Ohio State Claims National Championship in Historic College Football Season

ATLANTA, Ga. — Ohio State clinched its first national championship in a decade with a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff (CFP) final on Tuesday night. The Buckeyes (14-2) secured the top spot in the final Associated Press Top 25 poll, receiving every first-place vote after a dominant playoff run.

Notre Dame (14-2) finished No. 2, its highest end-of-season ranking since 1993. Oregon (13-1), which had been ranked No. 1 for eight consecutive weeks before the playoff, fell to No. 3 after a Rose Bowl loss to Ohio State. Texas (13-3) and Penn State (13-3), both semifinalists, rounded out the top five.

This marks the first time the Big Ten has placed three teams in the final top five. Ohio State’s victory also secured its sixth AP national championship, adding to titles won in 1942, 1954, 1968, 2002, and 2014.

“This team showed resilience and determination throughout the season,” said Ohio State head coach Ryan Day. “Winning the national championship is a testament to their hard work and belief in each other.”

The playoff field expanded to 12 teams this season, creating a more competitive and unpredictable postseason. Ohio State entered the playoff as the No. 6 seed but delivered standout performances, including a 42-17 win over Tennessee, a 41-21 victory against Oregon, and a 28-14 triumph over Texas before defeating Notre Dame in the championship game.

Notre Dame’s journey to the final was marked by thrilling victories, but the Irish lacked the depth of top-tier wins compared to Oregon. The Ducks, despite their Rose Bowl loss, had four wins over top-15 teams, including a regular-season victory over Ohio State.

Penn State, finishing No. 4, had a strong season with one top-10 win and near-victories against Notre Dame and Ohio State. Texas, at No. 5, achieved back-to-back top-five finishes for the first time since 2008-09.

The SEC led all conferences with seven teams in the final Top 25, followed by the Big Ten with five. Arizona State (11-3) and Boise State (12-2) also made significant strides, finishing in the top 10 for the first time in years.

Alabama, under first-year coach Kalen DeBoer, experienced a rare down year, finishing No. 17 after a 19-13 bowl loss to Michigan. It was the Crimson Tide’s lowest ranking since 1995.

The 2024 season, which spanned from Labor Day weekend to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, was the longest in college football history. The expanded playoff format added complexity to final rankings, with bowl opt-outs and varying numbers of postseason games played by teams.

“This season was a testament to the growth and excitement of college football,” said CFP executive director Bill Hancock. “The 12-team format delivered unforgettable moments and showcased the depth of talent across the sport.”