Ohio State’s 2024-2025 National Championship was a journey of resilience, navigating key transfers and flawless execution, as the Buckeyes overcame adversity to reclaim their dominance.
Byline: From Struggles to Glory, the Buckeyes Reclaim Their Dominance
It wasn’t always pretty. The road to a national championship for the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2024-2025 was filled with stumbles, near-misses, and moments of doubt. Yet, after all the twists and turns, after the tough losses (Oregon and rival Michigan) and critical wins, the Buckeyes emerged as the true champions of college football, capturing their ninth national title in a season that proved Ohio State’s resilience, adaptability, and dominance.
Ohio State’s victory over Notre Dame in the National Championship Game, a 34-23 triumph, marked a historic moment in the program’s storied history. But the journey to that point was anything but a smooth ride. With a team built on both veteran leadership and high-profile transfers, the Buckeyes had to overcome challenges, injuries, and a tough loss to Michigan in the regular season finale before earning their spot in the college football playoffs. But once they got there? They were unstoppable. You knew something monumental was brewing when Jack Sawyer, delivering one of the most unforgettable playoff moments, stripped his old college roommate Quinn Ewers and returned the fumble 83 yards for a game-clinching touchdown against Texas.
The Early Struggles and the Turning Point
The Buckeyes’ season was full of ups and downs. Ohio State came into the year with high expectations, thanks to a roster bolstered by high-profile transfers and top-tier recruits. Quarterback Will Howard, a transfer from Kansas State, took over the reins for the Buckeyes’ offense. Howard, the seasoned, battle-tested signal-caller, provided the stability that Ohio State had lacked in previous seasons. But despite the promise, Ohio State was hit with a tough loss to Michigan in the final game of the regular season—a defeat that put their College Football Playoff hopes in jeopardy.
With their backs against the wall, Ohio State proved that though their path to the title wasn’t going to be easy, they could find their rhythm just in time for the Playoff run. Head coach Ryan Day, in his first National Championship appearance, had his work cut out for him. But the staff and players came together, making the necessary adjustments on both sides of the ball.
The Transfer Revolution
The 2024-2025 Buckeyes were no ordinary team. This was a squad that reflected the changing landscape of college football, with $20M of NIL money and transfers playing pivotal roles in Ohio State’s title run.
Will Howard’s leadership was crucial. A player who had already proven himself at Kansas State, Howard stepped into the spotlight as Ohio State’s quarterback. His poise, decision-making, and ability to perform in clutch situations made him the perfect fit for this high-pressure environment. Howard was named the game’s MVP for his leadership throughout the Championship Game. He didn’t shy away from the big moments, delivering when the Buckeyes needed him most.
In addition to Howard, the team saw significant contributions from running back Quinshon Judkins, who arrived from Ole Miss. Judkins was nothing short of spectacular, scoring three total touchdowns—two rushing and one receiving. His versatility and ability to take control of the game on the ground and through the air gave the Buckeyes the balance they needed to wear down Notre Dame’s defense.
The team’s ability to capitalize on the transfer portal proved vital. These high-impact players were integral in reshaping the Buckeyes’ roster, and their success on the field underscored how Ohio State had adapted to the new era of college football where NIL deals and transfers have become major forces.
The National Championship Game: A Battle of Titans
The Buckeyes’ 34-23 victory over Notre Dame was not a game for the faint of heart. Ohio State came out of the gate firing, taking a commanding 31-7 lead at one point. Will Howard was in full command of the offense, orchestrating a well-balanced attack that combined the precision of the passing game with the power of Judkins on the ground. Ohio State’s defense, too, rose to the occasion, keeping Notre Dame at bay for much of the first half.
But Notre Dame wasn’t going down without a fight. The Irish made a valiant comeback, clawing their way back to a more competitive scoreline. Yet, Ohio State’s ability to execute in key moments was the difference.
One of the key plays in the game came late, when wide receiver Jeremiah Smith made a crucial 57-yard reception from Howard. The catch set up a field goal by Jaden Fielding, whose 44-yard kick sealed the game for the Buckeyes and secured their title. Smith’s grab was a highlight-reel moment that showcased the playmaking ability of the young wideout, whose performance in the game was a testament to the depth and talent Ohio State had at its disposal.
The Perfect Coach for the Moment
What truly made this championship special, however, wasn’t just the players on the field—it was the job done by Ryan Day and his staff. The head coach had long been criticized for coming up short in the biggest games, and not quite being Urban Meyer, but in 2024-2025, Day proved that he had learned and grown from those experiences.
This was Day’s first national championship as Ohio State’s head coach, and he didn’t just lead the team to a title—he orchestrated a masterclass in coaching. From managing the pressure of high expectations to making the necessary adjustments after the tough loss to Michigan, Day kept his team focused and ready for the challenge of facing elite teams.
His ability to stay calm and composed, to get the best out of his players, and to adapt as needed proved invaluable. In many ways, this championship was a culmination of Day’s journey as a coach—a testament to his growth, his leadership, his ability to partner well with mentor Chip Kelly, and his vision for Ohio State football.
A Return to Glory
For Ohio State, this title wasn’t just another championship. It was a return to the glory days—a moment when the Buckeyes proved to the world that they were back on top of college football. This was a team that had faced adversity, both on and off the field, and emerged stronger because of it. The combination of a talented roster, strategic coaching, and timely plays in the clutch made this victory feel all the more special.
The high expectations all season were well-founded. After all, storied coach Woody Hayes and his teams during 28 seasons as the head coach at the Ohio State football program, had won five national championships (1954, 1957, 1961, 1968 and 1970) and captured 13 Big Ten Conference titles.
This was Ohio State’s ninth national title, and it was the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and a belief in the program’s future. The Buckeyes may have faced setbacks early on, but they were never truly out of the fight.
As the confetti rained down on the Ohio State players and coaches, it was clear that this title wasn’t just about winning a game—it was about reclaiming their place as a dynasty in college football. The road was tough, but the destination was worth every single moment.
In the end, the 2024-2025 Ohio State Buckeyes didn’t just win a national championship—they earned it. And that makes this victory, perhaps, even sweeter than the rest.