The Ohio State Buckeyes win the CFB championship game.
The Ohio State Buckeyes have always been one of the most storied programs in college football. With a tradition of excellence that includes multiple national championships, legendary players, and iconic coaches, the Buckeyes are synonymous with success. But despite their rich history, one thing had eluded Ohio State fans in recent years: a College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship.
After years of near-misses, the Ohio State Buckeyes finally broke through in a spectacular fashion, winning the CFB National Championship. In a season filled with challenges, fierce competition, and the unpredictable nature of college football, the Buckeyes showed the world that they were not just a team to be reckoned with—they were a dynasty in the making.
This victory marked a culmination of years of hard work, recruiting, and program building. Under the leadership of head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State delivered an unforgettable performance, securing their first national title in the expanded College Football Playoff era.
Let’s take a closer look at how the Buckeyes’ journey to the CFB National Championship unfolded, what this victory means for the program, and what fans can expect as Ohio State looks ahead to the future.
The Road to the Championship: A Season for the Ages
Ohio State’s path to the College Football Playoff National Championship was not an easy one. The road to the title involved overcoming fierce rivals, dominating some of the best teams in the country, and showcasing a well-rounded team capable of handling pressure in high-stakes situations.
1. Early Dominance in the Regular Season
The 2025 season began with high expectations for Ohio State. With a roster brimming with talent, including a Heisman-caliber quarterback, Kyle McCord, and one of the nation’s most feared defenses, the Buckeyes entered the season as a top contender for the national title. From the first game of the season, Ohio State flexed its muscles, running through a tough non-conference schedule with dominating performances against several ranked teams.
Their offense was explosive, with McCord connecting seamlessly with an array of talented receivers, including Marvin Harrison Jr., who had emerged as one of the best wide receivers in the country. The running back committee, led by TreVeyon Henderson, provided the perfect balance to an already potent passing game. Meanwhile, the defense, spearheaded by the disruptive J.T. Tuimoloau and the secondary led by Denzel Burke, played with a fierce intensity that allowed the Buckeyes to shut down some of the nation’s top offenses.
Despite some tough challenges, including a narrow win against Michigan in the Big Ten Championship Game, Ohio State never wavered. The Buckeyes proved they were deserving of a top seed in the College Football Playoff, earning a spot in the tournament as one of the four best teams in the country.
2. The College Football Playoff: Surviving the Gauntlet
Once in the CFP, Ohio State was matched up with an elite group of competitors. The Buckeyes found themselves facing familiar foes, and each game in the playoff was a battle of heavyweight programs. First, they faced Alabama, a team that had dominated the college football landscape for nearly a decade. Despite Alabama’s high-powered offense led by quarterback Jalen Milroe, Ohio State’s defense was relentless, pressuring Milroe and forcing turnovers at key moments. McCord and the offense capitalized, as Harrison Jr. proved to be too much for the Alabama secondary.
The semifinal game, played in the Fiesta Bowl, was a tense and dramatic affair. Ohio State won the game, 31-28, with a late touchdown pass from McCord to Harrison Jr. The Buckeyes’ ability to execute in critical moments was a testament to their poise and preparation.
In the National Championship Game, Ohio State faced another powerhouse—Georgia, the reigning national champions, and arguably the most dominant program in college football at the time. Georgia had come into the game as the defending champion, led by a defense that seemed impenetrable and a dynamic offense led by quarterback Carson Beck.
3. A Thrilling National Championship Victory
The stage was set for a national title clash between two of the most storied programs in college football. The game itself was everything fans could have hoped for: high-paced, physically demanding, and filled with incredible moments that showcased the talent of both teams.
From the opening whistle, it was clear that Ohio State had come to play. McCord and his offense were in rhythm, with the Buckeyes mixing up their passing and rushing attack. They took advantage of Georgia’s aggressive defensive front by using a quick tempo and innovative play designs. McCord threw for 350 yards, connecting with Harrison Jr. for two touchdowns and keeping the Bulldogs’ defense on its heels.
On defense, Ohio State stepped up when it mattered most. The Buckeyes’ defensive line, led by Tuimoloau and Tyleik Williams, provided consistent pressure on Beck, disrupting Georgia’s rhythm. Ohio State’s secondary, often criticized in years past, played lights out in coverage, limiting the Bulldogs’ explosive plays. In the third quarter, with Georgia threatening to take control of the game, Ohio State’s defense forced a crucial turnover—a strip sack that was recovered by the Buckeyes and set up a go-ahead touchdown.
With just minutes left in the game and Ohio State clinging to a narrow 34-31 lead, Georgia mounted one final drive. But Ohio State’s defense, led by C.J. Hicks and Kourt Williams, stood tall in the red zone, stifling Georgia’s attempt to punch the ball into the end zone. On a fourth-and-goal play from the 5-yard line, Beck’s pass was batted down at the line of scrimmage, sealing Ohio State’s historic victory and giving the Buckeyes their first national championship in the CFP era.
What the National Championship Means for Ohio State
Ohio State’s win in the College Football Playoff National Championship was not just a victory—it was a statement. The Buckeyes had long been one of the top programs in the country, but their inability to secure a national title in the playoff era had been a lingering cloud over the program. This championship victory solidified Ryan Day’s legacy as a coach capable of winning at the highest level and affirmed Ohio State’s status as one of the true giants of college football.
1. Ryan Day’s Legacy Solidified
Ryan Day took over a program that was already elite under Urban Meyer, but Day was tasked with continuing that success in a highly competitive landscape. While Day had led Ohio State to several College Football Playoff appearances, this national title was the culmination of his hard work and ability to adapt in the face of changing college football dynamics. Day’s offensive acumen was on full display in the championship game, as he orchestrated a high-powered attack that kept Georgia on its heels.
This championship victory will undoubtedly cement Day’s place among the elite coaches in college football, alongside figures like Nick Saban, Dabo Swinney, and Urban Meyer. His ability to recruit at a high level, develop talent, and make adjustments in big moments helped lead Ohio State to the pinnacle of college football.
2. Boosting Recruiting and Future Success
One of the immediate benefits of Ohio State’s national championship win is the boost it will give to the program’s recruiting efforts. Recruits from across the country will be drawn to a program that has proven it can win a national title, particularly when it comes to the high school players in the Midwest and South. This win will allow Ohio State to continue pulling in elite talent, which will ensure sustained success in the years to come.
The Buckeyes have been known for producing top-tier talent at almost every position, including quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and defensive line. With this national title, Ohio State is primed to continue that tradition and remain a consistent contender for championships in the future.
3. Setting the Standard for Excellence
This championship win will also serve as a benchmark for the Ohio State football program moving forward. The expectations for Ohio State football have always been high, and now, with a national title under their belt, the pressure to maintain excellence will be even greater. However, that’s the standard the program has set for itself, and with Day at the helm, there’s every reason to believe that the Buckeyes will continue to compete at an elite level year after year.
As one of the most successful programs in the history of college football, Ohio State has the resources, talent, and coaching to stay at the top. But this victory also sets a new expectation—anything less than a national title will now be viewed as a disappointment.
Looking Ahead: Ohio State’s Future After the Championship
The 2025 national championship victory is a landmark moment in Ohio State football history, but it is just the beginning. As the Buckeyes look ahead to the future, the program has a lot to be excited about. With Ryan Day leading the charge, Ohio State has a bright future, filled with opportunities to continue building on the success of the 2025 season.
The Buckeyes will return key players, including McCord at quarterback, and they will look to replenish their roster with top recruits who are eager to wear the scarlet and gray. The program’s consistency and commitment to excellence will be critical as Ohio State aims to defend its title and continue to build on its legacy.
Ohio State’s victory in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship was a historic achievement that added another chapter to the program’s storied legacy. For the Buckeyes and their fans, this win was more than just a championship—it was a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion that define Ohio State football.
