A Historic Victory
In a historic night for college football, Ohio State claimed the national championship title with a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame. The Buckeyes became the first team in 18 years to win the championship despite suffering two losses earlier in the season.
Early Dominance by Ohio State
The game showcased Ohio State’s dominance early on, as they controlled the first 40 minutes and built a commanding 31-7 lead midway through the third quarter. Their defense and offense appeared unstoppable, leaving Notre Dame struggling to keep up.
Notre Dame’s Impressive Comeback
However, the Fighting Irish were far from finished. Notre Dame mounted an impressive comeback, scoring 16 consecutive points. The rally began with a surge of momentum in the second half and reached a peak when quarterback Riley Leonard connected with Jaden Greathouse for a 30-yard touchdown. A successful two-point conversion brought Notre Dame within eight points of Ohio State, narrowing the score to 31-23 with just over four minutes left in the game.
Buckeyes Seal the Game
Despite Notre Dame’s late push, Ohio State maintained their composure. In a critical moment before the two-minute warning, Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard found freshman standout Jeremiah Smith for a long completion on third down. The play effectively sealed the game, extinguishing Notre Dame’s hopes of a comeback.

A Season of Resilience
This victory not only secured Ohio State’s championship but also marked a significant achievement for the program, proving their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. The Buckeyes’ journey to the title will undoubtedly be remembered as one of determination and grit.

Ohio State Buckeyes football Playoff Cotton Bowl Champions Hooded Varsity Jacket