Ohio State’s Redemption Story: How the Buckeyes Won the 2025 National Championship

Seven weeks ago, Ohio State’s season seemed destined for heartbreak. Michigan had just planted its flag at midfield inside the Horseshoe, sending shockwaves through Buckeye Nation. Fans vented their frustrations, players were left stunned, and head coach Ryan Day faced mounting scrutiny.

Fast forward to Monday night, and the scene couldn’t have been more different. Ohio State stood atop college football, celebrating a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame to claim the program’s seventh national championship. The first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff provided a shot at redemption, and the Buckeyes seized it, outscoring their postseason opponents by a combined 145-75.

“After everything that was said this year, these guys are going to be remembered as one of the best teams in Ohio State history,” Day said. “Not everyone believed, but these guys did. Ohio State may not be for everybody, but it’s for these guys.”

No team has benefited from the College Football Playoff quite like Ohio State. In 2014, they entered the inaugural four-team format as the No. 4 seed and stunned Alabama and Oregon to win it all. This year, as the No. 8 seed in the expanded playoff, they turned disappointment into triumph.

Overcoming Adversity

The loss to Michigan—Ohio State’s fourth straight in the rivalry—kept them out of the Big Ten title game and would have spelled doom in the previous CFP format. But thanks to expansion, they secured a playoff spot and went to work.

After an intense team meeting, the Buckeyes rallied around a common goal. “Adversity either breaks you or makes you stronger,” receiver Emeka Egbuka said. “We chose to come together and get stronger.”

The Buckeyes’ journey to the title started with a dominant 42-17 win over Tennessee, followed by a statement victory over top-seeded Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Quarterback Will Howard, a key transfer, led the charge with precision passing and poise under pressure.

Defensive end Jack Sawyer, one of eight players who delayed their NFL dreams to return, proved to be a force throughout the playoffs. His game-sealing fumble return against Texas in the semifinal cemented his legacy in Buckeye lore.

Built for This Moment

Ohio State’s roster, built with a mix of veteran leadership and rising stars, came together at the perfect time. Day’s focus on foundation and resilience resonated with his players. Each day leading up to the season, he handed out scarlet and gray bricks to symbolize the team’s journey and the need for a strong foundation.

“Storms are going to come,” Day said. “We built this team on rock, not sand. That’s why we’re standing here today.”

Their performance in the championship game showcased their depth and versatility. Notre Dame took an early lead with a clock-chewing drive, but Ohio State’s response was swift and decisive. Running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins exploited gaps, while Howard’s pinpoint accuracy shredded the Irish defense.

Ohio State converted six consecutive third downs in the first half, and Howard set a national championship record by completing his first 13 passes. Their offensive line dominated, providing Howard ample time to deliver strikes and creating lanes for the run game.

A Legacy Secured

Former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel, who led the Buckeyes to a national title in 2002, watched the celebration and praised Day’s leadership. “It’s the long haul that counts. They did a masterful job of staying together and getting it done.”

As the Buckeyes hoisted the trophy, Day walked off the field to chants of his name, a stark contrast from the criticism he faced weeks earlier. “Funny now, right?” safety Lathan Ransom said. “Coach Day brought a national championship to Ohio State, and that’s all that matters.”

Ohio State may not have won the Big Ten or beaten Michigan, but they achieved something bigger: proving their resilience and etching their names in history as national champions.