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Ohio State Wins Sixth National Title With Thrilling Victory Over Notre Dame 34-23

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Courtesy Of Ohio State Buckeyes Athletic Communications

Atlanta, GA—–On a pivotal third-and-11 late in the fourth quarter, Ohio State quarterback Will Howard launched a 56-yard strike to receiver Jeremiah Smith, sealing the Buckeyes’ 34-23 victory over Notre Dame. The win secured Ohio State’s sixth national championship and its first in a decade, concluding the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff.

The dramatic completion extinguished a fierce Notre Dame comeback and crowned Ohio State as champions of the expanded playoff format—just as the Buckeyes had claimed the inaugural four-team tournament title a decade earlier.

“They were playing man coverage, and I thought, ‘Let’s let it rip and give him a chance,’” Howard said, reflecting on the game-changing play. It was a departure from the Buckeyes’ historically conservative “three yards and a cloud of dust” approach, showcasing their willingness to embrace big moments.

From Turmoil to Triumph:

Ohio State’s championship seemed improbable just seven weeks ago, following a crushing 13-10 loss to Michigan that sparked on-field chaos and raised questions about head coach Ryan Day’s future. But the Buckeyes rallied, silencing critics and demonstrating resilience.

“It’s a story of perseverance,” Day said. “At a time when many counted us out, this group kept swinging and fighting.”

Notre Dame’s Late Surge Falls Short:

In front of a packed stadium split between Ohio State’s scarlet-clad supporters and Notre Dame’s sea of green, the Buckeyes initially appeared unstoppable. After building a 31-7 lead, Ohio State weathered a late surge from Notre Dame, who scored two touchdowns with two-point conversions to pull within one score.

Courtesy Of Ohio State Buckeyes Athletic Communications

Notre Dame legend Lou Holtz, watching from a luxury box, gave a thumbs-up as the Irish mounted their comeback. However, their hopes were dashed when Smith broke free on the decisive pass from Howard, leading to a field goal that sealed the victory and sent Buckeye fans into celebration.

“It was a do-or-die moment,” Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman said. “Howard and Smith made a great play. He’s a tough player to cover.”

Howard and Judkins Shine as Transfers:

Howard, a transfer from Kansas State, delivered under pressure, throwing for 231 yards and two touchdowns, including the clutch pass to Smith. Smith, a second-team All-American, had been quiet most of the game but finished with five catches for 88 yards, including the championship-clinching play.

“We hadn’t targeted Jeremiah much, but at the end, we decided to go for it,” Day explained. “It was about being aggressive when it mattered most.”

Quinshon Judkins, a transfer from Ole Miss, also starred for Ohio State, rushing for 100 yards and three touchdowns on just 11 carries. His 70-yard run in the second quarter set up a score that seemed to put the game out of reach at 28-7.

Missed Opportunities for Notre Dame:

Notre Dame’s loss was marked by critical decisions and missed chances. A failed fake punt in the third quarter led to a Buckeyes field goal, while a missed field goal attempt after a questionable decision to kick on fourth-and-goal proved costly.

“You’ve got to take risks in these games,” Freeman said. “But tonight, they didn’t work in our favor.”

Courtesy Of Ohio State Buckeyes Athletic Communications

Dominant Playoff Run:

Ohio State’s path to the title showcased their strength. Despite entering as the No. 8 seed, the Buckeyes stormed through the expanded playoff with an average margin of victory of 15 points, including dominating performances in the quarterfinals and semifinals.

The championship game was a matchup of underdogs, as No. 8 Ohio State faced No. 7 Notre Dame. The Buckeyes outgained the Irish 445-308 and punted just once all night.

A Season Redeemed:

The victory puts to rest doubts about Ryan Day’s leadership after four consecutive losses to Michigan. It also cements Day’s place among Buckeye legends like Urban Meyer, Jim Tressel, Woody Hayes, and Paul Brown.

“This is for everyone who doubted us,” Day said. “We’ve got the trophy, and that’s all that matters.”

For Notre Dame, the loss means the wait continues for a Black head coach to win a national title. Freeman sought to make history but instead watched Ohio State secure a second consecutive Big Ten championship, following Michigan’s victory last year.

As confetti rained down, the Buckeyes celebrated a season that began with uncertainty and ended in triumph. For Ohio State fans, the long-awaited title was a fitting redemption story, and for the rest of college football, it marked the dawn of a new era in the expanded playoff format.