Ohio State made history once again, becoming the first team to conquer the 12-team playoff format, and celebrated in style with 30,000 passionate fans at Ohio Stadium on Sunday. Despite the 30-degree weather, Buckeye Nation turned out in droves to honor a team that blazed through five top-10 opponents on its way to the national title.
The Buckeyes’ remarkable journey included victories over Oregon in the Rose Bowl, Texas in the Cotton Bowl, and Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff championship game. Dominating their opponents, Ohio State trailed for only 6 minutes and 5 seconds across 240 minutes of playoff football, winning every game by double digits.
“It took everybody to become national champions, and today we say thank you,” said head coach Ryan Day as he addressed the energized crowd.
This season marked a triumphant return to glory for Ohio State, which also won the inaugural four-team playoff a decade ago. Overcoming adversity, including criticism following a regular-season loss to rival Michigan, the Buckeyes silenced doubters and reestablished their dominance.
Defensive end Jack Sawyer, whose game-sealing scoop-and-score against Texas is already etched in Buckeye history, spoke about the team’s resilience. “What I love about this team is it really embodies what it’s like to be from Ohio. You get punched in the mouth, you always get back up and keep fighting,” said Sawyer, a native of Pickerington, Ohio.
Amid the celebration, change looms for Ohio State. Athletic director Ross Bjork revealed plans to secure Ryan Day’s future with a long-term deal, but reports surfaced that defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is heading to Penn State. Additionally, 13 of the team’s 22 playoff starters are out of eligibility, including quarterback Will Howard, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, and linebacker Cody Simon, all of whom are pursuing NFL dreams.
Despite the departures, Ohio State’s roster remains formidable. Redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Sayin is set to lead the offense alongside returning stars Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. The Buckeyes also bolstered their ranks with key transfers, including former West Virginia running back CJ Donaldson and Purdue tight end Max Klare.
Defensively, the Buckeyes will retain All-American safety Caleb Downs and key veterans Sonny Styles and Davison Igbinosun, who have committed to returning in 2025.
As Ohio State transitions into the next chapter, the team’s depth and resilience ensure that the Buckeyes remain poised for another run at greatness.
