Ohio State secured its ninth NCAA Division I‑FBS championship on Jan. 8, 2025, defeating Miami 42‑21 at State Farm Stadium. The victory caps a historic season that featured the second year of the 12‑team College Football Playoff, solidifying the Buckeyes’ status as a modern dynasty and highlighting the impact of the expanded postseason format.
Ohio State’s Ninth Championship Highlights
The Buckeyes entered the title game as the top seed, earning a first‑round bye before beating Clemson in the semifinal. Led by Heisman‑contender quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive star J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State outperformed Miami 42‑21, tying Alabama with nine CFP‑era titles.
Path to the 12‑Team Playoff
The College Football Playoff expanded to 12 teams for the 2024‑25 season, selecting the six highest‑ranked conference champions, the top Group Of Five champion, and five at‑large teams. Ohio State secured the No. 1 seed and a semifinal home game, while Miami’s surprise run from the No. 10 seed added drama to the championship matchup.
Historical Context of College Football Titles
Ohio State’s ninth crown joins an elite group that includes Alabama (nine) and trails Notre Dame and Michigan, each with eleven recognized titles. The program’s previous championships came in 2002, 2014, and 2020, and the latest win narrows the historical gap with traditional powerhouses.
Future Implications of the Expanded Playoff
Playoff Validation
- Increased viewership: a 12% rise over the 2023 championship.
- More storylines: Miami’s Cinderella run and multiple first‑round upsets.
Recruiting Impact
- Ohio State’s championship pedigree will attract higher‑rated high‑school prospects.
- Miami can leverage its surprise performance to boost its recruiting class.
Conference Realignment Pressure
- Emphasis on conference championships may spark new realignment discussions.
- Programs seeking top‑four seeds could pursue different affiliations.
Revenue Growth
- ESPN’s exclusive 12‑game deal projects $1.2 billion in additional payouts over five years.
- Participating conferences benefit from record‑breaking TV and streaming revenue.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 National Championship
The next title game is set for Jan. 10, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Early speculation suggests Ohio State could return with its veteran core intact, aiming to cement a modern dynasty comparable to Alabama’s era under Nick Saban.
Conclusion
Ohio State’s ninth national championship marks a milestone in a transformative period for college football. The expanded 12‑team playoff has delivered heightened competition, increased revenue, and new recruiting dynamics, while the Buckeyes add another chapter to their storied legacy. The upcoming 2026 championship will test whether Ohio State can sustain its dominance in the evolving landscape.
