The Ohio State Buckeyes captured the 2024-25 national championship with a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in Atlanta.
The win marks a dramatic turnaround for head coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes, who faced intense scrutiny after their 13-10 home loss to Michigan in November.
“The story gets to get told now,” Day told ESPN’s Holly Rowe. “And it’s a great story. We have a bunch of guys who have just overcome some really tough situations to the point where a lot of people counted us out. We just kept swinging and kept fighting.”
The Buckeyes dominated their playoff run, defeating Tennessee, Oregon, Texas and Notre Dame in succession.
Quarterback Will Howard threw for 1,150 yards in those four games, recording seven touchdowns against two interceptions.
Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith rebounded from a one-catch performance against Texas to record five receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown in the championship game.
“Just sticking together, having each other’s backs,” Day said of the team’s late-season surge. “Faith is huge with these guys. We built the foundation early in the season and we knew we were going to have to withstand some storms along the way.”
The championship validates Ohio State’s $20 million investment in its roster, as confirmed by athletic director Ross Bjork. Key transfers Howard, Quinshon Judkins and Caleb Downs joined NFL-eligible returners Jack Sawyer, J.T. Tuimoloau and Cody Simon to lead the team.
Day’s position appeared uncertain after the Michigan loss, despite his $30 million buyout clause. His College Football Playoff record stood at 1-3 before this season’s run improved it to 5-3.
“This is why you get into coaching,” Day told ESPN’s Rece Davis during the trophy ceremony. “To see guys reach their dreams and goals after going through adversity. Nothing great has ever been accomplished without going through adversity.”
The title is Ohio State’s first since 2015.
“Man, it’s hard to describe,” Day said. “There really maybe weren’t a lot of people that saw this vision right here right now. But this group of guys, this group of seniors is really special man. Now they’re going to be able to tell their story and it is an awesome story.”
