January 20 of 2025 will be a day marked forever in the Ohio State Buckeyes history. The school crowned itself national champion for the ninth time in program history, after a highly-contested clash with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Following the win, head coach Ryan Day made a sincere statement to Will Howard and the rest of the team about the future.
The Buckeyes faced significant adversity throughout the NCAA season. Despite an impressive 10-2 record, much was said about Day’s program lacking character in crucial games—a narrative that was decisively put to rest during the playoffs. Ohio State won the first-ever 4-team College Football Playoff bracket in 2014. Ten years later, with the postseason expanded to 12 teams, the Buckeyes once again demonstrated their prestige and emerged as the top program in the nation.
After an incredible and hard-fought matchup between the last two schools standing, the Buckeyes, fueled by a clinical performance from Will Howard, emerged as champions. An emotional Ryan Day delivered a powerful and heartfelt message to his players postgame. Day has been thoroughly criticized, scrutinized, overstated, and taken for granted. Yet, on January 20, he was anointed and elevated into the exclusive ranks of national champion head coaches. Deservedly so, Day etched his name into the annals of Ohio State history.
The journey wasn’t always smooth—rain poured down on the Buckeyes in Columbus on many occasions, but that’s often the case for successful teams. After an embarrassing home loss to the Michigan Wolverines, marked by a chaotic and incident-filled ending, Ohio State came together and decided to grab the bull by the horns. “We stuck together, we hung in there like a family does when things get hard,” Day stated. “It’s the reason why you get into coaching: see guys overcome things, learn life lessons, and reach their dreams. That’s what happened tonight.”
Will Howard’s journey to glory
Will Howard fully embraced the Buckeyes’ identity after transferring from the Kansas State Wildcats during the offseason. Moreover, the group Ryan Day assembled welcomed him in, making him look like he had been in Columbus since preschool. “I don’t have words they changed my life in more ways that I can say,” Howard admitted after the game. “Coach Day and these guys here completely changed my life. I can’t believe God gave me the chance to be a Buckeye, there’s nothing like it.”
Howard also addressed how the team turned things around after what seemed like a devastating loss to Michigan, one that threatened to tarnish their entire season. “It made us come together, and it really challenged us, man,” Howard stated postgame. “We were in a rough spot and I just gotta give all the credit to the guys in that locker room for coming together, and not letting that separate us, but letting it make us come closer. I really don’t think we’d be here if it wasn’t for some of the adversity that we faced this year, and it makes it that much sweeter.”
Weather the storm, unleash the celebration
After the victory, Day reflected on the tight-knit bond that formed among his players throughout the season. “This is the tightest group of guys that I’ve ever been around before, and to think that we’re not going to be together again is not something that I’m looking forward to,” Ryan Day admitted. “All we do is spend time together. It’s like being around a family. You know, I’m going to miss these guys. They’re great people.”
The emotional weight of the championship win was palpable, as players celebrated their hard-earned success. Howard, who played a pivotal role in the Buckeyes’ victory, held the Leishman Trophy high after defeating the Oregon Ducks 41-21 in the Rose Bowl Game earlier in the season. This victory laid the groundwork for their championship run, showcasing their resilience and determination.
As the Buckeyes basked in their glory, the road to the national title was not without its bumps. The team faced criticism and doubt, but they persevered. “We had to weather the storm,” Day said, reflecting on their journey. “It’s not just about winning; it’s about the growth and the lessons learned along the way.”
The legacy of Ryan Day
With this championship, Ryan Day solidified his legacy as a head coach. He has faced challenges and scrutiny, yet he remained steadfast in his commitment to the program. His leadership has not only brought championships but also fostered a culture of resilience and unity among his players. This victory is a testament to his vision and dedication to the Ohio State Buckeyes.
As the celebration continues, the Buckeyes look ahead to the future. With a strong foundation built on teamwork and perseverance, the team is poised to remain a powerhouse in college football. The journey may have had its ups and downs, but the spirit of the Buckeyes shines brighter than ever.
The national championship win is not just a trophy; it’s a symbol of hard work, dedication, and the unbreakable bond forged among teammates. As the confetti fell and the cheers echoed through the stadium, one thing was clear: the Ohio State Buckeyes are back on top, ready to defend their title and chase even greater glory in the seasons to come.
