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Ohio Against the World

In a season defined by resilience, Ohio State reached the pinnacle of college football, securing the program’s ninth national championship with a 34–23 victory over Notre Dame. The Buckeyes’ road to glory was anything but smooth, marked by setbacks, moments of doubt, and an ultimate redemption that cemented their place in history.

A Season of Setbacks and Redemption

Ohio State opened the season in dominant fashion, rolling through its early schedule with commanding wins over Akron, Western Michigan, and Michigan State. However, a stunning 32–31 loss to Oregon exposed weaknesses and put the Buckeyes on high alert. The most painful defeat, however, came in late November, when Michigan handed them a shocking 13–10 loss. It was the fourth straight time Ohio State had fallen to their archrival, a bitter pill that cast serious doubt on the team’s ability to compete for a championship.

That loss was more than just a setback—it was a gut-check moment for Ryan Day’s squad. The Wolverines’ physical dominance had become a recurring nightmare, and for Ohio State to bounce back, they needed to find a new identity. The College Football Playoff’s new 12-team format gave them a second chance, and from there, the Buckeyes never looked back.

The Playoff Run: A Statement of Intent

As the No. 8 seed, Ohio State had to earn its way to the top the hard way. They demolished Tennessee 42–17 in the first round, sending an early message that they were not just another at-large team. In the quarterfinals, they faced Oregon again—a rematch of their early-season loss. This time, Ohio State dominated, dismantling the Ducks 41–21 in the Rose Bowl.

The semifinals presented another challenge, with Texas standing in the way of the national championship game. The Buckeyes’ defense stepped up in a big way, shutting down Texas’ high-powered offense in a 28–14 victory. With that win, the Buckeyes found themselves one game away from rewriting their season’s narrative.

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The Championship Game: A Perfect Ending

Notre Dame struck first in the title game, marching down the field on an 18-play opening drive that drained nearly 10 minutes off the clock. But Ohio State refused to flinch. What followed was an onslaught of Buckeye dominance, as they rattled off 31 unanswered points. Quarterback Will Howard connected with freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith for an 8-yard touchdown, Quinshon Judkins found the end zone twice—once on the ground, once through the air—and the Buckeyes imposed their will on both sides of the ball.

Notre Dame made a late push, cutting the lead to 31–23 in the fourth quarter, but Ohio State sealed the deal with a final field goal, putting the game out of reach. As the clock hit zero, confetti rained down, and the Buckeyes were national champions once again.

Key Players Who Defined the Season

This championship wasn’t won by just one or two stars—it was a collective effort that saw several Buckeyes step up when it mattered most.

• Will Howard (QB): The transfer quarterback from Kansas State proved to be the missing piece Ohio State needed. His leadership in big games, combined with his ability to make plays with both his arm and legs, gave the Buckeyes a level of composure they had lacked in recent years.

• Quinshon Judkins (RB): A transfer from Ole Miss, Judkins was the heart of Ohio State’s offense. His punishing running style wore down defenses, and his 70-yard breakaway run in the title game was a defining moment.

• Jeremiah Smith (WR): The freshman phenom was impossible to ignore. While Ohio State has produced elite receivers in recent years, Smith proved he’s the next great Buckeye pass-catcher, making clutch plays throughout the playoff run.

• JT Tuimoloau (DE): The defensive anchor who delivered in crucial moments. His ability to pressure quarterbacks was a game-changer, especially against Texas and Notre Dame.

• Lathan Ransom (S): A leader in the secondary, Ransom’s presence was invaluable. He helped shut down deep passing attacks and was instrumental in keeping Notre Dame’s late-game rally in check.

The Culture That Made It Possible

Ohio State’s championship run was built on more than just talent—it was a testament to the culture Ryan Day and his staff had cultivated. The Buckeyes weren’t just playing to win; they were playing to redeem themselves. After the Michigan loss, instead of crumbling, the team came together with a renewed focus.

“There was a choice to be made,” defensive end Jack Sawyer said. “We could either let that loss define our season, or we could fight back. And we fought.”

Day echoed that sentiment in his post-game press conference, saying, “The story gets to get told now, and it’s a great story. I’ve got a bunch of guys who have just overcome some really tough situations.”

This was a team that refused to quit. The Buckeyes faced criticism all season, from their struggles on offense early in the year to questions about whether they could handle physical teams like Michigan and Notre Dame. But they answered every question when it mattered most.

A Legacy Cemented

With this championship, Ohio State not only restored its place at the top of college football but also proved that resilience, determination, and belief can turn heartbreak into triumph. The journey from despair in Ann Arbor to celebration in Atlanta will go down as one of the most remarkable turnarounds in program history.

As the team held up the national championship trophy, there was no doubt that their story—one of redemption and ultimate glory—was one worth telling.

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What to Watch This Weekend:

NBA Games:

Boston Celtics @ Philadelphia 76ers

• Date: Sunday, February 2, 2025

• Time: 3:00 PM ET

• Location: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA

• Two Eastern Conference powerhouses clash in a potential playoff preview, as Jayson Tatum and the Celtics look to assert dominance against reigning MVP Joel Embiid and the Sixers.

Los Angeles Lakers @ New York Knicks

• Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025

• Time: 5:30 PM ET

• Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

• LeBron James and Anthony Davis take center stage at The Garden against a surging Knicks squad, making for a high-energy showdown in one of basketball’s most iconic arenas.

NHL Games:

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Detroit Red Wings

• Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025

• Time: 7:00 PM ET

• Location: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI

• An Original Six rivalry heats up as Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs visit the Red Wings in a matchup filled with young talent and playoff implications.

Edmonton Oilers @ Vegas Golden Knights

• Date: Sunday, February 2, 2025

• Time: 4:00 PM ET

• Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV

• Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl lead the Oilers into Vegas to take on the defending Stanley Cup champions in a game that promises speed, skill, and playoff-level intensity.