Ohio State Crowned National Champions in Historic Victory Over Notre Dame
In a thrilling conclusion to the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, Ohio State dominated Notre Dame 34-23 to capture its ninth national championship and first since 2014. The Buckeyes showcased a remarkable turnaround under coach Ryan Day, just weeks after a devastating rivalry loss to Michigan.
The game highlighted the brilliance of quarterback Will Howard, a senior transfer from Kansas State, who set a playoff record with 13 consecutive completions to start the game. Howard finished with 231 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 57 rushing yards, leading an efficient Buckeye offense.
Running back Quinshon Judkins, a transfer from Mississippi, played a pivotal role with 100 rushing yards, three total touchdowns, and a game-defining 70-yard run early in the second half. Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith added 88 receiving yards and a touchdown, while defensive lineman JT Tuimoloau led the defense with five tackles, including two for loss and a sack.
Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard delivered a commendable performance, throwing for 255 yards, two touchdowns, and adding a rushing score. Wide receiver Jaden Greathouse recorded 128 yards and two touchdown receptions, but the Irish struggled to keep up with Ohio State’s explosive offense, gaining just 308 total yards to the Buckeyes’ 445.
Ohio State seized control with touchdowns on its first four possessions, marking a championship game first. The Buckeyes built a commanding 28-7 lead early in the third quarter, capped by Judkins’ dominant run and second touchdown of the night.
Notre Dame rallied late, narrowing the gap to 31-23 with 4:15 left, but a clutch 57-yard connection from Howard to Smith iced the game. Jayden Fielding’s 33-yard field goal sealed the victory.
This championship run cements Ohio State’s place in history as the first team to win four postseason games under the expanded playoff format, defeating Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame. Coach Ryan Day joins a storied lineage of Ohio State championship coaches, silencing critics and restoring the Buckeyes to national prominence.
With a blend of exceptional talent and resilience, Ohio State’s 2025 team etched its name among the program’s all-time greats, delivering a title Buckeye Nation will never forget.