The Ohio State Buckeyes stand just one win away from a national championship, a scenario that seemed unthinkable after their devastating loss to archrival Michigan to end the regular season. That 13-10 defeat, coming as 21-point favorites, could have broken the Buckeyes. Instead, it made them stronger than ever.
A Truth-Telling Turning Point
In the aftermath of the Michigan loss, Ohio State held a team meeting that quarterback Will Howard described as a pivotal “truth-telling time.” Players and coaches laid bare the facts of their shortcomings and challenged each other to be better.
Everyone including myself had to look in the mirror a little bit and say what can I do better? How can we fix this thing?
Will Howard, Ohio State Quarterback
Rather than point fingers, the Buckeyes rallied around the opportunity ahead of them – a chance to “right all these wrongs” and compete for a national title. They emerged from that meeting a united and determined team.
Resiliency and a Stepping Stone
Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly highlighted the team’s resiliency following the loss, noting they had a choice to let it define or motivate them. “It could be your tombstone, or it could be a stepping stone,” Kelly said of the defeat. Ohio State emphatically chose the latter.
The Buckeyes have reeled off three straight playoff wins since that fateful loss, including victories over Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas. A team left for dead after the Michigan game has roared back to life.
Offense and Defense United
Beyond strategic adjustments, the loss to Michigan and subsequent team meeting forged a stronger bond between the Ohio State offense and defense. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles called on his unit to “go out of your way to pick up your brothers on offense” the way they had done for the defense after an early-season loss to Oregon.
By supporting each other unconditionally, Knowles said “it kind of really merged us” into a cohesive team. The Buckeyes have played complementary football ever since, lifting each other up in victory.
Staying the Course Through Scrutiny
The Michigan loss also cast a harsh spotlight on head coach Ryan Day, who faced backlash and questions about his job security after falling to 0-2 against Ohio State’s biggest rival. But Day never let the outside noise infiltrate the team, putting his head down and focusing on getting better each week.
Every year you learn and you grow, trying to be self-aware enough to surround yourself with people who will tell you the truth, hoping to get better, and that’s really all you can do.
Ryan Day, Ohio State Head Coach
By tuning out the criticism and leaning on his relationships within the program, Day has the Buckeyes on the cusp of their first national title since 2014. A trying season has only made the reward that much sweeter.
A Timeless Lesson in Leadership
Ohio State’s journey from the depths of despair to the national championship game is a testament to the power of leadership, accountability, and resilience. The Buckeyes easily could have crumbled under the weight of their humbling loss to Michigan, a defeat more lopsided than any point spread could have predicted.
Instead, Ohio State’s coaches and captains faced their shortcomings head-on, rallying the team with brutal honesty and unwavering belief. They transformed their lowest moment into a launching pad, a truth-telling turning point that propelled them to the precipice of glory.
Regardless of the outcome against Notre Dame, the 2025 Buckeyes have taught a valuable lesson in leadership that resonates beyond the gridiron. By owning their failures, maintaining faith, and lifting each other up, Ohio State has epitomized the resilience of the human spirit. That, even more than a trophy, is the true mark of a champion.
