On Monday night, Ohio State won its first national championship in 10 years, driven by a team that is open about its beliefs and coached by a coach who believes belief is a key component of team chemistry. Obtained. The Buckeyes held a 31-7 lead to a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame, giving the school its first national title since 2014 and third of the century. This season marked the debut of college football's 12-team playoffs, expanded from the previous four-team format.
“I have a lot of faith in them,” head coach Ryan Day told ESPN viewers after the game.
That belief was proven when Ohio State's stars interviewed with ESPN after the win.
“First and foremost, I must give glory and praise to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” said quarterback Will, who completed 17 of 21 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns.・Howard said.
“I wouldn't be here without him. I wouldn't be here without my teammates, without my family, without everyone who took a chance on me in Downingtown, Pennsylvania.” he added, referring to
OSU's coaching staff “changed my life in more ways than I can say,” Howard said. He was named the offensive MVP of the game.
“I can't believe God gave me the chance to be a Buckeye,” he said.
The Buckeyes' win in the national championship game came seven weeks after they lost to rival Michigan in one of the biggest upsets of the season. Many fans called for Day to be fired, but Day led the team to four straight wins in the playoffs.
Defensive MVP Cody Simon also spoke about his beliefs on Monday. He recorded eight tackles.
“I just want to say the Lord has done something special for this team and we're really grateful,” Simon told ESPN. “Everyone on this team agreed.”
Simon said faith “has brought us together.”
“We trust each other in our lives right now, and I think you saw that on the field,” he said.
The team's faith became a hot topic in the fall when hundreds of students gathered for a football-player-led service. Approximately 60 students were baptized.
ESPN's postgame analysis focused on team confidence.
“They talked a lot about that and how religious they are,” ESPN's Scott Van Pelt told colleague Rece Davis. “Both the trust above and the trust in each other seems to be what got us through Ohio State.”
Davis agreed.
“I often hear about people talking about their faith and then dismissing it,” Davis said. “They were sharing their faith and reaching out and baptizing not just their football teammates, but people on campus. And it became powerful for them. They gave to win games. It evolved, not because I thought it would happen.'' It changed their relationship, changed their selfishness, and dissolved it. That didn't mean they were guaranteed to win.
“And a lot of the same things were happening at Notre Dame. That's what I heard.” [Notre Dame coach] marcus [Freeman] What we talked about a lot this year is that it made people selfless. And I think that's the power of it. ”
“I can't believe God gave me the chance to be a Buckeye.” 🙏
This means everything to Will Howard 🏆 pic.twitter.com/DPDR679JtS
— ESPN (@espn) January 21, 2025
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/paras griffin/Stringer
michael faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His articles have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Chronicle, Toronto Star, and Knoxville News Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's podcast! he is the host of crosswalk talka podcast where he speaks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christians are making their faith a priority in Hollywood, and discover the best Christian movies, books, TV and other entertainment. can be found crosswalk talk above LifeAudio.comor subscribe at apple or spotify So, never miss an interview that is sure to encourage your faith.
First publication date is January 21, 2025.
