The Ohio State Buckeyes: A History of College Football Excellence

The Ohio State Buckeyes are one of the most successful and storied programs in the history of college football. With a rich legacy that spans over a century, the Buckeyes have cemented their place as one of the top teams in the nation. Known for their iconic scarlet and gray uniforms, passionate fanbase, and fierce rivalries, Ohio State has consistently been a powerhouse in college football.

The Early Years of Ohio State Football

The history of Ohio State football dates back to 1890, when the university fielded its first football team. In the early years, the team was not considered a national contender, but they quickly began to make their mark. The team’s first significant achievement came in 1916 when they won the Big Ten Championship under head coach John Wilce.

The 1920s and 1930s saw Ohio State become a regular contender in the Big Ten Conference, but it was under legendary coach Paul Brown in the 1940s that the Buckeyes truly began to establish their reputation as a dominant football team. Brown led the team to a national championship in 1942, marking the beginning of a new era in Ohio State football.

Building a Dynasty: The Woody Hayes Era

No figure in Ohio State football history is more iconic than Woody Hayes, who served as the Buckeyes’ head coach from 1951 to 1978. Hayes transformed the Ohio State football program into a national powerhouse and became one of the most respected and successful coaches in college football history.

Hayes’ tenure was marked by consistent success, including numerous Big Ten championships and national titles. His teams were known for their hard-nosed, physical style of play, particularly on the offensive line. Under Hayes, the Buckeyes won three national championships (1954, 1957, 1968) and appeared in numerous major bowl games, including the Rose Bowl, the Sugar Bowl, and the Orange Bowl.

One of the defining moments of the Hayes era came in 1968 when Ohio State, led by quarterback Rex Kern and running back O. J. Simpson, won the national championship with an undefeated season. The Buckeyes’ victory over Southern California in the Rose Bowl that year solidified their status as one of the best teams in college football history.

Hayes’ success continued throughout the 1970s, and his influence on the program cannot be overstated. He built a tradition of excellence that would carry on long after his departure. Hayes’ leadership not only shaped Ohio State’s football culture but also helped elevate the Big Ten Conference as a dominant force in college football.

The Modern Era: National Championships and the Rise of the Buckeyes

In the years following Woody Hayes’ departure, Ohio State continued to be a force in college football, with several successful seasons under head coaches such as Earle Bruce, John Cooper, Jim Tressel, and Urban Meyer. These coaches helped maintain the Buckeyes’ place among the elite teams in the country.

The Tressel Era (2001-2010)

Jim Tressel took over as head coach in 2001 and immediately transformed the Ohio State program. In just his second season, Tressel led the Buckeyes to a national championship in the 2002 Fiesta Bowl, where Ohio State defeated the Miami Hurricanes in a thrilling overtime victory. This win marked Ohio State’s first national championship in nearly 30 years and set the tone for Tressel’s successful tenure as head coach.

Under Tressel, Ohio State enjoyed consistent success in the Big Ten, winning multiple conference titles and appearing in major bowl games. The 2006 season was particularly memorable, as the Buckeyes finished the regular season undefeated and earned a spot in the BCS National Championship Game against the Florida Gators. While Ohio State lost that game, the 2006 season remains one of the best in school history.

Tressel’s success extended beyond the field, as he built a program known for discipline, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. His tenure was marked by a string of successful recruiting classes and the development of future NFL stars, including quarterback Troy Smith, running back Maurice Clarett, and linebacker A.J. Hawk.

The Urban Meyer Era (2012-2018)

Urban Meyer, one of the most successful coaches of the 21st century, took over the reins at Ohio State in 2012. Meyer’s impact was felt immediately, as he led the Buckeyes to an undefeated 12-0 season in his first year, despite being ineligible for a bowl game due to NCAA sanctions. The following year, in 2014, Meyer’s Ohio State team reached new heights, capturing the school’s eighth national championship.

The 2014 season was historic for a number of reasons. First, the Buckeyes earned a spot in the inaugural College Football Playoff (CFP) after a dominant run through the Big Ten. In the semifinals, Ohio State faced Alabama, the defending national champions, and pulled off a stunning 42-35 victory. The Buckeyes then went on to defeat Oregon 42-20 in the national championship game, securing their first title under the CFP format. The victory marked Ohio State’s eighth national championship, but the team’s accomplishments didn’t stop there.

Ohio State’s success under Meyer continued, with the Buckeyes regularly contending for Big Ten titles and playoff berths. Meyer’s tenure was marked by the development of a high-powered offense, led by quarterbacks like J.T. Barrett and Justin Fields, and a defense that was consistently among the best in the nation.

The College Football Playoff Era and Ohio State’s National Titles

As college football entered the era of the College Football Playoff (CFP) system in 2014, the Ohio State Buckeyes solidified their place among the sport’s elite programs. The CFP, which replaced the BCS system, is a four-team postseason format that pits the top teams in college football against each other in a single-elimination tournament. Since its inception, the Buckeyes have made several appearances in the CFP, with their crowning achievement coming in the 2014 season.

In total, the Ohio State Buckeyes have won two College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championships. The first came in the 2014 season, when the team defeated Oregon in the championship game. The second was in the 2002 BCS National Championship, where they overcame Miami in a dramatic Fiesta Bowl overtime victory. While Ohio State has been a frequent contender in the CFP, winning two titles in a competitive era of college football further enhances the team’s reputation as one of the sport’s elite programs.

Key Figures in Ohio State’s Championship History

Ohio State’s national championships have been the result of strong leadership from coaches, players, and staff. Several key figures have been instrumental in the team’s success:

• Woody Hayes: As one of the most influential coaches in college football history, Hayes laid the foundation for Ohio State’s tradition of excellence.
• Jim Tressel: Tressel’s leadership in the early 2000s helped the Buckeyes reclaim national prominence, culminating in the 2002 national title.
• Urban Meyer: Meyer’s arrival in 2012 ushered in a new era of success, and his 2014 national title is widely regarded as one of the most impressive accomplishments in Ohio State history.
• Players like Archie Griffin, Troy Smith, Ezekiel Elliott, and J.T. Barrett have all played pivotal roles in helping Ohio State win championships. These individuals, along with many others, represent the heart and soul of Ohio State football.

Ohio State’s Legacy in College Football

Ohio State’s place in the annals of college football history is undisputed. With eight national championships (two of which are CFP titles), a record number of Big Ten championships, and a legacy of producing NFL talent, the Buckeyes have achieved unparalleled success on the field. Beyond the championships, Ohio State is also known for its tradition, its passionate fanbase, and its fierce rivalries, particularly with Michigan.

Ohio State’s commitment to excellence has been a constant through decades of change in college football, and their continued success speaks to the strength of the program. Whether under the leadership of legendary coaches or with the support of countless players who have donned the scarlet and gray, the Buckeyes remain one of the premier programs in the sport.