Ohio State Clinches College Football Playoff Title, Defeats Notre Dame 34-23

By M Muzamil Shami - January 21, 2025

Ohio State Secures National Championship, Triumphs Over Notre Dame 34-23

Ohio State Buckeyes (14-2, 7-2 Big Ten) celebrated a monumental victory over Notre Dame (14-2) to claim their first College Football Playoff title since 2014. The win, cemented by kicker Jaden Fielding’s late field goal, brought the final score to 34-23 and marked the Buckeyes’ ninth championship in program history.

The turning point of the game was Ohio State's second-quarter dominance. Powered by running back Quinshon Judkins, who scored three touchdowns, the Buckeyes delivered 21 unanswered points. By halftime, they led 21-7 and continued to build momentum, extending their lead to 31-7 midway through the third quarter.

Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish rallied late, scoring 16 points in the second half. The highlight came from Greathouse's jaw-dropping one-handed touchdown grab, cutting the lead to a single possession with under five minutes left. However, Ohio State’s quarterback Will Howard connected with wideout Jeremiah Smith on a critical third-and-11 play, setting up Fielding’s game-clinching field goal.

Howard earned MVP honors, showcasing an impressive performance with 231 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 57 rushing yards.

Ohio State’s path to the title was far from easy. They overcame No. 7 Tennessee, defeated No. 1 Oregon in a rematch, and outlasted No. 3 Texas. Coach Ryan Day now joins the prestigious ranks of Ohio State championship coaches, including Urban Meyer, Jim Tressel, Woody Hayes, and Paul Brown.

The Buckeyes' sideline erupted in celebration as pink and yellow confetti rained down, marking the culmination of an extraordinary season.