How Ohio State Tuned Out the Doubters and Unleashed a Run for the Ages
The 2025 College Football season was supposed to be a time of transition for the Ohio State Buckeyes. The program had dealt with the high expectations that always come with being one of the elite teams in the sport, but there were doubts in the air—doubts about Ryan Day’s ability to lead Ohio State to another national championship after falling short in previous years, doubts about the defense’s capability to hold up in big games, and even doubts about how they would recover after suffering a crushing loss to their rivals, the Michigan Wolverines, late in the regular season. What Ohio State showed, however, was that adversity, pressure, and skepticism only fueled them to greatness.
The 2025 Buckeyes overcame a season filled with uncertainty, injuries, and setbacks to put together one of the most unforgettable postseason runs in recent college football history. From doubts about their defense to skepticism about their ability to rebound after a bitter loss to Michigan, Ohio State turned every challenge into motivation and built a story that will be remembered for years to come.
Their journey was about more than just a national championship—it was about proving a point, silencing critics, and showing that they were the most complete team in the country. Ohio State’s remarkable run to their 9th national title was a testament to their resilience, leadership, and talent. This is the story of how Ohio State tuned out the doubters and unleashed a run for the ages.
The Expectations Were High, But So Were the Doubts
Entering the 2025 season, Ohio State was once again among the favorites to win it all. After a strong 2024 campaign that saw them fall just short in the College Football Playoff (CFP), many pegged Ohio State as one of the most talented teams in the country, with Heisman candidate CJ Stroud at quarterback and one of the most explosive receiving corps in college football. But as the season progressed, the doubts began to grow.
Critics questioned Ryan Day’s ability to deliver a national championship for Ohio State, especially after some high-profile losses in previous years. His ability to win big games, particularly against top-tier competition, had been questioned following Ohio State’s near-miss seasons. The Buckeyes’ defense also continued to be a concern, as they struggled to match up with elite offenses. Even though Day had a talented roster, the questions remained: could he get Ohio State over the hump?
Despite the media buzz around their potential, the Buckeyes were not immune to criticism. Following a narrow win over lesser opponents in the early part of the season, people began to wonder if Ohio State was really ready for the challenges of the nation’s elite teams. Some called them a team that “hadn’t been tested” and warned that their weaknesses might catch up with them come playoff time. This only added fuel to the fire.
The Michigan Loss: A Crucible for Ohio State’s Determination
For Ohio State, the Michigan game is always the most important. The rivalry between the Buckeyes and Wolverines has deep historical and emotional roots, and it is always the game that will make or break a season. However, for the Buckeyes in 2025, this year’s game carried extra weight. Ohio State entered the game undefeated and poised to capture a Big Ten title, but in a stunning turn of events, they were handed a 31-28 loss by Michigan. The defeat, which knocked them out of contention for the Big Ten championship and left them with a blemish on their record, could have been a devastating blow.
In the aftermath of the loss, the atmosphere surrounding the team was one of disbelief and frustration. Fans and pundits alike quickly began to write off Ohio State, questioning whether they had the necessary toughness and character to overcome this setback. Critics claimed that Michigan had exposed Ohio State’s vulnerabilities, particularly on defense, and there was concern that the Buckeyes lacked the ability to perform on the biggest stage.
But for Ryan Day and his players, the Michigan loss was not the end—it was the beginning of their redemption. Day’s ability to rally his team in the aftermath of this loss demonstrated his strength as a leader and set the stage for one of the most impressive postseason runs in recent history.
CJ Stroud, the team’s leader and Heisman finalist, spoke candidly about how the loss motivated him and his teammates. “We weren’t going to let one game define us,” Stroud said. “We knew that we had the talent, and we knew we could turn things around. That loss hurt, but it also made us more determined than ever. We had a point to prove.”
Day echoed these sentiments, using the Michigan defeat as a rallying cry for his team. “We knew we were better than what we showed against Michigan,” he said. “That game wasn’t who we were. It was time to show the world what we were made of.”
The College Football Playoff: Turning Doubt Into Motivation
After the Michigan loss, Ohio State’s path to the College Football Playoff (CFP) was no longer guaranteed. The Buckeyes needed to rely on the CFP selection committee to extend an invitation, which meant they would have to prove their worth by winning a high-stakes semifinal game. Despite the uncertainty surrounding their playoff hopes, Ohio State received a CFP bid, largely due to their overall body of work and their ability to bounce back after the loss to Michigan.
In the CFP semifinal, Ohio State faced the defending national champions, the Georgia Bulldogs. Georgia had been one of the most dominant teams in college football in recent years, led by a stout defense and a veteran quarterback in Stetson Bennett. Many analysts and fans expected Georgia to overpower Ohio State in a matchup between two powerhouse programs, and Ohio State was once again counted out by many in the media.
But in what would become one of the most memorable games of the season, Ohio State delivered a 42-35 win over Georgia, pulling off a shocking upset that sent them to the national championship. The Buckeyes’ offense, led by Stroud, was in full throttle, and their defense—while still not perfect—came up with key stops when they were needed most. Stroud threw for over 300 yards and 4 touchdowns, including a clutch drive in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Ohio State’s win over Georgia not only secured their spot in the national championship game but also sent a clear message to the rest of the college football world: they were a team to be reckoned with. The doubters who had written them off after the Michigan loss were forced to eat their words. The Buckeyes had found their rhythm, and they were playing with a level of confidence that made them nearly unstoppable.
The National Championship: Ohio State Unleashes Its Full Potential
With their ticket to the 2025 National Championship punched, Ohio State turned its attention to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, a team that had been solid all season but never quite seen as a true national contender. Ohio State entered the game as the favorite, but once again, they faced a team with a lot to prove. Notre Dame had made a strong push through the season and into the playoffs, but Ohio State was simply on another level.
The national championship game was the culmination of Ohio State’s incredible journey. They played with a fire and passion that left no doubt about their championship pedigree. On the strength of CJ Stroud’s arm, Marvin Harrison Jr.’s electrifying catches, and a defense that rose to the occasion when it counted, Ohio State rolled to a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame. The win secured their 9th national title, and this one felt particularly sweet after the doubts they had overcome.
Stroud, who had been a lightning rod for criticism during the early part of his career, cemented his legacy with an MVP performance in the title game, throwing for over 350 yards and 4 touchdowns. Harrison, too, was outstanding, catching two touchdown passes and playing a pivotal role in keeping the offense on track.
Day’s leadership, which had been questioned earlier in the season, was now being praised by analysts and coaches alike. The Buckeyes had proven not just to the world, but to themselves, that they were capable of great things. “This team had to fight for everything they earned,” Day said after the game. “They never let the doubters get to them. They came together and showed what Ohio State football is all about.”
The Impact of Ohio State’s Championship Run
Ohio State’s 2025 national title was more than just a championship—it was a statement. It was a demonstration of resilience, of overcoming adversity, and of proving that no amount of doubt could stop them from achieving greatness. Ohio State’s ability to rise above the critics and deliver a national title under the most challenging of circumstances will be remembered as one of the defining stories of the decade.
The Buckeyes proved that true champions are made not only in victory but also in how they handle adversity. By tuning out the doubters, silencing the critics, and trusting in their ability to overcome setbacks, Ohio State unleashed a run for the ages, one that will be etched in college football lore for generations to come.
As for the future of Ohio State, the 2025 season was a testament to what this program is capable of, and it’s safe to say that Ryan Day and his team will continue to be at the forefront of college football for years to come. For now, though, the Buckeyes can bask in the glory of their victory and the knowledge that they have forever secured their place in history.
