Ohio State Clinches National Championship 34-23 [PHOTOS]

Source: Icon Sportswire / Getty

OH – IO!

The Ohio State Buckeyes have emerged as the first-ever national champion in the 12-team College Football Playoff. This win comes two months after a defeating loss to Michigan that cast lots of shade on the Buckeyes and Coach Day’s future. They silenced all doubts Monday night with a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This marks OSU’s first national championship since 2014 and its ninth overall, tying them with Pittsburgh for the fifth-most championships in college football history.

Coach Ryan Day reflected on their big night:

“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.”

Quarterback Will Howard set a new championship game record by completing his first 13 passes. He finished the game 17-of-21 for 231 yards and two touchdowns, earning him the offensive MVP title. A 57-yard pass to freshman Jeremiah Smith helped seal the victory in the last minutes. Cody Simon was also named defensive MVP for his performance. This trophy not only gives Ohio State its first national title in a decade but also extends their series lead over Notre Dame to 7-2, with seven consecutive victories. It’s the first time since the mid-1960s that the Big Ten has won consecutive national championships, with Michigan claiming the title last season. View last night’s play by play here.

Keep scrolling for Ohio State championship photos LIVE from Atlanta!

1. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 20: The Ohio State Buckeyes take the field for the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

2. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 20: Ohio State Buckeyes players take the field before the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

3. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 20: The Ohio State Buckeyes team runs onto the field during the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

4. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 20: Recording artist Coco Jones sings the National Anthem before the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

5. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 20: Members of the Ohio State Buckeyes band perform during the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

6. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 20: Ohio State Buckeyes marching band prior to Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

7. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 20: Wide Receiver Jeremiah Smith #4 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs with the ball after a catch during the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

8. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 20: Quarterback Will Howard #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes drops back to pass during the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

9. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 20: Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end JT Tuimoloau (44) celebrates after a tackle during the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

10. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 20: Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day calls for a timeout during the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

11. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 20: Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard (18) drops back to pass during the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

12. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 20: Wide Receiver Jeremiah Smith #4 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates a game sealing catch in the fourth quarter of the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

13. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 20: Former Ohio State Buckeyes player Archie Griffin looks on during the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

14. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA JANUARY 20: Former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer reacts following the conclusion of the the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

15. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 20: Ohio State Buckeyes players celebrate after the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

16. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 20: Ohio State Buckeyes players celebrate after the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

17. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 20: Ohio State Buckeyes mascot Brutus Buckeye after the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

18. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 20: Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day and players celebrate after the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

19. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 20: Ohio State Buckeyes fan Big Nut looks on during the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

20. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 20: Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day and players celebrate after the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

21. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 20: Ohio State Buckeyes fans during the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

22. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

23. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 20: Head Coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes interviewed after the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

24. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 20: Defensive Tackle Tyler Williams #91 of the Ohio State Buckeyes hoists the National Championship trophy after the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

25. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 20: The Ohio State Buckeyes players along with Head Coach Ryan Day on the podium with National Championship trophy after the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

26. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 20: The Ohio State Buckeyes players along with Head Coach Ryan Day on the podium with National Championship trophy after the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

27. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA JANUARY 20: Ohio State players celebrate with the winning trophy following the conclusion of the the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

28. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA JANUARY 20: Defensive End Jack Sawyer #33 of the Ohio State Buckeyes and teammate JT Tuimoloau #44 celebrate with the winning trophy following the conclusion of the the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

29. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA JANUARY 20: The video board proclaims that Ohio State its the national champion following the conclusion of the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

30. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA JANUARY 20: ESPN’s Rece Davis interviews Head Coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes following the conclusion of the the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

31. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA JANUARY 20: Ohio State players celebrate with the winning trophy following the conclusion of the the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

32. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 20: Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Cody Simon (0) celebrates with Brutus Buckeye after the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

33. CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

ATLANTA, GA JANUARY 20: Defensive Tackle Ty Hamilton #58 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates with the winning trophy following the conclusion of the the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.