Highlights from Ohio State’s 2024 campaign as seen by dispatch photographers

Memorable Moments from Ohio State’s 2024 Season Through the Eyes of Dispatch Photographers

The 2024 Ohio State football season has been one for the ages—filled with unforgettable plays, dramatic finishes, and moments of individual brilliance. Throughout the season, The Columbus Dispatch photographers have been there to capture the intensity, emotion, and pageantry that make Ohio State football such a unique spectacle. From the electrifying atmosphere of Ohio Stadium (the Horseshoe) to the quiet, reflective moments on the sidelines, these photographers have chronicled the highs and lows of a season full of promise, adversity, and triumph.

In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most memorable moments of the 2024 Ohio State football season as captured through the lens of Dispatch photographers. From game-winning touchdowns to passionate fan reactions, from locker room celebrations to gritty individual performances, these photographs offer a powerful window into the soul of Buckeye football in 2024.

1. The Heart-Stopping Opening Win Against Notre Dame: A Moment of Glory

The 2024 season opener for Ohio State against Notre Dame was one of the most anticipated matchups of the year. The Fighting Irish were looking to avenge their previous loss to the Buckeyes, and the atmosphere in Ohio Stadium was electric from the moment the teams took the field. The Dispatch photographers were on hand to capture the intensity of the moment, with wide-angle shots of the stadium packed to the brim with screaming fans donning scarlet and gray.

But the most iconic photograph from that game came in the final seconds of regulation. With the score tied at 24 and the clock winding down, Ohio State’s quarterback, Kyle McCord, dropped back for a final shot at victory. The ball spiraled through the night sky and landed perfectly in the hands of Marvin Harrison Jr., who made an acrobatic, leaping catch in the end zone with just two seconds left on the clock. The Dispatch photographer capturing this moment was able to freeze the excitement in time—the ball in midair, Harrison’s outstretched arms, and the stunned expressions of Notre Dame defenders.

This image would go on to become one of the defining moments of the season, encapsulating the drama and passion of Ohio State football. It wasn’t just a game-winning touchdown—it was a statement to the college football world that the Buckeyes were ready to compete at the highest level.

2. The Rivalry Game at the ‘Shoe: Michigan’s Comeback and Ohio State’s Resilience

The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry is one of the most intense and storied in college football. The 2024 edition of “The Game” was no different, with both teams entering the matchup with high stakes on the line: a shot at the Big Ten Championship, and potentially, the College Football Playoff. As usual, the Dispatch photographers were in the heart of the action, documenting the passion, emotion, and pure intensity that filled Ohio Stadium.

One of the most powerful photographs of the game came just after Michigan’s stunning second-half comeback, where they managed to tie the game late in the fourth quarter. The shot, taken from the stands behind the Ohio State bench, showed the contrast between the stunned expressions of Buckeyes players and the jubilant celebration from Michigan’s side. The photograph perfectly captured the high stakes of the rivalry—the emotional rollercoaster of college football.

However, the most defining image from the 2024 Michigan game came during the final minute of play, when Ohio State’s defense made a crucial stop in the red zone. A Dispatch photographer captured Ohio State’s defense in a moment of pure determination as they swarmed Michigan’s offense, keeping them out of the end zone on a fourth-and-goal attempt. The players, drenched in sweat and emotion, celebrated together as the stadium erupted in a deafening roar. The image of defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau raising his arms in triumph as his teammates embraced him became one of the season’s most iconic moments, symbolizing the grit and resilience of the Ohio State football team.

3. The Emergence of Kyle McCord: A Quarterback Takes Charge

As the 2024 season progressed, Kyle McCord, Ohio State’s young quarterback, steadily grew into his role as the leader of the Buckeyes. After a promising start to the season, McCord faced his biggest test against Penn State in one of the toughest road environments in college football. With the Nittany Lions’ defense stifling Ohio State’s offense for most of the game, McCord stood tall, orchestrating a clutch fourth-quarter drive that eventually led to a game-winning touchdown.

A standout photograph from that game showed McCord, sweat pouring down his face, standing tall in the pocket and surveying the field with a calm yet determined expression. This image—captured just moments before he delivered the crucial pass to Emeka Egbuka—highlighted the maturity and poise McCord had developed over the course of the season. In many ways, this image symbolized McCord’s evolution from an uncertain sophomore to a quarterback capable of leading his team to victory in critical moments.

The photograph was not just about McCord’s individual performance, but also about his growth as a leader. It was an image that spoke to the teamwork and preparation required for Ohio State to remain a contender for the College Football Playoff in 2024.

4. Marvin Harrison Jr.’s Incredible Catch Against Michigan State

If there was one player who cemented his status as a future NFL star during the 2024 season, it was Marvin Harrison Jr.. The wide receiver put on a show week after week, but perhaps his most memorable moment came during a game against Michigan State, where Harrison Jr. made a jaw-dropping catch that left fans in awe.

The play occurred in the third quarter, with Ohio State leading by two touchdowns. McCord threw a deep pass down the sideline, and Harrison Jr. leaped into the air, contorting his body to make an improbable one-handed catch while keeping his feet in bounds. A Dispatch photographer captured the moment perfectly—the ball just inches away from Harrison Jr.’s fingertips, his body fully extended, and the defenders hopelessly trailing behind.

This photograph would go on to be shared across social media, not only as a testament to Harrison Jr.’s exceptional skills but also as a visual representation of the heights to which Ohio State’s offense had risen in 2024. Harrison’s catch was a reminder that, even in a season full of strong performances, there were always those moments that seemed to transcend the ordinary and venture into the realm of the extraordinary.

5. The Buckeyes’ Victory Over Wisconsin: A Symbol of Ohio State’s Dominance

Another iconic moment captured by Dispatch photographers came in the Big Ten Championship Game against Wisconsin. Ohio State entered the game with a chance to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff, and from the very first snap, it was clear that the Buckeyes were in control.

The most powerful image from that game came early in the second half when Ohio State running back Travion Henderson broke free for a 70-yard touchdown run, weaving through defenders with a combination of speed and power that left Wisconsin’s defense grasping at air. A Dispatch photographer managed to catch the exact moment Henderson hit the open field, his legs churning, with Wisconsin defenders trailing helplessly behind. The image perfectly captured the Buckeyes’ dominance on offense and was a visual representation of how far Ohio State had come over the course of the season.

This victory, with Ohio State winning in commanding fashion, symbolized the team’s rise to prominence in the 2024 season, and the Dispatch photographers were there to document it in real time. From the confident celebration on the field to the tears of joy in the locker room, the photographs from that day showcased the collective effort and determination that led the Buckeyes to another Big Ten title.

6. The Passionate Fans: Buckeye Nation’s Unwavering Support

While the players on the field always receive the spotlight, the Ohio State fans are an integral part of the team’s success. Dispatch photographers often capture the unwavering passion and dedication of Buckeye Nation, and throughout the 2024 season, there were several powerful moments that highlighted the bond between the players and the fans.

One particularly memorable image came during the night game against Penn State, where the camera focused on a group of fans holding up a massive “Go Buckeyes” banner. The photograph, taken in the stands as the game reached its climax, showed the unity of Ohio State supporters—some dressed in full Buckeye gear, others simply wearing scarlet shirts. Their collective energy was palpable as they cheered on the team, waving their arms in rhythm with the band’s music. The image encapsulated the importance of the crowd in shaping the Buckeyes’ success and demonstrated that Ohio State football is about much more than just the game on the field.

7. The Final Farewell: Senior Night at the Horseshoe

Every season ends with Senior Night, a bittersweet occasion for both the players and their families. The 2024 edition of Senior Night was especially poignant, as Ohio State said goodbye to a group of key players who had poured their hearts and souls into the program.

A particularly touching photograph from Senior Night showed Ohio State’s seniors walking down the sideline after their final home game, their families by their side, as the crowd stood and cheered. The pride and emotion on the players’ faces, combined with the adoration of the fans, created a powerful image that encapsulated the heart of Ohio State football. For the photographers, it was a moment to freeze in time, a