Ohio State is the first team to win a national championship in both the four-team and twelve-team playoff eras, making history.

Ohio State Makes History as First Team to Win National Championship in Both the 4-Team and 12-Team Playoff Eras

In a historic achievement, the Ohio State Buckeyes have become the first team to secure a national championship in both the four-team and 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) eras. Their victory over Notre Dame in the 2025 CFP National Championship game not only marked their first title since 2014 but also solidified their place in college football history.

A Historic Championship Run

The 2024 season was a testament to Ohio State’s resilience and determination. Despite an unexpected home loss to unranked Michigan late in the season, the Buckeyes secured a spot in the expanded 12-team playoff as the No. 6 seed. Their path to the championship was anything but easy, requiring victories over top-tier teams in high-stakes matchups.

• First Round: Ohio State faced No. 9 seed Tennessee, defeating them 42–17.
• Quarterfinals: The Buckeyes avenged their regular-season loss to No. 1 seed Oregon with a 41–21 victory in the Rose Bowl.
• Semifinals: Ohio State overcame No. 5 seed Texas with a 28–14 win in the Cotton Bowl Classic.

These victories set the stage for a dramatic showdown in the national championship game.

Held on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, the championship game featured Ohio State and Notre Dame, both entering the contest with 14–2 records. The game was a thrilling display of college football, with Ohio State emerging victorious 34–23.

Quarterback Will Howard played a pivotal role, completing 17 of 21 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Quinshon Judkins contributed significantly, rushing for 100 yards and scoring three touchdowns. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith made a crucial 56-yard reception late in the game, sealing the victory for the Buckeyes.

Defensively, linebacker Cody Simon led the team with eight tackles, while safety Sonny Styles added six stops, showcasing the Buckeyes’ balanced and formidable team effort.

This championship is Ohio State’s sixth national title and the first under the 12-team playoff format. Their journey to the championship was historic in several ways:

• First 12-Team Playoff Champion: Ohio State became the inaugural champion in the expanded playoff era.
• Two Losses, Still a Champion: They are the first team since the 2007 LSU Tigers to win a national championship with two losses in the season.
• No Conference Championship, Still a Champion: The Buckeyes are the first team to win the national championship without securing their respective conference title since the 2021 Georgia Bulldogs.

Head coach Ryan Day’s leadership was instrumental in guiding the team through adversity. Following the loss to Michigan, there were questions about his future with the program. However, his ability to rally the team and lead them to a national championship solidified his position and demonstrated his coaching acumen.

Ohio State’s historic championship run has set a new standard in college football. Their success in both the four-team and 12-team playoff eras underscores the program’s adaptability and enduring excellence. As the Buckeyes celebrate this achievement, the college football world watches closely, eager to see how they will continue to shape the future of the sport.

The 2025 national championship not only adds to Ohio State’s storied history but also serves as a benchmark for future teams navigating the challenges of the expanded playoff system. Their journey is a testament to the power of resilience, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to excellence.