A thrilling national title marks the end of Ohio State’s incredible journey.
The 2024 college football season will be forever etched in the annals of Ohio State history, as the Buckeyes capped an incredible journey with a thrilling national championship victory. This victory not only signifies the culmination of a hard-fought campaign but also represents a testament to the program’s resilience, growth, and unwavering pursuit of excellence. Ohio State’s triumph in the national title game, a nerve-wracking contest that had fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle, marked the end of a chapter—one that will be remembered as one of the most extraordinary seasons in the program’s storied history.
This year’s Ohio State team was special, a blend of talent, heart, and determination that made it a force to be reckoned with from the first snap to the last. After navigating a grueling regular season and surviving the College Football Playoff, the Buckeyes were poised to leave their mark on college football. The road to the national championship wasn’t easy, and it took every ounce of effort, strategic brilliance, and clutch performances to reach the pinnacle. But in the end, Ohio State’s victory was a triumph not only of talent but also of character, as they overcame adversity and emerged victorious when it mattered most.
The Road to the National Championship
Ohio State’s journey to the 2024 national title game was anything but predictable. While the Buckeyes were a preseason favorite, the road to the championship was filled with challenges, unexpected twists, and moments of uncertainty that tested the resolve of the entire program. From thrilling wins to gut-wrenching defeats, the 2024 season was a microcosm of college football’s competitive nature.
The season started with high expectations for Ohio State. Under head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes had been consistently dominant, particularly on offense. With the development of C.J. Stroud and the return of a slew of talented players on both sides of the ball, the Buckeyes seemed poised to make a run for the national title. However, the road ahead was not going to be easy.
In the early weeks of the season, Ohio State faced a series of tough opponents, each one a test of their ability to perform under pressure. The Buckeyes breezed through their non-conference schedule, but it was their Big Ten games that would truly reveal the character of this team. Ohio State’s conference rivals, including Michigan and Penn State, would pose significant challenges, and the team had to stay focused and avoid distractions.
The regular season provided its share of drama. Ohio State’s matchup against Michigan in “The Game” was particularly intense, with the Wolverines seeking revenge after their victory the previous year. The game was an emotional rollercoaster, as both teams played with everything on the line. In a contest that featured highlight-reel plays and high-stakes moments, Ohio State emerged victorious, securing their place in the College Football Playoff.
But it wasn’t just the offense that carried Ohio State to the title game. The defense, under the direction of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, had shown significant improvement throughout the season. Ohio State’s defense had struggled in past seasons, often giving up big plays and struggling to make stops in crucial moments. But this year, the defense was more disciplined and aggressive, stepping up in key situations to give the offense the opportunity to shine. Players like J.T. Tuimoloau and Tommy Eichenberg became key contributors on the defensive side, helping the Buckeyes stay competitive in the nation’s toughest conference.
The College Football Playoff: A Test of Grit and Determination
After securing their place in the College Football Playoff, Ohio State faced two of the best teams in the country, and it was clear that they would need to bring their A-game to even have a chance at the national title.
In the first semifinal, the Buckeyes faced a formidable opponent in the form of the Georgia Bulldogs, the defending national champions. Georgia, under head coach Kirby Smart, had established itself as a powerhouse in college football, boasting one of the most dominant defenses in the nation and a talented offensive unit. The game between Ohio State and Georgia was a true battle of titans, as both teams brought their best to the field.
What followed was a thriller that will be remembered as one of the greatest games in college football playoff history. The Buckeyes found themselves in a dogfight, with Georgia’s defense proving tough to crack. But Ohio State’s offense, led by C.J. Stroud, displayed poise and precision. Stroud’s ability to make key throws in clutch moments, particularly to wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., kept the Buckeyes in the game. Despite facing adversity and trailing at times, Ohio State’s offense never wavered.
The game’s turning point came in the fourth quarter, as Stroud orchestrated a near-perfect drive, leading Ohio State to a game-tying touchdown. With just minutes remaining, the Buckeyes’ defense made a critical stop, giving the offense one last chance to win it. Stroud, cool and composed under pressure, led Ohio State down the field with pinpoint accuracy, setting up a game-winning field goal. The moment of triumph came when Noah Ruggles drilled the game-winning kick as time expired, sending Ohio State to the national championship game with a 38-35 victory over Georgia.
The win over Georgia was a testament to the Buckeyes’ resilience and determination. Ohio State had faced a championship-caliber opponent and emerged victorious, proving that they were capable of competing with the best of the best. But there was no time to celebrate, as the Buckeyes still had one more hurdle to clear: the national title game.
The National Championship Game: Ohio State’s Moment of Glory
The national championship game was set: Ohio State versus the Texas Longhorns. Texas, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, had been one of the most dangerous teams in the country all season long. With Heisman-caliber running back Bijan Robinson leading the offense and a tough defense to match, the Longhorns presented another formidable challenge for Ohio State.
From the opening kickoff, it was clear that this would be a game for the ages. Both teams came out firing, exchanging touchdowns and big plays in an intense back-and-forth battle. Texas’ offense, led by Robinson, controlled the tempo early, chewing up yards and controlling the clock. But Ohio State, ever the resilient team, answered with their own explosive plays, relying on Stroud’s arm and the playmaking ability of Harrison Jr. to keep pace.
The first half was a rollercoaster ride. Texas was able to pull ahead at times, but Ohio State refused to back down, matching their opponent blow for blow. C.J. Stroud was playing the game of his life, making clutch throw after clutch throw, and the defense, led by linebacker Eichenberg and defensive end Tuimoloau, made timely stops to keep the Longhorns from pulling away.
With the score tied heading into the final minutes of regulation, the tension was palpable. Every possession carried the weight of the championship, and both teams knew that one mistake could cost them the game. As the clock wound down, Ohio State found themselves in a familiar position: needing a final, game-winning drive.
Stroud, who had been so calm under pressure throughout the season, once again proved his mettle. With poise and precision, he moved the Buckeyes down the field, navigating through Texas’ defense with incredible accuracy. Ohio State’s offensive line gave Stroud the protection he needed, allowing him to survey the field and make the right decisions. As time ticked away, the Buckeyes reached the red zone with just seconds remaining.
With the game on the line, Ryan Day called for one final play—a quick slant to Marvin Harrison Jr., who had been a nightmare for the Texas defense all night. Stroud delivered a perfect pass, and Harrison Jr. made an incredible catch, powering his way into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown. The Ohio State sideline erupted in celebration as the Buckeyes claimed the national championship with a 41-35 victory.
A National Title Earned Through Resilience and Heart
Ohio State’s national championship was not just a victory on the scoreboard—it was a triumph of resilience, grit, and heart. The Buckeyes had faced adversity at every turn, from tough opponents to moments of doubt, but they never wavered in their commitment to the goal. The victory was the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice by the players, coaches, and staff.
For head coach Ryan Day, this national title was the culmination of his vision for Ohio State football. Day had inherited a program rich in tradition, but he had taken it to new heights, blending modern offensive schemes with a renewed focus on defense. The result was a team that could win in any way—whether through high-scoring shootouts or gritty, defensive battles.
The leadership of C.J. Stroud was a defining factor in Ohio State’s success. Stroud’s poise, maturity, and ability to perform under pressure were on full display throughout the season, but never more so than in the national championship game. His chemistry with his receivers, especially Marvin Harrison Jr., was evident in every throw, and his ability to lead the team through adversity proved he was more than ready for the big stage.
The victory also marked the culmination of a dream season for Ohio State’s defense. Under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, the Buckeyes had transformed from a unit that had been prone to giving up big plays to one that was disciplined, aggressive, and opportunistic. Key plays by Tuimoloau, Eichenberg, and others throughout the season had helped pave the way for the Buckeyes’ title run, and their ability to step up in the biggest moments was crucial to Ohio State’s success.
The End of a Journey, But the Start of a Legacy
As the confetti fell on the field and Ohio State’s players embraced the moment, it was clear that this national championship would be remembered as one of the greatest in the history of the program. For the Buckeyes, this was the end of an incredible journey—one that had tested their limits, sharpened their resolve, and cemented their place among college football’s elite. But for Ohio State, this victory was also the start of a new legacy, one that would inspire future generations of players to continue the pursuit of greatness.
In the end, Ohio State’s 2024 national championship was more than just a victory. It was a statement: a statement that the Buckeyes were back, and that they had the talent, leadership, and heart to be a force in college football for years to come. The journey may have ended with a championship, but the impact of this season will resonate throughout the history of the program for decades to come.
