Football player Christian Gray of Notre Dame discusses “The Conversion” against Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith.

Christian Gray, a cornerback for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, was thrust into the spotlight during a crucial moment in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship game against Ohio State. The game, held on January 20, 2025, would go down in history as one of the most intense matchups in college football, with Ohio State emerging victorious 34-23. However, for Gray, a young player who had shown promise all season, one play in particular defined his night—the dramatic “Conversion” against Ohio State’s star wide receiver, Jeremiah Smith.

The Build-Up to the Conversion

The stakes couldn’t have been higher. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish, led by head coach Marcus Freeman, had come into the game with an undefeated season and high hopes of claiming their first national title since 1988. On the other hand, Ohio State, with a rich football tradition under head coach Ryan Day, was determined to add another championship to their storied program. The game was a defensive battle for most of the night, with both teams struggling to gain momentum in a back-and-forth affair that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Christian Gray had been one of the standout defensive players for Notre Dame that season. A freshman cornerback, he had quickly earned a reputation for his coverage skills and his ability to shut down top-tier wide receivers. But going into the National Championship game, Gray knew that Ohio State had one of the most dynamic receiving duos in college football—Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka. Gray, who had lined up against top-tier receivers throughout the season, was preparing for a battle, but he could not have known how critical the final moments of the game would be.

The situation was tense. With less than three minutes left on the clock, Ohio State led 31-23, and the game appeared to be slipping away from Notre Dame. The Buckeyes had the ball on their own 45-yard line, facing a third-and-11. A conversion would likely seal the game for Ohio State, putting Notre Dame in a near-impossible position to mount a comeback. The Notre Dame defense had been bending all night but had yet to break, with Gray being a key player in keeping the Buckeyes from scoring more.

The Play: “The Conversion”

On third-and-11, Ohio State lined up with three wide receivers, including Smith, who had been a major target throughout the night. Gray was lined up across from Smith, but Ohio State’s offensive coordinator had designed a play to exploit Gray’s positioning. Smith, who had already shown flashes of his elite talent, was ready for the moment.

The play was a deep go-route, a move designed to take advantage of Gray’s leverage and the matchup between the two players. Gray had been playing tight man-to-man coverage, but Smith was able to break away from his coverage at the perfect moment. Ohio State’s quarterback, Will Howard, took the snap and launched a perfect throw deep down the sideline toward Smith.

It was at this point that the play would forever be known as “The Conversion.” Smith’s route took him deep, and Gray was in a difficult position. Despite his excellent coverage, Smith’s speed and the accuracy of Howard’s throw gave him a step, and as Smith leaped into the air, he made a spectacular catch that gained 56 yards and placed Ohio State at the Notre Dame 10-yard line. The crowd erupted as Smith, with his hands outstretched, reeled in the pass and secured the game-changing conversion.

For Gray, the moment was both a crushing defeat and an invaluable learning experience. The play was a highlight-reel moment for Smith, but it was also a tough blow for Gray, who had given everything to keep Notre Dame in the game. As Smith caught the ball, Gray was still in pursuit, but it was clear that the conversion was a game-deciding moment.

The Aftermath: Emotions and Reflections

In the aftermath of the play, the Notre Dame locker room was filled with frustration. The loss was not just a defeat; it was a moment that would define the season for the Irish. Players, coaches, and fans alike were left to reflect on what went wrong, particularly the crucial play that allowed Ohio State to ice the game. Gray, who had worked tirelessly all season to improve his craft, was understandably disappointed by the outcome of the play.

It was reported that the Notre Dame locker room was tense, with questions being raised about Gray’s performance on the play. Some speculated that the coverage could have been tighter, while others pointed to the scheme and how Ohio State had designed the play to exploit his positioning. But despite the disappointment, Gray knew that he was far from alone in the blame. The entire defense had struggled at times throughout the game, and there were numerous moments where the Buckeyes had gained the upper hand.

Gray, however, remained steadfast. In an interview after the game, he addressed the play head-on, acknowledging the difficulty of the moment but also emphasizing the lessons he would take from it. “It was a tough play,” Gray said. “But that’s football. You learn, you grow, and you come back stronger. I know I’ll get another chance to prove myself.”

Gray’s resilience was evident as he reflected on the play. He spoke about how he would go back to the drawing board, break down film, and focus on the finer details of his game. For him, this was just one moment in what he hoped would be a long and successful career. He understood that elite players like Jeremiah Smith would make plays like the one that decided the game, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t bounce back.

Jeremiah Smith’s Role in the Conversion

While the play would be remembered as a defining moment in the National Championship, it also highlighted the brilliance of Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith. Smith, a highly touted freshman, had been dominant all season, but this particular moment showcased his ability to rise to the occasion. His 56-yard catch on the go-route was a perfect display of his route-running precision, speed, and hands.

Smith had been a problem for the Notre Dame defense throughout the game, and when it mattered most, he delivered. The chemistry between Smith and quarterback Will Howard was evident on the play, with Howard placing the ball perfectly in a position for Smith to make the catch. Smith, who had been targeted several times throughout the game, had made a statement with this play, proving why he was one of the top wide receivers in the country.

The Conversion and the Bigger Picture

Though the play was a turning point in the game, it also symbolized the larger narrative of the season. For Notre Dame, the National Championship loss was a painful reminder of how close they had come to winning it all. The Irish had battled through the season, overcoming adversity and uncertainty, only to fall short in the final moments.

For Gray, the moment would serve as a defining challenge early in his career. While the defeat was tough, it was also an opportunity for him to grow. As he reflected on the season and the play, he knew that this would not be the last time he would face such a crucial situation. Football, like life, was about overcoming obstacles, and Gray was determined to learn from the experience.

As the off-season began, Gray knew that the sting of the loss would fade, but the lessons he had learned would stay with him forever. He was already looking ahead to the next season, determined to make the necessary adjustments in his game to become a better player. In his mind, the Conversion wasn’t the end of the story—it was just the beginning.