The Ohio State Buckeyes finished the regular season with a 10–2 record. They started off strong, winning their first five games, including notable victories over #4 Penn State and #8 Indiana. However, they suffered a narrow 32–31 loss to Oregon on the road and a 13–10 home defeat to unranked Michigan in “The Game”, losing a fourth straight to their Big Ten rival.
Despite these two losses, the Buckeyes managed to clinch a spot in the 12 team college playoffs as the #8 seed.
In the First Round of the Playoffs they faced off against #9 Tennessee at home. The Buckeyes looked like a whole new team as they defeated the Volunteers 42-17 in a blowout victory.
The Buckeyes next game was in the Rose Bowl, where they had a rematch against their first loss of the season, #1 Oregon. In another blowout victory, Ohio State was able to defeat the Ducks 41-21
The Semifinal Round of the Playoffs, Ohio State faced off against former Ohio State Quarterback, Quinn Ewers and the Longhorns. The game managed to be a close biter, but in the fourth quarter, the Buckeyes continued their march to the Championship by defeating Texas 28-14.
The National Championship was finally set with the playoff underdogs, Ohio State taking on Notre Dame. Ohio State started the game off strong, but the Irish were able to keep it close. In the end the Irish gave it their all, but ultimately fell short, losing to Ryan Day and the Buckeyes 34-23.
Following the championship victory, head coach Ryan Day signed a seven-year contract extension worth $12.5 million per year, keeping him at Ohio State through the 2031 season.
The Buckeyes look to return to the National Championship next season with 5-Star QB, Julian Sayin, and star WR Jeremiah Smith returning next season.
