Ohio State opened up the 12-team College Football Playoff the same way it opened up the four-team field: holding up a trophy. The Buckeyes knocked off Notre Dame in the championship game, 34-23, to reclaim their spot at the top of college football.

Ohio State and Notre Dame made history even before kickoff of the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship. The Buckeyes and Fighting Irish were the first two teams to reach the inaugural 12-team playoff title game.

Jayden Fielding’s 33-yard field goal with 26 seconds remaining did more than secure Ohio State’s 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff title game.