The Ohio State Buckeyes are back on top of the college football world. In a thrilling national championship game, the Buckeyes held off a valiant comeback attempt by the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to secure a 34-23 victory and claim their first title since 2014. The win caps a remarkable turnaround for an Ohio State team that suffered a crushing loss to underdog Michigan earlier in the season.
Howard to Smith Clinches the Championship
With Notre Dame surging and Ohio State clinging to a precarious lead late in the fourth quarter, Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard delivered the pass of the season. On third-and-11, Howard launched a deep ball down the right sideline to receiver Jeremiah Smith, who made a spectacular grab for a 56-yard gain. The clutch connection allowed Ohio State to burn clock and tack on a field goal, effectively sealing the championship.
JEREMIAH SMITH JUST WON OHIO STATE THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 😱
College Football Report (@CFBRep) January 21, 2025
Howard, a transfer from Kansas State, finished with 231 passing yards and two touchdowns. Smith, who had been quiet for most of the game, came up huge when it mattered most, tallying five catches for 88 yards. The late heroics were a fitting end to a championship run that saw Ohio State repeatedly find ways to win in high-pressure moments.
Fast Start, Furious Finish
Early on, it looked like Ohio State might cruise to an easy victory. The Buckeyes scored touchdowns on each of their first four possessions to race out to a 28-7 lead. Transfer running back Quinshon Judkins, who came over from Ole Miss, ripped off a 70-yard touchdown run that seemed to be the exclamation point on a dominant performance.
But Notre Dame had other ideas. The Fighting Irish fought back with two touchdowns and a pair of two-point conversions, trimming the deficit to 31-23 and setting up the frantic finish. Were it not for the late-game exploits of Howard and Smith, Ohio State could have been left to rue another collapse.
Reclaiming the Throne
Instead, the Buckeyes are celebrating a long-awaited return to the summit of college football. After years of near-misses and postseason heartbreak, Ohio State can once again call themselves national champions. For a proud program with a storied history, the 10-year title drought felt like an eternity.
Now, with the championship trophy headed back to Columbus, Ohio State fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief. The agonizing wait is over. The Buckeyes are back where they belong, and the college football world is on notice. Ohio State football is here to stay, with their sights set on building a new championship dynasty in the years to come.
