The Buckeyes returned to first place on Monday night as Ohio State defeated Notre Dame 34-23 in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Ohio State has now won nine college football titles, tied for fourth all-time among NCAA sanctioned championships, tied with USC.
This is also the College Football Playoff's first title since the 2014 season.
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Ohio State Buckeyes wide fielder after making a touchdown catch in the first quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Jan. 20. Receiver Jeremiah Smith, 4, celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson, 74. 2025. (Imagination)
The Buckeyes have become a completely different team since losing to Michigan in the rivalry game. And after stunningly defeating Tennessee (42-17) in the Rose Bowl, Oregon State (41-21) in the Rose Bowl, and Texas (28-14) in the Cotton Bowl, Ohio State They will use their offensive power to overcome Notre Dame and win everything.
However, this game differed from previous Ohio State wins in this playoffs, as the Fighting Irish really made a statement on their first drive, which lasted 18 plays and took over nine minutes of the first quarter. I did.
It was all thanks to the hard work of quarterback Riley Leonard and Notre Dame's offensive line.
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Leonard ran nine times for 34 yards and scored on a fourth-and-one at Ohio State's own 5-yard line. ESPN even reported that Leonard ran to the sideline, threw up and stumbled a bit before sitting on the bench. He also appeared to tell his teammates that he landed on a ball on one of his runs, which may have caused an abdominal pain.
However, the flow of momentum quickly shifted to Ohio State's sideline, as Will Howard and his group of talented weapons didn't just react, they took over when they got the ball.
The ensuing drive was 11 plays, 75 yards, and freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith capped off the drive with a perfect play call. He appeared to be running behind Howard in his pre-snap movement, but landed on the ground and walked into the end zone. I can't see anyone.
Not only did Ryan Day's group tie the game, but the defense took it another notch as they forced back-to-back three-and-outs on Notre Dame's second and third drives. And the Buckeyes offense used that to their advantage, scoring two more touchdown drives before the end of the first half.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Quinshon Judkins (1) plays against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the College Football Playoff Championships at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20. Celebrating a touchdown catch with tight end Gee Scott Jr. (88) in the second quarter. 2025. (Imagination)
Quinshon Judkins, an explosive running back who split time with Treveyon Henderson, scored both touchdowns, the first of which came after fighting multiple tackles to get over the line. It was a run of yards. Then, with 27 seconds left in the second quarter, Howard's rolling throw left him wide open in the end zone, giving the Buckeyes a 21-7 lead.
And as if that wasn't enough, Judkins scored his third touchdown of the night on the first drive of the second half. The 1-yard run was set up by a 70-yard run on the second play of the first half and quickly reached the goal. The Buckeyes score first.
Judkins finished the game with 100 rushing yards on just 11 carries and 21 yards on two catches.
But when Notre Dame cut the game to two scores after Leonard hit Jayden Greathouse for a 34-yard touchdown and a two-point try to make it 31-15, Ohio State There were some concerns.
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The concern came from Emeka Egbuka's fumble after going 24 yards on a catch-and-run. It was Ohio State's first fumble since Nov. 2 against Penn State.
Notre Dame took advantage of the turnover and drove downfield, and Leonard scored on an incomplete pass to Greathouse from the Ohio State 9-yard line for a fourth-and-goal with 9:27 left in the game. Until I realized I was knocking on the door.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day celebrates after running back Quinshon Judkins scores a touchdown during the first half of the College Football Playoff national championship game on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Bryn Anderson)
Given this score, you might think head coach Marcus Freeman wanted to try his luck with another touchdown, but kicker Mitch Jeter and the special teams unit ran onto the field. Then, the interesting play call backfired as Jeter's 27-yard field goal attempt hit the left goal post and hooked.
The game wasn't completely over after the defense forced a punt, and Leonard was able to find Greathouse again. This time it was a beautifully thrown ball and an even better catch from 30 yards out. Needing another two-point conversion, Jordan Faison took a handoff and it looked like Ohio State had sniffed it, but he threw it to Beau Collins for the try.
With the game down by one point, the Buckeyes needed to dig deep against the Fighting Irish, knowing that a stoppage would give them a chance for a complete comeback.
Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, backed up on third-and-eleven, called a gutsy deep pass from Howard to Smith, securing the dagger despite the freshman failing to make a single reception in the second half – 57 Buckeyes on the 9-yard line at the 2nd minute warning, scoring on a catch of yards.
The Buckeyes had the Fighting Irish use up all of their timeouts and could have run out the remaining time at that point, and a celebration ensued.
Touch with running back Quinshon Judkins (1) during the second quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025. Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard (18) celebrates on downs. (Imagination)
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In the box score, Leonard was 20-of-29 for 240 yards and two touchdowns, and on the ground he rushed for a team-high 40 yards on 17 carries. Greathouse also had five receptions for 11 yards.
Smith led the Buckeyes with five receptions for 89 yards, and Egbuka had six catches for 64 yards. Howard was 17-of-21 for 231 yards and rushed for 57 yards on 16 carries.
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