Ohio State secured its ninth national championship with a commanding 34-23 win over Notre Dame, proving once again that elite talent is the key to success in college football. The Buckeyes, led by quarterback Will Howard, showcased their depth, star power, and resilience, capping off an incredible season that included victories over multiple top-ranked teams.
The game wasn’t just about one night—it was a statement about how the 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) rewards powerhouse programs that consistently attract five-star talent. In a season filled with uncertainty and parity, Ohio State’s dominant championship run reaffirmed the sport’s age-old truth: recruiting and roster depth matter more than anything else.
Ohio State’s Championship Formula: Too Many Stars to Stop
Unmatched Talent Wins Titles
No matter how much college football evolves—with transfer portal movement, NIL deals, and playoff expansion—the foundation for winning remains the same: elite recruiting and player development. Ohio State entered the championship game with one of the most talent-rich rosters in the nation.
Nearly every key offensive player was a four- or five-star recruit, including:
- Jeremiah Smith (WR) – Five-star
- Emeka Egbuka (WR) – Five-star
- Carnell Tate (WR) – Five-star
- TreVeyon Henderson (RB) – Five-star
- Gee Scott Jr. (TE) – Four-star
The only exception? Quarterback Will Howard, a transfer from Kansas State, who thrived in an offense loaded with star power. With so much talent around him, Howard didn’t need to carry the team—he just needed to execute. And that’s exactly what he did.
Notre Dame’s Strong Effort Falls Short
Notre Dame fought hard, using a mix of experienced transfers and top recruits to reach the championship game. The Irish even managed to pull off an upset against Georgia in the quarterfinals. But facing a team as deep and skilled as Ohio State twice in one playoff run? That was too much to overcome.
Quarterback Riley Leonard had a solid performance for Notre Dame, throwing for 255 yards and two touchdowns, while receiver Jaden Greathouse shined with 128 receiving yards and two scores. But ultimately, the talent gap was too wide.
How Ohio State Took Control of the Game
First Half: Buckeyes Set the Tone
- Notre Dame started strong, opening with an 18-play, 75-yard drive that ended in a 2-yard touchdown run by Leonard.
- Ohio State responded immediately, scoring on its first five possessions.
- Will Howard’s precision passing and Quinshon Judkins’ explosive runs put the Buckeyes up 21-7 at halftime.
Second Half: The Knockout Blow
- A 70-yard run by Judkins early in the third quarter set up a touchdown, making it 28-7.
- A failed Notre Dame fake punt gave Ohio State great field position, leading to a field goal (31-7).
- Notre Dame made a late push, cutting the lead to 31-23 in the fourth quarter.
- Howard’s game-sealing 56-yard pass to Smith shut the door on any comeback attempt.
Ohio State’s Road to the Championship: A Historic Run
Ohio State didn’t just win the national title—they dominated one of the most challenging playoff fields ever. Their playoff victories included:
- 42-17 vs. No. 7 Tennessee (First Round)
- 41-21 vs. No. 1 Oregon (Quarterfinals)
- 28-14 vs. No. 3 Texas (Semifinals)
- 34-23 vs. No. 5 Notre Dame (Finals)
By defeating six of the top eight teams in the CFP rankings, Ohio State made a case for having one of the strongest championship résumés in history.
What This Championship Means for College Football
1. Playoff Expansion Benefits Elite Programs Most
The new 12-team playoff gives more teams a shot at a championship, but ultimately, programs like Ohio State, Georgia, and Alabama will still dominate. These teams have the depth, resources, and recruiting power to survive a long playoff run.
2. The Regular Season Matters Less Than Before
In previous years, Ohio State’s loss to Michigan might have ended their title hopes. But under the new system, the Buckeyes still had a path to redemption. This means top programs will have more opportunities to recover from setbacks.
3. Talent Gap Remains the Deciding Factor
Notre Dame and other teams can build competitive rosters through recruiting and the transfer portal, but they still struggle to match the depth of a team like Ohio State. Blue-chip recruiting remains the ultimate formula for success.
