Tag: CFP

Ohio State vs. Notre Dame in the CFP Championship Game most watched non-NFL event in past year

No surprise here. #GoBucks

If the numbers behind people tuning into college football has told us anything, Ohio State turns on television sets and streaming devices. We’ve seen that continue during the College Football Playoff, and the CFP National Championship Game between the Buckeyes and Notre Dame pulled in more viewers than any prior.

According to ESPN PR, the game between OSU and the Irish pulled in 22.1 million viewers, the most watched non-NFL sporting event over the past year. The game peaked at 26.1 million viewers between 8:30 and 8:45 p.m. ET.

That comes on the heels of massive audiences for Ohio State’s other CFP games. The first-round game against Tennessee resulted in 14.3 million, followed by the Rose Bowl vs. Oregon that had 21.1 million viewers. The Cotton Bowl against Texas attracted 19.9 million eyeballs.

For comparison’s sake, the contest against Michigan (yes, I know), resulted in 12.3 million viewers. In other words — death, taxes, and Ohio State football games being popular.

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Oklahoma Sooners fail to make ESPN’s 2025 Way-Too-Early Top 25

Oklahoma misses the cut in ESPN’s way-too-early top 25 for the 2025 football season.

The 2024 college football season came to an end on Monday night in Atlanta, Georgia. The Ohio State Buckeyes won the [autotag]College Football Playoff[/autotag] National Championship Game, defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish by a score of 34-23. It was the first national title for the Buckeyes in 10 years, as they won in the first year of the 12-team [autotag]CFP[/autotag]. They also won the inaugural four-team playoff back in 2014.

With the season coming to a close, it’s time to look ahead to the 2025 campaign. After a disappointing 2024, the Oklahoma Sooners are looking to bounce back after going 6-7 in head coach [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag]’ third year. As many are beginning to compile early rankings for next year, there’s no guarantee that OU is included in the Top 25.

That is the case for ESPN. Staff writer Mark Schlabach put together his way-too-early college football top 25 for the 2025 season and the Oklahoma Sooners missed the cut. They were also excluded from the “also considered” category.

The Sooners were ranked in On3’s version of the list, as OU landed at No. 18. That goes to show the variance of what analysts believe Oklahoma could look like in 2025.

There were a total of nine SEC teams included in ESPN’s Top 25 as Texas, Georgia, LSU, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Ole Miss all found their way on the list. Both Auburn and Missouri were teams that were also considered for the Top 25.

It’s a startling reminder of how far things have fallen under Venables’ leadership. The Sooners would be at best the No. 12 team in the [autotag]SEC[/autotag] going into the season, according to ESPN. The head coach has to oversee a very dramatic turnaround in Norman, or he’ll be elsewhere in 2026.

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Ohio State running backs Henderson and Judkins reach milestone in championship game

Third time in Buckeye history #GoBucks

By now we know the story. Ryan Day wanted to add depth to the running back room after previous seasons of injuries had left Ohio State thin at the position. He knew in this new playoff format, having plenty of bodies in the stable was going to be key if the Buckeyes were to make a run deep into the playoffs.

When Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins entered the transfer portal after last season, Day knew this could be a key piece to the OSU rushing attack. Of course, he already had a featured back and didn’t want to mess with locker room chemistry, so he asked TreVeyon Henderson how he would feel about adding the former First Team All-SEC back to the roster. Henderson gave his blessing and the rest is history.

Many wondered if the two-back system would work or would egos get in the way. It’s safe to say, it worked exactly how Day envisioned it. The two backs complimented each other in a great way. It may seem like on the outside that Henderson was the lightning to Judkins’ Thunder, but the reality is both players could catch passes out of the backfield, run hard, and block even harder.

Just look at how even the stats were at the conclusion of the season as both went over 1,000 yards on the season within 50 yards of each other. One had 16 total touchdowns while the other had 11. To say the system worked would be an understatement.

The duo became just the third Ohio State teammates to rush for over 1,000 yards in the same season joining Archie Griffin (1,577) and Pete Johnson (1,059) in 1975 and most recently Carlos Hyde (1,521) and Braxton Miller (1,068) in 2013.

 

 

Henderson has exhausted his eligibility and will be taking his talents to the NFL. It remains to be seen if Judkins will return to Columbus for one last run, but most believe he’ll head to the League as well… but you never know.

One thing is for sure, these two will be linked in Ohio State history forever.

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Social media reacts to Ohio State’s CFP national championship game win over Notre Dame

Won, now forever #GoBucks

Ohio State is your College Football Playoff national champion.

After jumping to a 31-7 lead, the Buckeyes let Notre Dame get back within a score. Then Jeremiah Smith showed up once again to haul in a deep pass on third and long to secure Ohio State’s ninth national title.

It’s been an unbelievable ride for Buckeye fans. The team was counted out after losing to Michigan. But it came together for a postseason run that will be remembered forever in Ohio State history.

It was a four-week run for the ages and fans put their pride on full display via social media. Time to take a look at some of the best reactions to Buckeye’s run to glory.

Hang it in the Louvre

 

 

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Always has been. Always will be

 

 

You’re not alone

 

 

Priceless

 

 

Always there when you need him

 

 

Toughest path ever

 

 

Unsung heroes

 

 

There’s a lot to like

 

 

100% chance of confetti

 

 

Tip of the cap from Michigan?

 

 

Respect from Michigan?

 

 

Quite a list to be on

 

 

Going pretty well actually

 

 

Forever

 

 

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2025 NFL draft: CFP National Championship full of Steelers prospects

The Steelers could put together a great draft just from players in the CFP National Championship.

If you watched the CFP National Championship game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish, you got to see some truly impressive talent, many of which are going to be in the 2025 NFL draft.

In fact, if you are the Pittsburgh Steelers, you could probably build the bulk of your 2025 draft out of players in this game. Here are the top prospects from the game the Steelers could target.

Ohio State

QB Will Howard (3rd round)

RB Quinshon Judkins (2nd round)

RB Tre’Veyon Henderson (3rd round)

WR Emeka Egbuks (1st round)

OT Josh Simmons (2nd round)

G Donovan Jackson (2nd round)

DT Tyleik Williams (1st/2nd round)

CB Denzel Burke (4th round)

 

Notre Dame

QB Riley Leonard (4th round)

DT Howard Cross (4th round)

DT Rylie Mills (4th round)

CB Benjamin Morrison (1st round)

S Xavier Watts (2nd round)

If the Steelers went with Egbuka in the first, Judkins in the second and Howard in the third, it would look quite unusual but would work to get the Steelers offense on track.

Notre Dame might not have the same caliber of players but we love safety Xavier Watts and his ability to play corner and safety would make him a great option for the Steelers as well.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

College Football Playoff names Ohio State players Offensive and Defensive MVPs

Players of the game! #GoBucks

It’s going to take a long time to clean up the confetti on the floor of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but that’s not the concern of the Ohio State football program that just took home its ninth national championship after its 34-23 CFP National Championship Game win over Notre Dame on Monday night.

There were plenty of stars on the night wearing Scarlet and Gray, but only two can be named the Offensive and Defensive MVPs of the Game. On offense, quarterback Will Howard took home the award again after being named the Offensive MVP of the Cotton Bowl. Howard finished the game completing 17-of-21 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns.  He also ran for a season-high 57 yards on a whopping 16 carries.

At one point, Howard completed 13-straight completions to set a College Football Playoff game record. The fact that he did it against one of the best defenses in the country and then sealed the game with a 56-yard completion to Jeremiah Smith on third and 11.

On defense, linebacker Cody Simon was honored. His play this season has continued to improve to where he’s become the leader of the defense as the middle linebacker. He registered eight tackles, including one tackle for loss as the quarterback of the defense.

Congrats to both, and congrats to Ohio State for getting up off the mat and forging through the fire together as brothers to take home a national championship.

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What a night! Best photos of Ohio State football’s CFP national championship game win over Notre Dame

A night to remember for sure. Check out some of the best photos of a memorable national championship for Ohio State. #GoBucks

They saw. They came. They conquered.

After going through waves of adversity during the season, including a close loss at Oregon and a crushing defeat to archrival Michigan, Ohio State found a way to find itself, prop up its coach and hit another gear in the first 12-team College Football Playoff.

The four-game run was one for the ages with wins against Tennessee, Oregon, Texas and a win over Notre Dame in the title game to take home the ninth national championship in program history.

The night is one to remember, and one in which plenty of photographers were on hand to snap moments that we’ll all look back upon from before, during, and after the game when the celebration kicked off.

We know you’ll be up late tonight, so while you are, why not check out some of the best high-resolution photos from a night we’ll reflect back upon often. Happy scrolling and good luck getting up for work in the morning.

How to buy Ohio State Buckeyes college football national championship gear

The Ohio State Buckeyes are national champions! Celebrate with Ohio State national championship gear including hats, shirts, hoodies and more.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are national champions once again.

The Buckeyes defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in Monday’s College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

After Ohio State gave up an opening-drive touchdown, the Buckeyes built a big lead and held on late to beat the Irish 34-23.

Now it’s time to celebrate with brand new Ohio State Buckeyes National Championship gear including Ohio State National Championship hats, Ohio State National Championship shirts, Ohio State National Championship hoodies and so much more.

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Ohio State National Championship hat

Ohio State Buckeyes Nike College Football Playoff 2024 National Champions Locker Room Adjustable Hat
Ohio State Buckeyes Nike College Football Playoff 2024 National Champions Locker Room Adjustable Hat (Fanatics)

Price: $39.99

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Ohio State National Championship t-shirt

Ohio State Buckeyes Nike College Football Playoff 2024 National Champions Locker Room T-Shirt
Ohio State Buckeyes Nike College Football Playoff 2024 National Champions Locker Room T-Shirt (Fanatics)

Price: $39.99

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Ohio State National Championship hoodie

Ohio State Buckeyes Nike College Football Playoff 2024 National Champions Locker Room Pullover Hoodie
Ohio State Buckeyes Nike College Football Playoff 2024 National Champions Locker Room Pullover Hoodie (Fanatics)

Price: $84.99

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Ohio State National Championship commemorative cover

Ohio State National Championship Commemorative Cover - USA TODAY
Ohio State National Championship Commemorative Cover – USA TODAY

Price: From $15.25

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How to buy Ohio State Buckeyes CFP Championship gear

The Ohio State Buckeyes are national champions! Celebrate with Ohio State national championship gear including hats, shirts, hoodies and more.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are atop the college football mountain.

The Buckeyes defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 34-23 in Monday’s CFP Championship game.

Now it’s time to do what Ohio State fans do best…celebrate!

Brand new Ohio State Buckeyes National Championship gear including Ohio State National Championship hats, Ohio State National Championship shirts, Ohio State National Championship hoodies are now available.

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OSU Buckeyes National Championship hat

Ohio State Buckeyes Nike College Football Playoff 2024 National Champions Locker Room Adjustable Hat
Ohio State Buckeyes Nike College Football Playoff 2024 National Champions Locker Room Adjustable Hat (Fanatics)

Price: $39.99

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OSU Buckeys National Championship t-shirt

Ohio State Buckeyes Nike College Football Playoff 2024 National Champions Locker Room T-Shirt
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Price: $39.99

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OSU National Championship hoodie

Ohio State Buckeyes Nike College Football Playoff 2024 National Champions Locker Room Pullover Hoodie
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Ohio State National Championship commemorative cover

Ohio State national championship commemorative cover

Price: From $15.25

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Marcus Freeman’s terrible CFP field goal decision backfired to the delight of college fans

Well, that’s what you get for kicking a field goal down two scores.

All throughout the College Football Playoffs, one of the things fans could count on was the aggressive play-calling of Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman.

He kept his foot on the gas in every situation and that boldness certainly brought fortune as the Irish made it from the first round on campus to the CFP National Championship game in Atlanta on Monday night.

Which is why it was downright bizarre to see Freeman change gears with his team attempting a fourth-quarter comeback against Ohio State.

With the Buckeyes up 31-15 and 9:27 remaining in regulation, Freeman decided to attempt a field goal on 4th-and-Goal from the nine-yard line. Once again in a big game against Ohio State, Freeman’s math wasn’t mathing. Even with a successful field goal, it’s still a two-possession lead for Ohio State. Only a touchdown and two-point conversion would’ve cut the lead sufficiently.

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The football gods, clearly did not appreciate Freeman’s decision as Mitch Jeter’s 27-yard attempt doinked off the upright and fell harmlessly back to the ground.

College football fans clearly saw this moment as karmic justice being done.