The Ohio State Buckeyes football team is no stranger to success. Over the decades, the program has built an illustrious legacy of championships, Heisman winners, and a fierce commitment to excellence. However, the 2024 season stood out as particularly special, as it marked the Buckeyes’ return to the pinnacle of college football with a national championship win. This triumph was not just about lifting a trophy; it was the culmination of hard work, strategic decisions, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
In a season filled with unforgettable moments, standout performances, and a roster full of stars, the Buckeyes overcame adversity to claim their first national championship since 2014. This victory would forever change the narrative of Ohio State football under head coach Ryan Day, solidifying his legacy as one of the program’s great leaders.
Setting the Stage: A Renewed Ohio State
The 2024 Ohio State football team entered the season with high expectations. After an impressive 2023 campaign, where they fell just short of a national title, there was an undeniable hunger in the locker room. The program had already proven itself as one of the most talented teams in college football, but the ultimate goal — winning the national championship — still eluded them.
The foundation for this championship run was built on several key elements: a stellar recruiting class, a deep roster brimming with NFL talent, and a coaching staff determined to overcome the hurdles that had prevented Ohio State from breaking through in recent years. Ryan Day, who had been the head coach of Ohio State since 2019, had experienced some setbacks in high-pressure games, particularly in the College Football Playoff. Still, his offensive prowess and ability to recruit elite talent made him the perfect coach to lead the Buckeyes back to glory.
The 2024 team was a balanced one, featuring explosive playmakers on both sides of the ball. The offense was spearheaded by an electric quarterback, an outstanding receiving corps, and a dynamic running back group. On defense, the Buckeyes were solid, with a front seven capable of wreaking havoc and a secondary that was among the best in the country. This well-rounded roster gave Ohio State the tools they needed to claim a national championship.
Key Players Who Shaped the Journey
While the entire team played a pivotal role in Ohio State’s national championship run, several players stood out as key contributors to the team’s success. These players not only delivered in critical moments but also led by example, inspiring the rest of the team to elevate their performances throughout the season.
1. Quarterback: Kyle McCord
Quarterback Kyle McCord had big shoes to fill when he took over the starting job in 2024. After years of strong quarterback play, including the departure of C.J. Stroud to the NFL, McCord was tasked with leading the offense and maintaining Ohio State’s high-flying attack. McCord proved he was up to the challenge early in the season, showcasing his poise, arm strength, and ability to read defenses.
His accuracy and leadership were on full display throughout the season, particularly in critical games. McCord wasn’t just a game manager; he was a difference-maker. Whether it was threading the needle to tight ends in the middle of the field or launching deep passes to the Buckeyes’ speedy wide receivers, McCord made all the right decisions when it mattered most.
In the national championship game, McCord’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He showed the world why he was the right man for the job, leading Ohio State to victory with an impressive array of throws, including several key completions on third downs and a game-winning touchdown drive. His calm under pressure and decision-making ability solidified his place as one of the top quarterbacks in Ohio State history.
2. Wide Receiver: Marvin Harrison Jr.
Perhaps no player on the 2024 team exemplified Ohio State’s offensive firepower more than Marvin Harrison Jr. The son of NFL Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, Jr. had already established himself as one of the best wide receivers in college football by the start of the 2024 season. His ability to make jaw-dropping catches, his elite route-running, and his knack for creating separation made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
Harrison’s ability to dominate in critical moments was vital to Ohio State’s national championship run. In the national championship game, he showcased his big-play ability, making two spectacular catches for long touchdowns that helped the Buckeyes maintain control of the game. His performances throughout the season were a key factor in Ohio State’s offensive success, and his ability to turn any play into a potential touchdown made him a constant threat.
3. Running Back: TreVeyon Henderson
The 2024 Ohio State offense was not just about the passing game. TreVeyon Henderson, the Buckeyes’ star running back, was equally crucial to the team’s success. Henderson, a dynamic playmaker, possessed the rare combination of speed, agility, and power. His ability to break tackles and outrun defenders made him a consistent presence on the field.
Henderson’s contributions were invaluable in the national championship run. He was often the driving force behind Ohio State’s offense, allowing the Buckeyes to control the tempo of the game and establish balance. His strong performances in the biggest games — including a key run in the national championship game to set up the game-winning touchdown — showed that he could deliver when the stakes were highest.
4. Defensive Line: J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer
Ohio State’s defense was a key factor in the team’s national championship victory, and much of that success came from their dominant defensive line. J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer formed one of the most formidable pass-rushing duos in the country. Both players had breakout seasons in 2024, with Tuimoloau earning numerous accolades for his ability to disrupt the opposing offense.
Their ability to pressure the quarterback and stop the run game made Ohio State’s defense one of the most feared units in the nation. In the national championship game, Tuimoloau and Sawyer were instrumental in slowing down the opposing offense, applying constant pressure, and creating key turnovers that helped swing the momentum in Ohio State’s favor.
The Road to the National Championship
The 2024 season was full of challenges, and the Buckeyes faced some of the best teams in college football along the way. From high-profile games against top Big Ten rivals like Michigan and Penn State to thrilling matchups in the College Football Playoff, the Buckeyes proved they had what it took to compete at the highest level.
1. Big Ten Championship Game: A Statement Win
Ohio State’s journey to the national championship began with a strong performance in the Big Ten Championship Game. The Buckeyes faced a tough opponent in the form of the Michigan Wolverines, who had been a thorn in their side for the past few seasons. However, Ohio State came out determined to avenge their previous losses and prove that they were the superior team.
In a thrilling back-and-forth affair, the Buckeyes dominated the second half, pulling away with key plays on offense and defense. McCord’s pinpoint accuracy, combined with Harrison’s explosive playmaking ability and Henderson’s relentless rushing, helped Ohio State secure a convincing 35-21 victory, earning them a spot in the College Football Playoff.
2. College Football Playoff: Defeating the Nation’s Best
The College Football Playoff presented the Buckeyes with another set of formidable opponents, including some of the nation’s top teams. In the semifinals, Ohio State faced a challenging matchup against the reigning national champions, Alabama. Despite the Tide’s championship pedigree, the Buckeyes were up to the challenge, executing a near-perfect game plan. McCord’s composure and the defense’s ability to limit Alabama’s explosive plays led to a hard-fought 31-27 win, sending Ohio State to the national championship game.
3. National Championship Game: Ohio State vs. Georgia
The national championship game was set: Ohio State vs. Georgia. The Bulldogs had been dominant throughout the season, with a powerful offense and a stout defense that had earned them the top ranking in college football. It was expected to be a closely contested matchup, and the game lived up to the hype.
From the start, the game was a high-paced, back-and-forth affair. Both teams traded blows, with Georgia’s offense showing why they were one of the most potent units in the nation. However, Ohio State’s offense, led by McCord and bolstered by Harrison, Henderson, and tight end Cade Stover, found ways to keep pace with Georgia’s attack. The Buckeyes’ defense also made crucial stops, with Tuimoloau and Sawyer constantly pressuring Georgia’s quarterback and limiting the effectiveness of their passing game.
As the game progressed, it was clear that Ohio State was the more complete team. With the score tied late in the fourth quarter, McCord led a methodical drive down the field, culminating in a clutch touchdown pass to Harrison in the back corner of the end zone. The Buckeyes’ defense sealed the game with a final stop, and Ohio State claimed a 28-24 victory to secure the 2024 national championship.
A Championship Legacy
The 2024 national championship was a testament to Ohio State’s commitment to excellence and the culmination of years of hard work. For Ryan Day, this victory solidified his place in Ohio State history as one of the great head coaches. For the players, it was the culmination of a season’s worth of effort, sacrifice, and determination. McCord, Harrison, Henderson, and the entire Buckeyes roster had etched their names into the history books, securing their place among the program’s greats.
Ohio State’s 2024 national championship was not just about one game, one player, or one season; it was the result of a culture of excellence that has defined the Buckeyes for generations. The victory marked a new era for Ohio State football, one that continued to build on the legacy of past champions while establishing a foundation for future success.
As the Buckeyes celebrated their national championship, they knew that this was just the beginning. The program’s future remained as bright as ever, and with the leadership of Ryan Day and a pipeline of elite recruits, Ohio State was poised to continue its dominance in college football for years to come.