The Ohio State Buckeyes’ 2025 spring football season is a time of reflection and preparation, marked by the celebration of a national championship and the anticipation of the upcoming season. The culmination of their hard work was evident in their triumphant 34-23 victory over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, securing their first national title since 2014. This achievement not only added a significant chapter to the program’s storied history but also set the stage for the events that followed.
In the wake of this monumental victory, the Buckeyes organized a National Championship Celebration to honor the team’s accomplishments and share the joy with their supporters. The event took place on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Ohio Stadium, affectionately known as “The Shoe.” Fans were invited to join the festivities free of charge, with stadium gates opening at 10:30 a.m. and the celebration commencing at noon. The event was also broadcast live on the Big Ten Network and local television stations, ensuring that those unable to attend in person could partake in the jubilation.
An estimated 30,000 fans filled the stadium, braving the chilly January weather to show their unwavering support for the Buckeyes. The celebration featured a lineup of distinguished speakers, including Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, Ohio State University President Ted Carter, and Athletic Director Ross Bjork. Each speaker took the opportunity to commend the team’s resilience, dedication, and the unifying spirit they brought to the state of Ohio.
Governor DeWine expressed his gratitude, stating, “Thank you for bringing us such great joy in Ohio.” Mayor Ginther highlighted the team’s exemplary qualities, noting, “We are thrilled to celebrate these amazing men who showed us great perseverance, resilience, and commitment to one another as great examples for our city, our state, and our nation.” President Carter emphasized the historic nature of the team’s journey, remarking, “This year was not like any other year in college football history.”
The event also included symbolic gestures to commemorate the championship. Mayor Ginther presented Coach Ryan Day with a key to the city and unveiled a “Champions Way” street sign, symbolizing the team’s path to victory and their lasting impact on the community. These honors underscored the profound connection between the Buckeyes and the city of Columbus.
Coach Ryan Day, addressing the crowd, reflected on the team’s remarkable journey through a series of top-10 victories, culminating in their national championship win. He expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments and optimism for the future, stating, “Those memories will live in Ohio State history forever. The reason we’re able to tell the story is we were able to finish the mission. Now let’s go get another one of these.”
The celebration also provided an opportunity for team captains Emeka Egbuka, TreVeyon Henderson, Jack Sawyer, and Cody Simon to share their experiences and gratitude with the fans. Their speeches highlighted the camaraderie, hard work, and determination that propelled the Buckeyes to the pinnacle of college football.
Following the championship festivities, the Buckeyes turned their focus to the spring football season, a critical period for assessing talent, implementing strategies, and building team cohesion. An integral component of this period is the annual spring game, which offers both the coaching staff and fans a glimpse into the team’s development and potential for the upcoming season.
In 2025, the spring game took on additional significance as it served as a platform to showcase the depth and versatility of the roster. Coach Day emphasized the importance of starting the season strong and indicated that the format of the spring game might be adjusted based on the team’s health and specific needs. He stated, “It’s important that we start the season fast. And I think that the first step is playing the spring game. If we’re down some linemen, we have to adjust and figure that out from there.”
The spring game not only provided valuable on-field experience for the players but also fostered a sense of community and engagement among the student body. On April 5, 2025, the Buckeyes hosted Student Appreciation Day at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. This event allowed students an exclusive look at a spring practice session, including an intrasquad scrimmage. It also provided opportunities for students to interact with players, take photos, and receive autographs, further strengthening the bond between the team and the university community.
Coach Day reinstated Student Appreciation Day in 2022, recognizing its value in connecting the team with the student body. Reflecting on the event, he remarked, “It’s great to see the students out here. It’s good for them to see (the team) live and in color. An opportunity like today—you know, during the game, they’re up in the stands, a little bit further away, but with this, they kind of get to see how it goes. It’s great to see the students out here.”
As the Buckeyes progressed through their spring practices, they also prepared for a significant off-field event: a visit to the White House to be honored for their national championship. Scheduled for April 14, 2025, this visit represented a longstanding tradition for championship teams and served as a testament to the Buckeyes’ excellence on the national stage.
Coach Day expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, stating, “It’s an honor to be invited. I remember growing up and watching the national championship teams go to the … .”
The White House visit was particularly noteworthy as it marked the second championship team visit since President Donald Trump’s return to office, following the Florida Panthers’ visit earlier in February. Additionally, Vice President JD Vance, an Ohio State graduate, was expected to participate in the celebration, adding a personal connection to the proceedings.
The Buckeyes’ journey to the national championship was characterized by resilience and determination. Their path included victories over formidable opponents such as the Tennessee Volunteers, Oregon Ducks, and Texas Longhorns, culminating in their triumph over Notre Dame. This series of wins not only secured the championship but also demonstrated the team’s ability to overcome adversity and perform at the highest level.
The emotional impact of the championship extended beyond the team and its immediate supporters. ESPN analyst and former Ohio State quarterback Kirk Herbstreit was visibly moved by the Buckeyes’ achievement. Discussing the victory, he expressed deep happiness for the team and acknowledged the challenges they overcame. Herbstreit’s emotional response underscored the profound significance of the championship for those connected to the program.
As the Buckeyes concluded their spring practices and celebrated their championship, they remained focused on the future. The experiences gained during the spring season, coupled with the momentum from their recent success, positioned the team for continued excellence. The support from fans, students, and the broader community served as a foundation for the Buckeyes as they aimed to build upon their legacy and pursue further achievements in the seasons to come.
In summary, the 2025 spring season for Ohio State football was a period of celebration, reflection, and preparation. The National Championship Celebration at Ohio Stadium allowed the Buckeye community to honor the team’s accomplishments and share in their success. The spring game and Student Appreciation Day provided opportunities for player development and community engagement, fostering a strong connection between the team and its supporters.