John Mobley Jr. scored 19 points, and Bruce Thornton had 11 of his 17 points in the second half as Ohio State defeated Penn State 83-64 on Thursday in State College, Penn.
Devin Royal contributed 15 points and eight rebounds, while Micah Parrish added 12 points for Ohio State (13-8, 5-5 Big Ten), which has won three consecutive games.
Yanic Konan Niederhauser led Penn State with 21 points, and Zach Hicks added 13 points. Ace Baldwin Jr. and Nick Kern Jr. each scored 10 points for the Nittany Lions (13-9, 3-8), who have lost seven of their last eight games.
For the second year in a row, Penn State hosted a game at Recreational Hall, the gym the team used before moving to the larger Bryce Jordan Center in 1996.
The Nittany Lions hoped the support from their home fans would help them win, but the Buckeyes had other plans.
Ohio State trailed 4-2 early, but Mobley scored five straight points to give the Buckeyes the lead for good.
Ohio State (NCAAB)
The Buckeyes used solid defense, including four steals in the first half, to build a nine-point lead, which stretched to 43-28 with 1:08 left. Mobley added two free throws after Kern received a technical foul with 2:17 remaining.
Penn State scored the last five points of the half, cutting the deficit to 43-33. The Nittany Lions made it a six-point game early in the second half after Hicks hit two 3-pointers, but Ohio State responded with a five-point run to lead 50-39.
Penn State never got closer than eight points for the rest of the game, with the Buckeyes pushing the lead to 20 after Aaron Bradshaw dunked to make it 78-58 with 4:41 remaining.
Thursday marked the fifth time the Nittany Lions have played in Rec Hall since 1996, including a win over No. 12 Illinois last season.
Buckeye fans erupt as a late-game field goal seals the championship win (Ohio State Team)
The deadline for players to enter the 2025 NFL Draft or transfer portal has passed. Ohio State’s 2024-25 national championship team was one of the best in the program’s history, but now it’s time to focus on the 2025 season and see which players are staying and which are leaving Columbus.
The 2025 Ohio State football roster will look quite different. After winning the national championship, the Buckeyes had to work hard to keep their roster and coaching staff intact.
However, many seniors who returned to the program to achieve their goals will now be moving on. Ohio State can still add players to the roster before the season, but they must wait until the 10-day window after spring practice, between April 16 and 25.
Here is a breakdown of the players entering and leaving the program, and a preview of the 2025 roster.
NFL Draft Entrants and Seniors
Ohio State will need to find a new starting quarterback, as fifth-year transfer Will Howard is entering the NFL Draft. The Buckeyes will also replace their entire starting defensive line.
Defensive ends Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau, along with defensive tackles Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton, are all seniors and will move on to the next level.
Several other seniors will depart, including defensive backs Lathan Ransom, Denzel Burke, and Jordan Hancock, linebacker Cody Simon, offensive tackles Donovan Jackson and Josh Fryar, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, running back TreVeyon Henderson, and tight end Gee Scott Jr.
Junior offensive lineman Josh Simmons, who had his season cut short due to a knee injury, has also declared for the draft.
Running back Quinshon Judkins, who spent just one season at Ohio State, will forgo his senior season to declare for the NFL Draft. Transfer center Seth McLaughlin, a Rimington Trophy winner, will also enter the draft.
Transferred Out of Ohio State
With a strong quarterback group last season, it’s no surprise that two scholarship quarterbacks entered the transfer portal. Devin Brown, who stayed with the team through the postseason, is transferring to Cal, while Air Noland is moving to South Carolina.
Offensive lineman George Fitzpatrick is transferring to Kansas State, and Zen Michalski, who had notable playing time last season, will move to Indiana within the Big Ten.
Several other players have entered the transfer portal, including safety Jaden Bonsu (to Pitt), linebacker Gabe Powers (to Kansas State), cornerback Calvin Simpson-Hunt (to Baylor), and defensive lineman Mitchell Melton (to Virginia). After three seasons at Ohio State, defensive tackle Hero Kanu has entered the portal.
Will Howard pass in the 1st half
Wide receiver Jayden Ballard is transferring to Wisconsin, while Kojo Antwi will join Colorado State. Running back Sam Williams-Dixon has entered the portal without announcing his next destination, and tight end Patrick Gurd is also in the portal.
Transfer Portal Additions
Ohio State is adding Max Klare, a tight end from Purdue, to their already talented tight end group. Klare was the best tight end available in the portal, catching 51 passes for 685 yards and four touchdowns last season.
With only one scholarship running back returning from the 2024-25 roster, James Peoples, Ohio State has added West Virginia running back CJ Donaldson, who is expected to be a leader in the backfield alongside Peoples.
The Buckeyes have also picked up offensive tackle Phillip Daniels from Minnesota, offensive tackle Ethan Onianwa from Rice, linebacker Ty Howard from Duquesne, and defensive end Logan George from Idaho.
Notable Returning Players
Two important junior defensive players had decisions to make about the NFL Draft and both decided to return for another year with the Buckeyes.
Cornerback Davison Igbinosun will stay for his senior season, providing a significant boost to the secondary. Last season, Igbinosun recorded 45 tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions, and nine pass breakups.
Junior linebacker Sonny Styles has also announced his return for his senior year. He finished the season with 100 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, five pass breakups, and one forced fumble.
With defensive coordinator Jim Knowles likely moving to Penn State next season, Ohio State will need to find new leadership. However, they will retain key veteran players in safety Caleb Downs, cornerback Igbinosun, and linebacker Styles.
There were rumors about NIL offers to wide receivers Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith, but both players reassured fans on Twitter that they would remain with Ohio State.
Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Jordan Hancock in action during the game
The Ohio State Buckeyes will be losing an important player in their defense, as cornerback Jordan Hancock has decided to enter the NFL Draft.
Before the 2024 college football season, Hancock wasn’t seen as one of Ohio State’s top draft candidates. Most of the attention went to fellow cornerback Denzel Ward.
However, Hancock had a standout season, recording 48 tackles, an interception, a couple of forced fumbles, and eight passes defended.
The 21-year-old also had a strong performance in the College Football Playoff, especially in the Cotton Bowl against Texas, where he made six tackles and defended one pass.
Standing at 6-foot-1, Hancock has the right size for the NFL and can play several roles in the defense. While he may not be picked in the first round, his draft stock has risen recently, and it will be interesting to see where he gets selected in April.
Ohio State Secures Sixth National Title with Dramatic Victory Over Notre Dame in Playoffs
As the passing game becomes more important in the NFL, tall and physical cornerbacks like Hancock are in high demand.
Ohio State will be losing many defenders to the NFL Draft, so they will need to fill these gaps for the 2025 season.
Fortunately, the Buckeyes have a strong recruiting class coming in, so they should be able to recover quickly.
Ohio State just won its first national championship in ten years, with a major part of their success being their top-ranked defense.
Ohio State Secures Sixth National Title with Dramatic Victory Over Notre Dame in Playoff (Ohio State)
In a thrilling conclusion, Ohio State claimed a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame, securing its sixth national title and first since 2014. The pivotal moment came late in the fourth quarter, when quarterback Will Howard threw a 56-yard pass to receiver Jeremiah Smith, sealing the win. The Buckeyes’ victory was especially meaningful as it marked the first national championship in college football’s new 12-team playoff format. This achievement mirrors their triumph in the inaugural four-team playoff a decade ago.
The game’s momentum shifted dramatically as Notre Dame made a fierce late-game push. Trailing 31-7, the Irish scored two touchdowns and two two-point conversions, narrowing the gap to a one-score game. Ohio State, however, thwarted the comeback when Howard threw the perfect pass to Smith. Despite Notre Dame’s fierce defense and efforts, including a clutch stop and timeouts, Smith outran his defender, setting up a field goal that clinched the win.
Ohio State’s Struggles and Resilience
Just seven weeks earlier, Ohio State’s future seemed uncertain after a devastating 13-10 loss to Michigan. The defeat led to questions about coach Ryan Day’s job security and doubts over the team’s championship potential. However, Day’s leadership turned the season around. His words echoed the heart of the team’s performance: resilience in the face of adversity. Despite being written off by many, the Buckeyes fought back and eventually achieved a victory that felt improbable only months prior.
Ohio State Secures Sixth National Title with Dramatic Victory Over Notre Dame in Playoff (Ohio State)
A major factor in Ohio State’s success was its strategic use of the transfer portal. Will Howard, a transfer from Kansas State, was instrumental in their playoff run, throwing for 231 yards and two touchdowns. In particular, the 56-yard pass to Smith demonstrated Howard’s clutch playmaking ability. Running back Quinshon Judkins, another transfer, added to the Buckeyes’ offensive success, rushing for 100 yards and scoring three touchdowns, including a game-changing 70-yard run that extended Ohio State’s lead to 28-7.
Critical Errors and Missed Opportunities for Notre Dame
While Ohio State dominated much of the game, Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman faced tough decisions. A failed fake punt in the third quarter allowed Ohio State to extend its lead, while a missed field goal attempt while trailing by two scores further complicated Notre Dame’s comeback efforts. Freeman’s decision to take a short field goal with less than ideal odds left some questioning the strategy. Despite these missteps, Freeman’s leadership of Notre Dame remains admirable, although the loss left lingering questions about critical moments in the game.
Ohio State’s championship run not only solidified their dominance in college football but also marked a major redemption for head coach Ryan Day. The team overcame significant doubts following their loss to Michigan and proved themselves in the expanded playoff format. The win also ended a decade-long title drought for the Buckeyes, joining a storied list of championship-winning coaches, including Urban Meyer, Jim Tressel, and Woody Hayes. The victory also placed the Big Ten back on top for consecutive titles, a first since 1942, following Michigan’s championship last year.
Ryan Day earned his sense of vindication when he guided Ohio State to a national championship, just a couple of months after it seemed his job might be at risk.
However, that relief didn’t last long. When asked on Tuesday if his 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the national championship game would reduce the pressure on him for the 2025 season, Day made it clear he still felt the weight of expectations.
“Try losing the first game and see how that goes at Ohio State,” Day replied.
The Buckeyes’ national title was redemption for Day, who faced significant criticism after Ohio State’s fourth straight loss to Michigan in November. That defeat had led to doubts about his ability to win big games. Day acknowledged the achievement and credited his players for making history. He called them one of the greatest teams in Ohio State history.
Quarterback Will Howard, who wore a “National Champs” cap, and linebacker Cody Simon joined Day for Tuesday’s College Football Playoff champions news conference.
“I’m proud of these guys,” Day said. “And again, we’ll go down in history and cement themselves as champions.”
Though Day didn’t claim he deserved to be listed among the great Ohio State coaches who won national championships, such as Urban Meyer, Jim Tressel, Woody Hayes, and Paul Brown, he did say it was an honor to be the head coach at the university.
“It’s an honor,” Day remarked when asked about joining that group of legendary coaches. “It’s an honor to be the head coach at Ohio State. I’d probably say that this job is not for everybody.”
Day’s victory earned him his place in Ohio State history, despite some unexpected moments, like when the golf cart transporting him to Monday night’s postgame news conference collided with a wall. The driver misjudged the cart’s turning radius, causing Day to jolt forward in his seat, much to the amusement of Howard, who was in the back row.
Ohio State players celebrate after the win
“Obviously, the golf cart incident was pretty funny,” Howard said. “Coach Day, I hope you’re all right. He got jolted a little bit.”
Day jokingly replied, “Send the medical bills to the CFP.”
But Day’s financial reward was much more than a medical bill. His $500,000 bonus for winning the national championship was added to the $500,000 bonuses he had already earned, bringing his total compensation, including his $10 million base salary, to a generous sum.
Day’s success came after a season full of challenges, including the College Football Playoff’s first-ever 12-team format. Ohio State was ranked No. 1 in the final AP Top 25, ahead of Notre Dame.
Day’s record of 68-10 in six seasons at Ohio State is impressive, but his impressive win rate seemed to be overshadowed by his team’s loss to Michigan and their failure to reach the Big Ten championship game.
“None of us ever doubted for a second that he was the right guy to lead this team,” Howard said. “We stuck together and we said we want to do it for each other, we want to do it for our coach, and let’s do this thing, man. I’m really glad that we were able to finish it the right way.”
Simon echoed that sentiment, adding, “No one ever on our team lost any type of faith.”
He explained that after the loss to Michigan, he realized there was “noise all over the world” doubting the team. But Simon said he trusted Day because he saw how hard the coach worked every day.
“You think you’re getting work done and you go and walk past the head coach’s office and he’s already there,” Simon said. “He’s been watching film. His eyes are bloodshot. He puts that extra time in that no one in the world is really putting in.”
When the final seconds ticked off the clock Monday night, Day threw his headset into the air. When asked if he felt happiness or relief, Day admitted he felt both.
“I don’t know if it’s a spectrum. All of the above. Yeah, all of the above,” he said. “There’s a mix of emotions there. It’s hard to really put into words.”
Ohio State is the early favorite to win next year’s national championship, but no one really knows what to expect when the season begins in seven months. The game is rapidly changing, and new rules are set to be introduced that will affect how teams prepare and build their rosters.
One of the biggest changes involves a legal settlement that will allow schools to pay players directly while also reducing roster sizes but increasing the number of available scholarships. This will be in place for next season, but schools first need to figure out how it will work, especially in relation to Title IX rules.
There are also questions surrounding the transfer portal, which many believe is out of control, and whether the 12-team playoff system that debuted this season will stay the same or undergo changes.
“There are so many unknowns,” said Gloria Nevarez, commissioner of the Mountain West Conference. “We’re trying to track it all to the best we can and offer solutions. But we’ve got to see what the ‘it’ is so that we can determine how it affects us.”
For Ohio State, their most fortunate turn of events this season was not related to roster planning but to the expansion of the college playoff from four to 12 teams. A crushing loss to Michigan in November had knocked them out of the Big Ten title race, and in previous years, it would have been the end of their season.
But this time, they got another shot, finishing as the sixth-ranked team and receiving an eighth seed thanks to the playoff system.
It’s possible that the College Football Playoff seeding system could change. “I think there will be a good, honest conversation, are there any changes that we ought to make from this year to next year to make something that’s worked really well work even better,” said Pete Bevacqua, Notre Dame’s athletic director.
Another area where changes are expected is how schools will pay players. The recent settlement allows schools to share up to $20.5 million in revenue with players, though it’s unclear how the funds will be divided, particularly between men’s and women’s sports.
Will Howard smile after the win
A government memo raised concerns that paying a larger share to men’s sports could violate Title IX, which ensures gender equality. This issue will likely be addressed by the new administration, with the settlement set to take effect in April.
“It’s been five years of every day being different than the day before it, and adapting and adjusting and being malleable,” said Grant House, an Arizona State swimmer who is a lead plaintiff in the lawsuit causing these changes. “No one has all the answers right now, but we’re looking for solutions.”
As college football faces these many challenges, the idea of appointing a commissioner to oversee the sport has been suggested. This individual would handle issues like scheduling, player pay, the transfer portal, and enforcing new rules. ESPN’s Chris Fowler believes a commissioner could improve the game for fans. “You need some centralized scheduling, you need a more level playing field. You need better enforcement,” he said.
Despite these issues, many of college football’s top programs are expected to remain strong next season. LSU is considered to have had the best transfer portal haul, while Texas will begin the season with quarterback Arch Manning, the grandson of Archie Manning.
At Georgia, Gunner Stockton is expected to replace Carson Beck, who committed to Miami. The Miami Hurricanes also added a defensive back from Wisconsin, Xavier Lucas, who never officially entered the portal, leading to concerns about tampering.
For Ohio State, coach Ryan Day is looking forward to next season after securing a national title, but the pressure will remain high. He faces the challenge of replacing QB Will Howard, who transferred to the NFL. Julian Sayin, a five-star recruit who transferred from Alabama to Ohio State, is expected to step in. The Buckeyes will face Texas in their season opener on August 30.
“Try losing the first game and see how that goes at Ohio State,” Day said. “We’ll see about that.”
Ohio State quarterback Devin Brown looks to pass against Missouri during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA college football game
Ohio State backup quarterback Devin Brown has decided to transfer to the University of California.
Brown entered the transfer portal in December, but he remained with Ohio State during their journey to the national championship, which they capped off with a victory over Notre Dame on Monday night.
California made the announcement on Tuesday that Brown will be joining the Golden Bears for the upcoming season.
The Bears lost their starting quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, to Indiana this offseason. They also saw the departure of their top two backup quarterbacks, Chandler Rogers and CJ Harris, who both entered the transfer portal.
Brown is expected to compete for the starting quarterback position at Cal, likely against freshman Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele. He still has two years of eligibility left.
Ohio State players celebrate in the 2nd half
Brown lost a tight quarterback battle to Kyle McCord in 2023 and found himself as a backup once more when Ohio State added Kansas State transfer Will Howard for the 2024 season.
A native of Gilbert, Arizona, Brown has passed for 331 yards and three touchdowns over the past two seasons, mainly seeing action in games when the outcome was already decided.
Will Howard transferred to Ohio State with the goal of winning a national championship, and he achieved that by playing the best football of his career during the Buckeyes’ four College Football Playoff games.
His performance in Ohio State’s 34-23 victory over Notre Dame on Monday night was especially impressive in the first half and at the game’s end. Howard completed his first 13 passes, setting a record for consecutive completions in a CFP title game. When Notre Dame had pulled within eight points, Howard threw a crucial 56-yard pass to Jeremiah Smith on third-and-11, all but sealing the victory.
“I give this guy a lot of credit right here,” said Buckeyes coach Ryan Day, as Howard sat next to him. “I think he ran the ball 16 times, and we knew it was going to be that way. It was the last game of the season, and we were going to use all our bullets. He really put the team on his back.”
Howard entered the game in Atlanta with great momentum, and Notre Dame didn’t slow him down early. He distributed the ball to six different receivers, frequently opting for short passes that allowed his receivers to gain yards after the catch.
He tied the record for consecutive completions late in the second quarter, hitting Carnell Tate for 20 yards on third-and-7. Howard broke the record with a 15-yard pass to Smith on the following play. The streak ended when Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts broke up a pass intended for TreVeyon Henderson near the goal line.
“Coming into the season, one thing Coach Day emphasized was taking completions,” Howard explained. “Maybe I had to check it down or it wasn’t perfectly drawn up. You just want to keep the ball moving and stay on schedule.”
Alabama’s Mac Jones held the previous record, with 12 consecutive completions in the 2021 title game against Ohio State.
Howard finished the game 17 of 21 for 231 yards and was named the offensive MVP. He threw two touchdown passes: one for 8 yards to Smith and another for 6 yards to Quinshon Judkins in the first half.
Will Howard after a touchdown in the 2nd half
Throughout the four playoff games, Howard completed 75.2% of his passes (82 out of 109) for 1,150 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions.
“It can be a lot,” Howard said about the pressure of playoff games. “The lights are bright. It’s a spectacle. The TV timeouts are long; everything’s a show a little bit. You have to block that out and eliminate all the distractions. It’s about whoever has the poise in the noise and overcomes adversity.”
In addition to his passing, Howard’s running ability played a key role in the win. He gained first downs on five of his first six designed runs or scrambles, and late in the game, his 8-yard run gave Ohio State a vital first down. Howard ended with a career-high 16 carries for 57 yards.
“It may not always be pretty and sometimes you have to pick it up with your legs,” Howard said.
Before coming to Ohio State, Howard spent his first four years at Kansas State, where he struggled with injuries and lost a quarterback competition in 2022.
However, when the starting quarterback was injured, Howard led the Wildcats to a Big 12 championship. He was named second-team All-Big 12 in 2023. Ohio State’s Ryan Day saw potential in Howard and brought him in through the transfer portal.
Howard’s decision to play at Ohio State allowed him to work with some of the best offensive talent in the country, which improved his game and positioned him to be a potential middle- or late-round pick in the NFL draft.
“I saw something in him, a football IQ intelligence,” Day said. “I saw him play on film at Kansas State and win championships and big games. He was able to make an impact with his feet but also throw with accuracy, and those are hard things to find.”
Reflecting on his journey, Howard said, “It’s crazy to look back at all that’s happened during my career — going from playing as a freshman at Kansas State and not really knowing what I’m doing, then going into my junior year, not thinking I’d be playing, and winning a Big 12 championship. I’m just so unbelievably thankful that I got a chance to be a Buckeye, even if it was just one year.”
Please stay, Ryan Day. Give Ohio State the chance to win consecutive national championships. Help the Buckeyes become as successful as Alabama or Georgia.
Please stay, Ryan Day, because right now, you’re too good for Ohio State. This isn’t a jab at the harsh critics who wanted you out 7½ weeks ago after the loss to Michigan; it’s just the truth. After leading Ohio State to a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame for the Buckeyes’ ninth championship and first in 10 years, you’ve proven yourself.
You’re set for life in Ohio now. You won’t have to buy a drink again, whether it’s in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, or anywhere Buckeye fans are.
You’re now a legend in the Buckeyes’ history, or you should be. With a win percentage of .875, you rank second only to Knute Rockne among FBS coaches with at least 50 games. Knute. Rockne.
Now, the power is in your hands. If you’re thinking about moving up, Ryan – and you should be at this point – there’s only one place left for you after Monday’s victory. It’s where you came from, after being recruited by your mentor Chip Kelly to be Urban Meyer’s offensive coordinator seven years ago.
That place is the NFL. It’s where you made your name as an up-and-coming coach. It’s the same place that helped bring you to Ohio State. Now, you can return to the NFL and write your own ticket.
Maybe not immediately. Your son, RJ, still has two years of high school left. The Jags, Cowboys, Jets, Saints, and Raiders are still looking for coaches, but it’s unclear if those would be the best fits. Day is a loyal Patriots fan, but this time the stars didn’t align for a New England job, especially after they hired former Buckeye Mike Vrabel.
Emeka Egbuka celebrates after the win
However, Day’s future in the NFL seems likely, as the rest of the country recognizes what some of your home-state critics forget: you’re an excellent coach, especially when it comes to offense.
If you’re that made man, then Chip Kelly is practically your right-hand man. Just like in the movies, they made the bold decision to go for it with that deep pass to Jeremiah Smith on third down, a high-risk, high-reward play that paid off.
In another symbolic moment, with seconds left in the first half, LeBron James was shown on the video board, watching from a suite, proudly wearing Scarlet and Gray. Feeling the excitement, LeBron took off his hat and waved it to the crowd, almost like he was part of the coronation. By halftime, the Buckeyes were champions.
Ryan Day had been underappreciated for a while, but this championship proved his worth. In today’s playoff format, you don’t have to win your conference to win the title, and at Ohio State, you don’t even have to beat Michigan.
Okay, maybe that’s a stretch, especially since Day and the Buckeyes have lost four straight to Michigan, the “Team Up North.”
But Ryan Day’s legacy as Urban Meyer’s successor looks better every day. He’s 70-10 after his sixth season, making him the winningest active coach. Woody Hayes was 57-19-3 through 80 games. Urban Meyer, the last coach to win a national title, was an incredible 72-8. Jim Tressel was 66-14.
Eighty games is more than just a small snapshot; it’s a solid foundation. And for Ryan Day, it’s just the beginning if Ohio State can keep him. Just last month, Ohio State’s AD, Ross Bjork, said Day would “absolutely” be back in 2025 as the coach, despite some questioning whether Day’s job was safe after the Michigan loss.
Now, it’s up to Ryan Day to confirm that he’ll return in the fall. He’s earned that right. The ball is in his court.
The pass seemed to hang in the air forever. Did it feel like seven weeks? Or ten years?
For Ohio State fans, this moment will always be a topic of debate.
When the teardrop throw from Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard on third-and-11 finally landed softly in the hands of receiver Jeremiah Smith late in the fourth quarter on Monday, Ohio State had secured a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame, earning its sixth national title and its first in ten years.
That 56-yard pass sealed Notre Dame’s comeback attempt and made Ohio State the champion of college football’s first 12-team playoff, just as they had been champions in the first four-team tournament a decade ago.
“They were running man coverage and I said, ‘Hey, I’m gonna let this loose and let him make a play on it,’” Howard said about the play, which felt far removed from Ohio State’s old-style, run-heavy offense.
This victory seemed impossible just seven weeks ago, on November 30, when a 13-10 loss to Michigan led to a near-riot on the field and raised questions about whether coach Ryan Day would keep his job heading into the next season.
“It’s a great story about a bunch of guys who have just overcome some really tough situations,” Day said. “At the point where there’s a lot of people that counted us out, they just kept swinging and kept fighting.”
The victory might have felt even sweeter due to how it unfolded in front of a packed stadium in the middle of SEC territory, filled with fans wearing Ohio State’s red on one side and Notre Dame’s green on the other.
With Ohio State leading 31-7, Notre Dame made a dramatic comeback, scoring two touchdowns and two 2-point conversions to close the gap to just one score late in the fourth quarter. The camera caught legendary Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz in his luxury box, giving a thumbs-up to his team despite the loud boos from Ohio State fans.
Emeka Egbuka celebrates after the win
However, Notre Dame ran out of time. After stopping Ohio State on their first two plays and using up their timeouts, the Irish placed Christian Gray — who had secured the interception that helped Notre Dame win its semifinal against Penn State — in single coverage on Smith.
Smith got behind Gray on the right sideline, and Howard threw his best pass of the season into Smith’s hands.
That play set up a field goal and began the celebration, securing Ohio State’s victory and also helping the team cover the 8 1/2-point spread at BetMGM Sportsbook.
“It was do or die, it was that type of down,” Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said. “He’s a heck of a player. He’s difficult to cover.”
Howard, a transfer from Kansas State, threw for 231 yards and two touchdowns, but the game-changing play was his throw to Smith when the game was on the line.
Smith, who had been quiet for most of the game after being limited by Texas in the semifinals, finally broke free for the kind of play that had made him a standout all season. He finished with five catches for 88 yards.
“We felt at the end we wanted to give Jeremiah that shot,” Day said. “We really hadn’t thrown it all night, but I thought, ‘You know what, let’s be aggressive, let’s do this and lay it on the line.’”
Before that pass, Ohio State seemed to have the game under control, having scored touchdowns on its first four possessions and adding a field goal on the fifth.
When Quinshon Judkins, a transfer from Mississippi, ran for 100 yards on 11 carries, including a 70-yard run that set up a score to make it 28-7, the game appeared to be over.
But Notre Dame wasn’t done yet, and now Freeman faces tough questions. One is about the failed fake punt in the third quarter, which led to a field goal and a 31-7 Ohio State lead. Another concerns the decision to send Mitch Jeter in for a short field goal attempt while down 16 points and facing fourth-and-goal from the 9-yard line. It could have worked, but Jeter’s kick hit the left upright.
“I know it’s still a two-score game, but you have a better probability of getting 14 points than you do 16 points,” Freeman said.
Ohio State controlled much of the game and the entire playoff series. The Buckeyes were clearly the better team, outgaining Notre Dame by 445 yards to 308. Quarterback Will Howard completed his first 13 passes and was hardly ever stopped. Ohio State punted just once during the entire game.
The Buckeyes powered through the new expanded playoff format, which added more teams this year, with an average score of 36-21 across their four games. Despite being seeded eighth, the seedings didn’t really matter. In every quarterfinal and semifinal game, the lower seed won, and Ohio State dominated in this final showdown between the No. 7 and No. 8 teams.
Ohio State players celebrate in the 2nd half
This victory ended any lingering frustration from the previous November’s 13-10 loss to Michigan, which had been Ohio State’s fourth straight defeat to their rivals. That game had ended in a brawl after Michigan players tried to plant their flag at midfield.
Many wondered if coach Ryan Day, in his sixth season, had reached the end of his time at Ohio State, especially with no national titles in the past ten years.
But now, Ohio State can celebrate its national title. The Ohio State marching band will proudly dot the “I” with the national-title trophy, and Day will join a prestigious list of coaches who have won titles for the Buckeyes, including Urban Meyer (2014), Jim Tressel (2002), Woody Hayes, known for his “Three yards and a cloud of dust” style, and Paul Brown, the coach who later became the namesake of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns.
Day’s impressive .873 winning percentage coming into the game was the third-best among coaches with 50 or more games, trailing only Knute Rockne of Notre Dame, who is a legend in college football history.
The loss for Notre Dame also meant that college football still hasn’t had a Black coach win the national title. Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame’s coach, was trying to become the first, but it wasn’t meant to be this year.
However, another kind of history was made. This was the first time the Big Ten Conference won back-to-back national titles since 1942. Michigan, last year’s champion, watched the game from home but still played an important role in Ohio State’s redemption story, which no one really saw coming.
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard had always wanted the opportunity to show what he could do, and on Monday night, that chance came.
Howard built on an impressive first half, finishing the game by completing 17 of 21 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns. His performance helped the Buckeyes secure a 34-23 win over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff championship game in Atlanta.
The turning point came with just 2:38 left in the game, when Howard made a 56-yard pass to Jeremiah Smith. At that moment, reality seemed to set in for Howard, who took a moment to celebrate by throwing his arms up as he ran down the field. Ohio State coach Ryan Day jumped in excitement on the sideline, while Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James celebrated from the box seats.
This kind of moment was always Howard’s dream. A transfer from Kansas State, he had always hoped for a chance to perform on college football’s biggest stage.
Will Howard holds a rose in his mouth as he poses with the trophy after the win
“If you were to ask a 19-year-old or 18-year-old Will Howard if he’d be at Ohio State playing in the national championship, I think he’d probably say, ‘You’re crazy, man,’” Howard said earlier this week.
Now, Howard is a champion, and his teammates believe this is just the start for the 23-year-old quarterback.
“Just the type of quarterback he is, in my eyes he’s a first-round draft pick,” Smith said. “Will’s just a great leader — on and off the field.”
Howard made history in the championship game by completing his first 13 passes. By halftime, he had completed 14 of 15 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Ohio State scored a touchdown on all three of its first-half drives, leading 21-7 at the break.
Notre Dame fought back but couldn’t find a way to get past Howard and the Buckeyes. After the game, Howard was named Offensive MVP.
“They’ve changed my life in more ways than I can say, man,” Howard told ESPN, talking about the impact of Coach Day and his teammates. “Coach Day and these guys here have completely, completely changed my life. … I can’t believe God gave me the chance to be a Buckeye.”
As the college football regular season came to an end, one team received more criticism than any other: Indiana.
“They played nobody!”
“Their strength of schedule is awful!”
“They shouldn’t even be in the playoff discussion!”
But, as it turns out, the Hoosiers weren’t as bad as some had believed. Their only two losses came against the two teams playing in the national championship game.
“Our two losses were to the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the country, on the road, in their own stadiums, and in tough environments,” said Indiana coach Curt Cignetti. “Everyone thought we were a great story until the College Football Playoff rankings came out, and then it became political.”
Cignetti, speaking in downtown Atlanta, just a mile from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium where Monday night’s title game between Notre Dame and Ohio State would be held, perhaps offers the best insight into both teams. He has faced both teams, played them, and lost to them.
In Columbus, Indiana led Ohio State 7-0, before a blocked punt and a return touchdown helped Ohio State pull away, winning 38-15. Against Notre Dame in the first round of the playoff, Indiana was never ahead, trailing 20-3 at one point, before losing 27-17.
Cignetti admits both teams deserved their wins. Indiana struggled on special teams against Ohio State and lacked aggressiveness in South Bend against Notre Dame.
When discussing the matchup, Cignetti points to the statistics, as he is a data-focused coach.
“Great matchup. Two great coaches. No. 1 vs. No. 2-ranked defenses in the country,” he said. “Notre Dame actually scores more points per game than Ohio State, which would surprise 95% of people, but they do. They are No. 1 in the country for defensive touchdowns, No. 1 in blocked kicks with six, and they are +17 in turnover ratio, which leads to points. Notre Dame will need to generate points beyond their offense.”
But Cignetti believes the key to the game lies in Ohio State’s passing game versus Notre Dame’s strong man-to-man defense.
Notre Dame players in the 1st half
“I’m curious to see how Ohio State handles the passing game against Notre Dame,” Cignetti said.
Notre Dame boasts one of the best pass defenses in the nation. Ohio State, on the other hand, has more offensive weapons than almost any other team, which will create a strong battle between the two.
Opponents have thrown for 12 touchdowns against Notre Dame but also thrown 19 interceptions. The opponent QB rating against Notre Dame is 99.5, the best for any pass defense, along with a 50.7% completion rate, which is also the best in the country.
It’s tough to get through against Notre Dame, which plays man-to-man defense better than almost anyone.
However, Northern Illinois, coached by Thomas Hammock, managed to figure out Notre Dame just enough to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the season, winning 16-14.
How did they do it?
“It was early in the season for them. They were trying to work in a new QB and new coordinator,” said Hammock. “They were figuring out how to build their offense, and they thought it was a great time to focus on their passing game, but we have a great defense.”
Hammock has watched Notre Dame improve throughout the season and sees a different team than the one that played his squad in early September.
“It starts with the leadership of their head coach,” Hammock said of Notre Dame’s coach, Marcus Freeman. “He has managed to get his players locked in and focused. They play complementary football. It’s been exciting to watch.”
When asked who Hammock was rooting for in the championship game, he didn’t hesitate:
“I definitely hope Notre Dame wins. I’m a Marcus Freeman fan,” he said.
As for Cignetti, who knows both teams so well, he refuses to make predictions. “I don’t make predictions,” he said.
