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ATLANTA – Ohio State has reclaimed its spot atop college football, securing its ninth national championship with a commanding 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The win marks the Buckeyes’ first title in a decade, solidifying their place among the sport’s elite.
Quarterback Will Howard led the charge, completing 17 of 21 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns. His pivotal 56-yard connection with star freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith in the final minutes set up the game-sealing score, ensuring the Buckeyes’ triumph. Smith, who tallied 88 yards on five catches, recognized the magnitude of the moment.
“I just knew I had to make a play,” Smith said. “It was one-on-one coverage, and I had to step up when it mattered most.”
Running back Quinshon Judkins was instrumental in the Buckeyes’ offensive success, amassing 100 rushing yards and finding the end zone twice on the ground, in addition to a receiving touchdown. Ohio State’s offense was efficient and relentless, converting nine of 12 third-down attempts against one of the nation’s top-ranked defenses.
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A Resilient Comeback from Adversity
The championship run was far from assured for Ohio State. After a crushing loss to rival Michigan on November 30, the Buckeyes were left out of the Big Ten Championship Game, raising questions about their postseason fate and head coach Ryan Day’s ability to lead the program forward.
“It wasn’t like we were broken,” Day reflected after lifting the trophy. “We had an awful day, but we knew we could never let that happen again. It was my job as head coach to take responsibility and make sure we bounced back.”
Despite the setback, Ohio State secured an at-large bid in the first-ever 12-team playoff format, entering as the No. 8 seed. The Buckeyes took full advantage, storming past Tennessee in the opening round and top-seeded Oregon in the quarterfinals before edging Texas in a hard-fought semifinal.
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Dominating the Championship Stage
Ohio State’s dominance was evident from the outset. Though Notre Dame opened the game with a methodical 75-yard touchdown drive that drained nearly 10 minutes off the clock, the Buckeyes responded emphatically. They scored touchdowns on their first four possessions and added a field goal to establish a commanding 31-7 lead early in the third quarter. By that point, Ohio State had already surpassed Notre Dame’s season average for rushing yards allowed in a single game.
The Fighting Irish attempted a late comeback, cutting the deficit to 31-15 by the third quarter, but their rally stalled when a field goal attempt bounced off the left upright. Even after scoring again in the fourth quarter to make it 31-23, Notre Dame couldn’t close the gap. That’s when Howard connected with Smith for the game-clinching play, sending Ohio State fans into a frenzy.
“It was a big-time moment for the freshman,” receiver Emeka Egbuka said. “He’s special—he’s going to have an incredible career here and beyond.”
A Historic Moment for Ohio State and the Big Ten
With this victory, the Big Ten secured back-to-back national titles for the first time since 1965-66, following Michigan’s championship last season. For Ohio State, the triumph was about more than just another trophy—it was about redemption.
“There were a lot of hard conversations after the Michigan game,” Egbuka admitted. “But those moments made this win even sweeter.”
As confetti rained down in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Buckeyes celebrated a journey that had tested their resilience. Day, drenched from a celebratory Gatorade bath, smiled as he embraced his staff and players, knowing that just two months ago, doubt loomed over his program.
“You look good soaked!” a friend joked as Day laughed, reveling in a moment of validation.
With this victory, Ohio State has not only reclaimed its status as a national powerhouse but also set the stage for another championship pursuit in the years to come.
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