In a historic turn of events, the Ohio State Buckeyes defied the odds, soaring from an 8th-place ranking to claim the College Football Championship. Thanks to the new playoff format, which expanded the field to 12 teams, the Buckeyes made an incredible run, winning four consecutive games against ranked opponents. Under the previous system, only the top four teams were eligible, and following their devastating loss to That Team Up North, Ohio State would have missed out on the playoffs entirely. Yet, that setback seemed to ignite a new fire within the team, propelling them to succeed in the underdog role.
Additionally, the Buckeyes accomplished a remarkable achievement by defeating six top-10 teams throughout their extended season, including both teams that competed in the Big Ten Championship game—Penn State and Oregon, who were ranked #1 at the time. A well-deserved congratulations is in order for the Buckeyes, their coaches, and their supporters. This victory was a true testament to their resilience and determination.