Why will Ohio State or Notre Dame be the most worthy college football national champion ever?

As the college football landscape continues to evolve, the race for the national championship is always a thrilling, highly competitive affair. The 2024 season has brought with it two titans—Ohio State and Notre Dame—both of which have made compelling cases for why they deserve to be crowned the best college football team in the nation. These two storied programs have long been associated with excellence on the field, and their achievements this season have only heightened their potential to claim the coveted title. So why could either Ohio State or Notre Dame end up as the most worthy college football national champion ever?

In this article, we will explore why both Ohio State and Notre Dame are not only deserving of the national championship but could make a strong argument for being one of the most deserving teams in the history of the sport. Through analyzing their records, performances, histories, and the overall context surrounding their seasons, we will highlight why these two teams have made such an impressive case for greatness.

The Ohio State Buckeyes: A Legacy of Dominance and Excellence

Ohio State has long been regarded as one of the premier programs in college football. Under the guidance of head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have consistently remained a powerhouse in the Big Ten Conference and the college football playoff (CFP) conversation. Their historical achievements, combined with their impressive roster and flawless execution in the 2024 season, have set the stage for Ohio State to make a legitimate claim as one of the most worthy national champions ever.

1. Consistency in High-Level Performance

Ohio State’s reputation for producing elite teams year in and year out is one of the cornerstones of their legacy. Since the turn of the millennium, the Buckeyes have been a constant fixture in the national title hunt, winning multiple national championships (2002, 2014) and making several CFP appearances. Ohio State has not only remained relevant in the college football landscape but has also been a dominant force in the Big Ten, regularly asserting their supremacy within one of the most competitive conferences in the country.

In the 2024 season, Ohio State entered the year with a roster full of high-profile recruits, including quarterback Kyle McCord, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., and defensive standouts like JT Tuimoloau and Steel Chambers. These players have all proven themselves to be among the best in the nation, showcasing Ohio State’s incredible depth of talent across all phases of the game. The Buckeyes’ ability to reload with top-tier talent while maintaining a winning culture is a testament to their elite recruiting and coaching staff, making their path to a potential national championship all the more remarkable.

2. Strength of Schedule and Big-Game Resilience

For a team to be considered one of the most worthy national champions, they must prove themselves against the best competition available. Ohio State’s schedule in the 2024 season has been loaded with tough opponents, and the Buckeyes have met every challenge head-on. From their gritty battles within the Big Ten to their crucial out-of-conference games, Ohio State has consistently faced—and defeated—some of the best teams in college football.

In particular, Ohio State’s victory over Michigan in a highly anticipated regular-season showdown solidified their national title aspirations. The win not only avenged a tough loss from the previous year but also showcased Ohio State’s ability to perform in clutch moments, particularly in a game that holds so much weight within the Big Ten. The Buckeyes also excelled in high-profile matchups throughout the season, proving they could withstand adversity and maintain their focus, crucial qualities for any national champion.

3. Historic Coaching and Leadership

Head coach Ryan Day has demonstrated an impressive ability to lead Ohio State through the highs and lows of a rigorous college football season. His ability to maintain focus, make in-game adjustments, and develop players at all positions has been integral to Ohio State’s consistent success. While critics have occasionally questioned his ability to win the biggest games, Day’s ability to recruit and develop talent at an elite level, while maintaining discipline and a strong work ethic, has played a significant role in keeping Ohio State at the top.

Additionally, players like Marvin Harrison Jr. and C.J. Stroud, who was drafted into the NFL as one of the top quarterbacks, have exemplified the kind of leadership and high-level play expected of Ohio State athletes. These players are not only skilled but also resilient, and their ability to lead their team to victory under pressure is a hallmark of a championship-caliber squad.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish: A Rich Tradition and Unyielding Determination

Notre Dame, a school steeped in rich football history and tradition, is another contender that has an undeniable case for being the most worthy college football national champion. As one of the most storied programs in college football history, Notre Dame is no stranger to the pressures that come with competing for a national championship. With a long history of success, including several national championships, the Fighting Irish are once again positioned to make a run at the sport’s highest honor.

1. Historic Legacy and National Prestige

Notre Dame’s history is perhaps unrivaled in terms of legacy and prestige. The Fighting Irish have been a mainstay in college football for decades, and their seven national championships (most recently in 1988) place them among the most accomplished programs in the sport. Notre Dame’s success is not just limited to the number of championships; it’s also about the program’s long-standing commitment to excellence, both on and off the field.

What makes Notre Dame’s current run even more impressive is the fact that the program has had to adapt to modern football while maintaining its identity. Under head coach Marcus Freeman, the Fighting Irish have shown remarkable resilience, embracing the new era of college football while continuing to uphold the values of discipline, hard work, and excellence that have always defined the program. Freeman, a former Notre Dame linebacker and a rising coaching star, has taken the team to new heights, proving that the program’s legacy is not a thing of the past but rather something that continues to thrive.

2. Strong Defensive Play and Physicality

Notre Dame’s defensive unit has been one of the most dominant in the nation in 2024. Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Al Golden, the Fighting Irish defense has wreaked havoc on opposing offenses, making key stops in critical moments. With players like Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (a former standout for the Irish) setting the example for a hard-hitting, aggressive defensive strategy, Notre Dame has been able to shut down some of the best offenses in college football.

In games against high-powered offenses like USC and Clemson, Notre Dame’s defense proved itself to be up to the task. The Fighting Irish have shown the ability to consistently disrupt opposing quarterbacks, force turnovers, and limit big plays. Their physicality and speed on the defensive side of the ball make them a tough opponent for any team, especially in the high-pressure situations of a championship game.

3. Stellar Quarterback Play and Offensive Efficiency

Notre Dame’s quarterback play has been another key factor in their success this season. With Sam Hartman, a graduate transfer from Wake Forest, under center, the Fighting Irish have had the steady hand they’ve needed at the quarterback position. Hartman has been a leader for the team, guiding the offense with poise, accuracy, and a strong understanding of the game.

Hartman’s ability to execute head coach Freeman’s offensive system has been crucial in Notre Dame’s success, and his experience has proven invaluable in tight games. Hartman has consistently made big throws in critical situations, including against tough defenses like that of Ohio State. The combination of efficient quarterback play, strong offensive line play, and reliable skill players has allowed Notre Dame’s offense to keep pace with some of the most potent offenses in the nation.

4. Resilience in Big-Time Games

One of the most notable qualities of the 2024 Notre Dame team has been their ability to rise to the occasion in big games. The Fighting Irish have faced numerous challenges throughout the season, including tough matchups against perennial powerhouses like Clemson, USC, and Ohio State. In each of these games, Notre Dame demonstrated mental toughness, never backing down from the challenge and coming through with key plays when it mattered most.