How many College Football National Championships has Ohio State won?
Ohio State’s College Football National Championship History: A Deep Dive into the Buckeyes’ Legacy
Ohio State University, with its storied football program, is one of the most successful and celebrated teams in the history of college football. From dominating the Big Ten Conference to consistently competing at the national level, the Buckeyes have built a legacy that spans decades. Among their most significant achievements are the College Football National Championships, a symbol of excellence and the pinnacle of success in college football.
As of the end of the 2023 season, Ohio State has won eight national championships in college football. These championships span various eras of the game, showcasing the program’s consistency and dominance in different generations. In this article, we will break down Ohio State’s national championships, the key players, coaches, and moments that defined those victories, and what they mean for the Buckeyes’ place in college football history.
The Early Years: Ohio State’s First National Championship (1942)
The Ohio State football program first reached the pinnacle of college football in 1942, under the leadership of head coach Paul Brown. This championship marked the beginning of Ohio State’s dominance in college football. The Buckeyes finished the 1942 season undefeated with a 9-0 record, showcasing one of the strongest teams in the nation.
The most significant game of the season came in the 1943 Rose Bowl, where Ohio State faced the USC Trojans. The Buckeyes emerged victorious with a 20-7 win, clinching their first national championship. Paul Brown’s team was noted for its hard-nosed defense and balanced offense, marking the start of Ohio State’s tradition of excellence. This victory laid the foundation for the future of Ohio State football, establishing the Buckeyes as a national powerhouse in the sport.
The 1950s and 1960s: A Time of Transition and Continued Success
In the 1950s and 1960s, Ohio State football began to establish itself as a perennial contender in college football, even if national championships were hard to come by. Under coach Woody Hayes, the Buckeyes’ program began to transform. Hayes was an iconic figure in college football, known for his intensity and commitment to winning.
Although Ohio State did not win a national championship during the 1950s, the program remained competitive in the Big Ten Conference, and Hayes quickly established a winning culture that would eventually lead to multiple championships.
1968: Ohio State’s Second National Championship Under Woody Hayes
Ohio State’s second national championship came in 1968, marking the beginning of a new era for the Buckeyes. Under the leadership of coach Woody Hayes, the Buckeyes went undefeated during the regular season, finishing with an 11-0 record. The team’s offense was led by Gregg L. and quarterback Rex Kern, while the defense was solidified by players such as Jim Stillwagon and Jack Tatum.
The Buckeyes’ most memorable moment of that season came in the 1969 Rose Bowl, where Ohio State squared off against the USC Trojans. The Buckeyes won 27-16, securing the national championship. This victory solidified Hayes as one of the best coaches in college football history and affirmed Ohio State’s place among the elite teams in the country.
1970s: Continued Dominance and Championship Expectations
Ohio State remained a dominant force in the 1970s, and the team continued to be led by Woody Hayes. Throughout this decade, the Buckeyes were among the most successful teams in the country, regularly competing for national championships. However, it wasn’t until 1974 that Ohio State would win its third national title.
1974: Ohio State’s Third National Championship
In 1974, the Buckeyes went 10-0 in the regular season, securing a spot in the 1975 Rose Bowl. The Buckeyes faced USC once again, in a game that would determine the national champion. Despite losing 10-7 to USC, Ohio State’s undefeated record during the regular season earned them the top spot in the final rankings, giving them their third national title.
This victory demonstrated the strength of Ohio State’s program under Woody Hayes, as the team continued to show they were a legitimate contender every year. The 1974 title was Ohio State’s first national championship in over two decades, and it was a significant milestone in the history of the program.
1980s and 1990s: Ohio State Faces Challenges
The 1980s and 1990s saw a shifting landscape in college football. While Ohio State remained a top-tier program under coaches like Earle Bruce and John Cooper, the Buckeyes were unable to capture another national championship during this period. Despite consistently finishing in the Top 10 and earning bowl invitations, they struggled to win the big games when it mattered most, especially in the postseason.
2002: Ohio State’s Fourth National Championship
Ohio State’s national title drought came to an end in 2002 when the Buckeyes won their fourth national championship. Under the guidance of head coach Jim Tressel, the team made a thrilling run to the championship, finishing the regular season with an undefeated record of 14-0. The team’s signature moment came in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, where they faced the Miami Hurricanes, a powerhouse team that was heavily favored to win.
In an epic showdown, the Buckeyes defeated Miami 31-24 in double overtime, securing their first national championship in 34 years. This victory was a testament to the perseverance and determination of the Ohio State team, with key contributions from players like quarterback Craig Krenzel, running back Maurice Clarett, and wide receiver Michael Jenkins. The win cemented Ohio State’s place among the elite programs in college football.
2014: Ohio State’s Fifth National Championship Under Urban Meyer
After a decade of success, Ohio State was once again poised for greatness in the 2014 season under coach Urban Meyer. The team was led by quarterback J.T. Barrett and running back Ezekiel Elliott, both of whom would go on to become stars in the NFL. The Buckeyes’ road to the national championship was anything but easy, but they powered through a difficult season, finishing with a 14-1 record.
Ohio State’s most memorable moment came in the College Football Playoff (CFP) Championship Game, where they faced the heavily favored Oregon Ducks. In a dominant 42-20 victory, Ohio State secured their fifth national championship. Ezekiel Elliott ran for a record 246 yards in the championship game, providing the Buckeyes with the offensive firepower needed to defeat Oregon and claim the title.
This championship was significant for several reasons: it was the first season of the new College Football Playoff format, and it was Ohio State’s first national championship in 12 years. The win was seen as a culmination of Urban Meyer’s successful tenure at Ohio State, and it solidified his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in college football history.
2015 and 2020: Near Misses and Close Calls
While Ohio State came close to winning more titles in the years following their 2014 victory, they fell short in two of the most high-profile matchups in recent history. In 2015, the Buckeyes were eliminated in the College Football Playoff semifinals, falling short of a repeat title. In 2020, they made it to the national championship game against Alabama, but were soundly defeated 52-24. Despite these setbacks, the Buckeyes continued to be one of the top programs in college football under Ryan Day, who succeeded Urban Meyer as head coach in 2019.
