COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Ohio State marked a historic national championship win with a celebration at Ohio Stadium on Sunday, drawing 30,000 Buckeye fans despite the chilly 30-degree temperatures. The crowd gathered to honor a team that became the first to navigate four playoff games to claim the national title, defeating five top-10 teams along the way, including Oregon in the Rose Bowl, Texas in the Cotton Bowl, and Notre Dame in the championship game.
It took everybody to become national champions, and today we say thank you, said head coach Ryan Day to the enthusiastic crowd.
Ohio State made history as the first team to win the inaugural four-team playoff and now becomes the first to claim the 12-team version of the title, doing so in dominant fashion. The team trailed for only 6 minutes and 5 seconds throughout their 240 minutes of play, defeating each opponent by double digits.
The championship celebration also marked a moment of reflection, as Ohio State overcame criticism following a regular-season loss to Michigan, which led to calls for Day removal.
Defensive end Jack Sawyer, who famously scored a scoop-and-score touchdown in the closing moments of the Texas game, shared his thoughts with the crowd: What I love about this team is it really embodies what its like to be from Ohio. You get punched in the mouth, you always get back up and keep fighting. That what everybody in Ohio does and will continue to do.
The celebration, however, was tinged with change. While athletic director Ross Bjork assured fans that Day would be staying with the program for years to come, reports surfaced that defensive coordinator Jim Knowles would be leaving for Penn State.
As Ohio State prepares for 2025, the team will face significant changes. Thirteen of the 22 playoff starters are out of eligibility, and several key players, including quarterback Will Howard, defensive end Sawyer, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, running back TreVeyon Henderson, and linebacker Cody Simon, are pursuing NFL opportunities. Running back Quinshon Judkins and cornerback Jordan Hancock are also leaving early for the draft.
Despite the departures, Ohio State future remains bright. Redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Sayin is set to take over the offense, with star receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate expected to return. The Buckeyes also added former West Virginia running back CJ Donaldson and former Purdue tight end Max Klare from the transfer portal. All-American safety Caleb Downs and defensive veterans Sonny Styles and Davison Igbinosun have also announced their return in 2025, ensuring Ohio State defense will remain strong.
