The Ohio State Buckeyes are on the verge of making history when they take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. The game is set for Monday, Jan. 20, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. But, has Ohio State ever won the national championship?
Ohio State’s Record in the College Football National Championship Game
The Buckeyes are looking for a win to secure Ohio State’s ninth claimed national title, having previously been named champions in 1942, 1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, 1970, 2002, and 2014.
One of Ohio State’s most unusual national championships came in 1961. That season, the Buckeyes finished with an 8-0-1 record, powered by standout performances from Paul Warfield and Bob Ferguson. Despite impressive victories, including a 50-20 win over the Michigan Wolverines, the team declined a Rose Bowl invitation.
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It was due to concerns about the balance between academics and athletics. The university’s faculty voted against sending the team to the postseason, leading to protests on campus.
Despite missing the postseason, Ohio State was still named the national champion by the Football Writers Association of America, sharing the title with Alabama. This championship is one of the most unique in college football history.
Ohio State’s most recent national championship came in 2014, during the inaugural College Football Playoff.
The season began with significant adversity as starting quarterback Braxton Miller was injured before the first game.
His replacement, J.T. Barrett, suffered an injury of his own, forcing third-string quarterback Cardale Jones into the starting role. Despite these challenges, Jones led Ohio State to a dominating 59-0 victory over Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game.
Impressed by Ohio State’s performance, the selection committee included them as the fourth and final team in the new playoff system. The Buckeyes defeated the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide in the Sugar Bowl and second-ranked Oregon Ducks in the national title game.
Looking Ahead: Ohio State’s Title Hunt in 2025
In 2025, Ohio State is poised to secure its ninth national championship. The team enters the championship game as an 8.5-point favorite against a formidable Notre Dame team. Both teams have earned their place in the national spotlight.
With seven unclaimed titles in their history, the Buckeyes aim to solidify their legacy as one of college football’s most successful programs. The game also marks a significant moment for the College Football Playoff system, as it will be the first national championship game played under the newly expanded 12-team format.
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