Ohio State has once again added to its legacy, securing another College Football Playoff national championship with a win over Notre Dame. The Buckeyes, known for their storied football history, have finally claimed another title after more than a decade. For Ohio State fans, this championship is a long-awaited moment of celebration, as head coach Ryan Day captures his first national title.
With this latest victory, Ohio State continues to cement its place as one of the greatest college football programs. But exactly how many championships does the program now hold? Let’s take a closer look at Ohio State’s national title history and where it ranks among the top programs in college football.
How Many National Championships Has Ohio State Won?
With Monday’s victory, Ohio State now officially claims nine national championships in its history. Here is a breakdown of their championship years and records:
Ohio State’s National Championship Wins:
- 1942 – (9-1) Head Coach: Paul Brown
- 1954 – (10-0) Head Coach: Woody Hayes
- 1957 – (9-1) Head Coach: Woody Hayes
- 1961 – (8-0-1) Head Coach: Woody Hayes
- 1968 – (10-0) Head Coach: Woody Hayes
- 1970 – (9-1) Head Coach: Woody Hayes
- 2002 – (14-0) Head Coach: Jim Tressel
- 2014 – (14-1) Head Coach: Urban Meyer
- 2024 – (14-2) Head Coach: Ryan Day
However, two of these championships (1961 and 1970) are disputed due to differences in how national champions were selected before the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) was introduced in 1998.
Disputed Titles: Why Are Two Championships Controversial?
The Columbus Dispatch, part of the USA TODAY Network, recognizes only seven of Ohio State’s championships. Before the BCS and College Football Playoff era, champions were selected by different organizations, such as:
- The Associated Press (AP) Poll
- United Press International (UPI) Coaches Poll
- Football Writers Association of America (FWAA)
- National Football Foundation (NFF)
The Two Controversial Titles:
- 1961: The Football Writers Association of America awarded Ohio State the national title, but Alabama was also named champion by the AP Poll.
- 1970: The National Football Foundation named Ohio State national champions, but Nebraska and Texas were also recognized as champions by other polls.
In contrast, Ohio State’s more recent championships in 2002, 2014, and 2024 were won through official national championship games, leaving no room for dispute.
Where Does Ohio State Rank Among College Football’s Greatest Programs?
With nine national championships, Ohio State is now tied for sixth place on the NCAA’s all-time list of most titles. Here’s how they stack up against other historic programs:
Top 10 College Football Programs by National Championships (NCAA Recognized):
- Yale – 18
- Alabama – 16
- Princeton – 15
- Notre Dame – 13
- Michigan – 10
- Ohio State – 9 (Tied with USC)
- Southern California (USC) – 9
- Harvard – 8
- Oklahoma – 7
- Minnesota – 6
This latest championship strengthens Ohio State’s legacy as one of the most dominant programs in college football history.
A Legacy of Greatness Continues
Ohio State’s 2024 national championship is more than just another trophy—it’s a symbol of the program’s resilience, dominance, and rich tradition. The Buckeyes have consistently been one of the top teams in college football, and this latest victory solidifies their place among the all-time greats.
For head coach Ryan Day, this championship is a major milestone in his coaching career, proving he can lead Ohio State to the pinnacle of college football. With strong recruiting and continued success, the Buckeyes look poised for even more championships in the future.
One thing is certain—Ohio State football remains one of the most prestigious programs in NCAA history, and their championship tradition is far from over.
