Ohio State celebrates its national championship run amid significant changes and farewells, hosting a spirited gathering of 30,000 Buckeye fans on Sunday at Ohio Stadium.
Despite the biting 30-degree temperatures, fans turned out in droves to honor a team that triumphed over five top-10 rivals en route to the title, including a memorable victory against Oregon in the Rose Bowl, Texas in the Cotton Bowl, and Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Coach Ryan Day expressed gratitude to the crowd, stating, “It took everybody to become national champions, and today we say thank you.”
Ohio State made history as the first team to win the inaugural four-team playoff a decade ago, and now it has achieved the same feat in the new 12-team format.
The Buckeyes dominated their opponents, trailing for only 6 minutes and 5 seconds across 240 minutes of play, winning every matchup by at least ten points.
This championship journey was not without its challenges, as the team faced criticism following a regular-season loss to rival Michigan, which sparked calls for Day’s dismissal.
Defensive end Jack Sawyer, who made a pivotal scoop-and-score play in the Texas game, addressed the crowd, sharing, “What I love about this team is it really embodies what it’s like to be from Ohio. You get punched in the mouth, you always get back up and keep fighting. That’s what everybody in Ohio does and will continue to do.”
The celebration also highlighted a period of transformation. Athletic director Ross Bjork mentioned plans to secure Day’s position as head coach “for years to come,” while reports indicated that defensive coordinator Jim Knowles would be leaving for Penn State.
With thirteen of the twenty-two playoff starters no longer eligible, several players, including quarterback Will Howard, Sawyer, and fellow captains like wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, running back TreVeyon Henderson, and linebacker Cody Simon, are eyeing NFL opportunities.
Some players, such as running back Quinshon Judkins and cornerback Jordan Hancock, have opted to leave early for the NFL draft.
However, the Buckeyes’ future remains bright.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Sayin is poised to take over from Howard, supported by star receiver Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, both expected to return. Additionally, Ohio State has bolstered its roster by acquiring former West Virginia running back CJ Donaldson and former Purdue tight end Max Klare from the transfer portal.
All-American safety Caleb Downs remains ineligible for the draft, and defensive stalwarts Sonny Styles and Davison Igbinosun have announced their intention to return in 2025.
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