Ohio State claimed its first national championship in a decade with a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game on Monday night in Atlanta. This win also made Ohio State the first two-loss national champion in nearly two decades, capping a tumultuous season with an extraordinary postseason run.

The Buckeyes dominated early, building a 31-7 lead by the middle of the third quarter. Quinshon Judkins, a transfer running back from Ole Miss, was instrumental in the victory, scoring three touchdowns and rushing for 100 yards on just 11 carries. Quarterback Will Howard, who transferred from Kansas State, completed 17 of 21 passes for 231 yards and added 57 rushing yards. Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith delivered clutch performances, including a pivotal 57-yard catch late in the game that sealed the win for Ohio State.

Notre Dame, entering as 8.5-point underdogs, started the game strong with an 18-play, 75-yard opening drive that ate up over nine minutes of clock and ended in a touchdown by quarterback Riley Leonard. However, Ohio State quickly responded and took control. Judkins scored back-to-back touchdowns, and Smith caught a wide-open touchdown pass to give Ohio State a commanding lead heading into halftime.

The Buckeyes opened the second half with another explosive play—a 70-yard run by Judkins that set up his third touchdown of the night. At 31-7, the game seemed out of reach, but Notre Dame mounted a spirited comeback. Leonard connected with Jaden Greathouse for a 34-yard touchdown pass, and the Irish converted a two-point attempt to cut the deficit. After forcing a fumble, Notre Dame appeared poised to make it a one-possession game. However, a missed field goal by kicker Mitch Jeter dashed their momentum.

Despite another touchdown pass from Leonard to Greathouse and a successful two-point conversion, Notre Dame’s rally fell short. Ohio State’s defense and a late-game pass from Howard to Smith ensured the Buckeyes could run out the clock and secure the victory.

This title run was especially meaningful for head coach Ryan Day, whose tenure at Ohio State has been marked by success but marred by repeated losses to rival Michigan. After losing to Michigan for the fourth consecutive year and missing the Big Ten title game, Day faced questions about his future with the program. However, the Buckeyes’ postseason performance silenced doubters. They defeated Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas in dominating fashion to reach the championship game.

The Buckeyes’ success was bolstered by a strong transfer class and the addition of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who brought fresh energy to the team’s offense. Judkins and Howard, two standout transfers, played crucial roles throughout the playoff. The Buckeyes’ ability to overcome adversity during the regular season and peak during the playoffs was a testament to their resilience and talent.

For Notre Dame, the loss was bittersweet. The Fighting Irish displayed heart and determination, particularly in their second-half comeback effort, but ultimately fell short. Quarterback Riley Leonard accounted for 280 total yards and three touchdowns, but mistakes and missed opportunities, including the failed fake punt and field goal, proved costly.

With this victory, Ohio State secured its ninth national championship, tying USC for the fourth-most titles in college football history. It also marked the first championship in the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format, a change that gave both Ohio State and Notre Dame the opportunity to compete despite setbacks during the regular season. As red and white confetti rained down at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Buckeyes celebrated a triumph that will be remembered as a crowning achievement in their storied program.

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