On Monday night, the Ohio State Buckeyes captured the 2025 College Football National Championship, defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish by a score of 34-23 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This victory marked Ohio State's first national title in ten years, confirming their status as one of college football's premier programs.
The Buckeyes stormed through the College Football Playoffs, finishing every game with double-digit wins, and their performance against the Fighting Irish was no exception. Ohio State jumped to an impressive 24-point lead, taking control of the game early. Despite Notre Dame's frantic comeback attempt, which saw them close the gap, Ohio State managed to hold onto their lead, thanks to key plays down the stretch.
Ohio State's head coach Ryan Day, who faced intense scrutiny following his team's loss to rival Michigan earlier this season, expressed his relief and joy after the game. "They're my motivation... to make sure these guys reach their dreams and goals. That's all it really boils down to," Day told ESPN. His success on the national stage puts him alongside coaching legends of the Buckeyes, such as Paul Brown and Urban Meyer. The triumph silenced critics who doubted his ability to win big games.
One of the standout players for Ohio State was quarterback Will Howard, who put on a stellar performance throughout the game. Howard completed 17 of his 21 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns. Most impressively, he set the record for the most consecutive completions in a College Football Playoff National Championship Game, throwing 13 successful passes consecutively. Howard's strong showing solidifies his status as one of college football's elite quarterbacks and improves his prospects for the upcoming NFL Draft.
Howard was also instrumental during high-pressure situations, delivering key plays when Notre Dame began to mount their comeback. With less than two minutes left and the Irish gaining momentum, Howard launched a beautiful 56-yard pass to freshman star Jeremiah Smith, which helped to secure the victory for the Buckeyes.
Another pivotal figure for Ohio State was running back Quinshon Judkins, who broke loose for 100 yards and scored three touchdowns. His impactful performance included tackle-breaking runs and strategic plays, including a remarkable 70-yard dash to set up his own touchdown. Judkins demonstrated why he was highly sought after during the transfer season, and he delivered when it mattered most.
Despite the excitement from Ohio State's side, Notre Dame had moments to capitalize on. Head coach Marcus Freeman faced criticism for his decision-making during key moments, particularly when he opted to kick a field goal instead of going for it on fourth-and-goal after recovering a fumble. Freeman lamented, "We've just got to get off the field on third down," acknowledging their struggles against the Buckeyes' offense.
Notre Dame's quarterback Riley Leonard displayed resilience, throwing for 255 yards and two touchdowns. He connected frequently with his top receiver, Jaden Greathouse, who caught five passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns. Their efforts kept the game competitive, especially during the second half when they tried to rally from behind. Nonetheless, it wasn’t enough to seal the win.
The game showcased both teams' ability to manage high-pressure situations, but it was Ohio State's explosive offense and strategic defense led by players like defensive end Jack Sawyer and linebacker Cody Simon, who ensured control during the pivotal moments of the game.
The successful broadcast of the championship also marked history; for the first time, ESPN presented the game feed in 4K resolution, enhancing viewer experiences worldwide. This focus on innovation reflects ESPN's commitment to delivering advanced viewing options for sports fans, setting the standard for future broadcasts.
With this championship win, Ohio State solidified their reputation and reignited discussions about their place among college football's best. The Buckeyes’ combination of high-level recruiting, player development, and outstanding coaching expertise was on full display throughout the playoffs, leading them back to glory.
The 2025 College Football National Championship was not only about the lifeblood of college sports. It was about creating moments, memories, and rivalries. The Buckeyes are back on top, aiming to defend their title next season—a feat few teams have successfully accomplished.