The tale of Ohio State’s championship journey from preseason excitement to heartbreaking loss to playoff champion: “There was no other option.”

The journey to the College Football Playoff National Championship is never easy, and for the Ohio State Buckeyes, the 2025 season proved to be a rollercoaster ride of excitement, challenges, triumphs, and ultimately, heartbreak. From preseason optimism to a crushing defeat at the hands of their opponents, this season was defined by moments of greatness, key losses, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. The story of Ohio State’s championship journey is one of determination, resilience, and the unyielding belief that they were destined to stand atop the college football world—until the unthinkable happened.

As we look back on the tumultuous yet exhilarating road to the 2025 College Football Playoff, the Buckeyes’ campaign was filled with promise, expectation, and ultimately a painful realization: despite everything, there was no other option but to win.

1. The Preseason Buzz: Expectations and Optimism

It all started with excitement. As the 2025 college football season kicked off, Ohio State entered the year as one of the top teams in the country. Coach Ryan Day, who had consistently brought the Buckeyes to the brink of greatness in previous seasons, was looking to finally deliver the ultimate prize: a National Championship. With a roster brimming with talent and the return of several key playmakers, expectations in Columbus were sky-high.

Quarterback Will Howard was the centerpiece of Ohio State’s offense, a player with the poise and leadership that had been missing in previous seasons. Howard’s emergence as one of the nation’s most dynamic quarterbacks had people in Columbus believing that this could finally be the year for the Buckeyes. Alongside Howard, star wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka formed a dangerous combination in the passing game, while TreVeyon Henderson provided the explosive playmaking ability in the backfield. The offense was loaded, and many pundits believed that this team could be one of the most potent in Ohio State history.

On defense, the Buckeyes also had reason to feel optimistic. A line led by J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, combined with the playmaking ability of linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, gave the defense a chance to shut down any opponent. The Buckeyes’ defense had long been a strength, and under the leadership of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, they were poised to be even better.

The preseason buzz surrounding Ohio State was palpable. Many believed they were the team to beat, and after a disappointing finish to the 2024 season, they were hungry to prove their doubters wrong. National Championship talk dominated every conversation, and the pressure to win was overwhelming. There was no other option but to win it all.

2. The Regular Season: Dominance and Challenges

Ohio State’s 2025 regular season began with a bang, as they stormed through their early opponents with ease. The Buckeyes rolled to an undefeated record through the first several weeks, with Will Howard and his offensive weapons displaying their full capabilities. The offense was unstoppable, and the defense was swarming, forcing turnovers and stifling opposing offenses.

A major highlight of the season came during their clash with rival Michigan in late November. After two years of painful defeats to the Wolverines, this was the year that Ohio State had circled on their calendar as their chance to reclaim dominance in the Big Ten. The rivalry game was nothing short of dramatic, with both teams exchanging blows back and forth. Ultimately, Ohio State came out on top, securing a hard-fought victory that sent them into the Big Ten Championship and solidified their place in the College Football Playoff.

But despite their dominant record and impressive performances, Ohio State’s journey was not without its obstacles. Several injuries to key players, including Will Howard, who had suffered a mild sprain midseason, caused some unease in the Buckeye locker room. The defense, while generally strong, showed signs of vulnerability in a few high-scoring games, with teams taking advantage of gaps in coverage or exploiting defensive lapses. The Ohio State coaching staff, led by Ryan Day, was forced to make adjustments as they entered the postseason.

Despite the challenges, the Buckeyes finished the regular season with an undefeated record, earning a spot in the College Football Playoff. But there was still a feeling of unease, a nagging suspicion that something bigger was ahead. Ohio State’s fans had been patient, but their expectations had only grown higher. This team had the talent to win the National Championship—but would they be able to execute when it mattered most?

3. The Playoff: Ohio State’s High Stakes Pursuit

The College Football Playoff brought with it the weight of the world for Ohio State. Their first opponent, the Georgia Bulldogs, was the defending national champion and posed a monumental challenge. The Buckeyes knew that if they were to achieve their goal, they would need to play perfect football. The team came out of the gate fired up, showing their prowess on both sides of the ball. Will Howard and the offense found success early, moving the ball efficiently and scoring at key moments.

The defense, however, faced its biggest test of the season against Georgia’s high-powered offense. While the Buckeyes held firm for much of the game, Georgia’s running back committee and quarterback were able to exploit the defensive line and score some crucial points. But Ohio State’s offense, led by Howard’s leadership and clutch throws, pulled through in the closing moments, securing a narrow 34-30 victory. The Buckeyes had survived their first playoff test and were heading to the National Championship.

For Ryan Day, this was an emotional moment. Finally, after years of criticism and questions about his ability to deliver in the big moments, Day had taken his team to the ultimate stage. But the pressure was far from over. The next challenge would be their toughest yet: Notre Dame.

4. The National Championship Game: A Heartbreaking Loss

As Ohio State prepared for the National Championship game against Notre Dame, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. It was a battle for the ages, a showdown between two elite programs. For Ohio State, this was their moment to finally silence all the doubters and win their ninth National Championship.

But things did not go as planned.

The game started off with both teams firing on all cylinders. Ohio State’s offense, led by Howard, was explosive, while Notre Dame’s defense was stout and aggressive. But as the game wore on, it became clear that Ohio State was facing an uphill battle. Notre Dame’s offense, led by veteran quarterback Sam Hartman, found a rhythm, and the Buckeyes’ defense struggled to contain them.

In the fourth quarter, with Ohio State trailing by a mere seven points, Will Howard threw an interception deep in Notre Dame territory. The turnover, coming at a critical juncture, sealed the fate of the Buckeyes. Notre Dame capitalized on the mistake, marching down the field and scoring a game-clinching touchdown.

The final whistle blew, and Ohio State’s dream of a National Championship came to a heartbreaking end. The Buckeyes, who had fought so hard throughout the season, were left to grapple with the crushing disappointment of coming so close yet falling short. The final score: Notre Dame 34, Ohio State 23.

5. “There Was No Other Option”

In the aftermath of the game, the heartbreak was palpable. Ryan Day, his players, and the entire Ohio State fanbase were devastated. They had invested so much into this season, and for it all to end in defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. The press conference that followed the game was filled with raw emotion, as Day reflected on the journey and the ultimate failure.

“There was no other option,” Day said, his voice tinged with frustration and disbelief. “We came here to win it all, and we fell short. This is what we worked for. This is what we promised ourselves. It’s tough, but I’m proud of our guys for the effort they gave. We just couldn’t get it done tonight.”

For Ohio State, the pain was immense. They had given everything to win the National Championship. The players knew that they were capable of achieving greatness, but in the end, it was Notre Dame that had executed more efficiently, made fewer mistakes, and ultimately secured the win. The Buckeyes had no other option but to accept the reality of their defeat. The season, full of promise and potential, had come to a crushing and heartbreaking conclusion.

6. Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Resilience

Despite the sting of defeat, Ohio State’s journey in 2025 was one of tremendous growth and resilience. Coach Ryan Day had proven that he could lead the Buckeyes to the highest level of college football, and his players had fought tooth and nail for every victory. The pain of their loss in the National Championship game would linger, but it would also serve as fuel for the next season.

In the years to come, Ohio State would look back on their 2025 season with a sense of pride, knowing that they had fought through adversity and shown the heart and determination of champions. And for Ryan Day and his team, there would be no other option but to return stronger, smarter, and ready to claim what they believed was rightfully theirs.