-23. However, Ohio State sealed the game with a clutch play from quarterback Will Howard, who threw a deep 56-yard pass to wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, setting up a field goal to make it 34-23 with just 26 seconds remaining.

Howard, who transferred to Ohio State from Kansas State, was named the offensive player of the game for his stellar performance. He finished 17-of-21 for 231 yards and two touchdowns, including a perfect 13-for-13 start to the game. Smith, a standout freshman, caught five passes for 88 yards and a touchdown, further solidifying his place as one of the top young talents in college football.

Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins also had a key role in the victory, rushing for 100 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries, adding another receiving touchdown. Judkins’ contributions helped power the Buckeyes’ offense, making significant plays in critical moments.

For Ohio State, the win was especially sweet as it marked their first national championship since 2014, when they claimed the title in the inaugural College Football Playoff. Coach Ryan Day praised his players for their resilience and growth throughout the season. “Now the stories of these guys will be told because they’ve cemented themselves in Ohio State history,” Day said.

Howard, reflecting on his one-year journey at Ohio State, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “I’m just so unbelievably thankful that I got the chance to be a Buckeye,” he said. “To come out on top feels pretty damn good.” His leadership, along with the contributions of players like Judkins, Smith, and Sawyer, helped Ohio State deliver a championship performance that will be remembered for years to come.

With their first national title in a decade, Ohio State proved that sometimes, the best way to respond to adversity is with resilience and determination. This victory will undoubtedly be a defining moment in the legacy of this year’s team, marking the culmination of a season that saw them overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.

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