Ohio State’s football program has long been a powerhouse in college football, and over the last 25 years, the Buckeyes have provided fans with unforgettable moments that have become etched in the memories of college football enthusiasts everywhere. Among these are the iconic plays and events from their last three national championship runs, which not only showcased the team’s talent and resilience but also cemented Ohio State’s place at the pinnacle of the sport. These moments have become the foundation of what many consider the greatest plays in Buckeyes history, and as we revisit these defining instances, it becomes clear why Ohio State is regarded as a football dynasty.
The journey to a national championship is always arduous, demanding a perfect blend of skill, determination, and sometimes a little bit of luck. Ohio State’s national championship victories are no different. From hard-fought battles on the field to last-minute heroics, the Buckeyes have provided countless highlights that capture the essence of college football’s passion and drama.
One cannot discuss Ohio State’s recent national championship moments without reflecting on the 2002 season, a campaign that ended with the Buckeyes capturing their first national title since 1970. That year, the team was led by head coach Jim Tressel, who brought a new culture of discipline and defense-first mentality to the program. The Buckeyes entered the national championship game ranked number one, facing the University of Miami Hurricanes, a team widely considered one of the most talented in college football history.
The 2003 Fiesta Bowl is often hailed as one of the greatest games ever played, not just in Ohio State history but in the sport itself. The Buckeyes found themselves in a tense, back-and-forth battle that went into double overtime. One iconic moment was when quarterback Craig Krenzel orchestrated a crucial drive in the closing moments of regulation to tie the game and send it into overtime. Krenzel’s calm under pressure, combined with clutch passes and an unwavering belief, inspired his teammates to fight until the very last second.
The overtime periods were nerve-wracking. Ohio State’s defense, which had been stellar all season, stepped up once again, holding Miami to minimal gains and forcing a critical stop. On offense, running back Maurice Clarett’s powerful runs kept the Buckeyes moving forward. The game was ultimately decided by a perfectly executed field goal from kicker Matt Turk in double overtime, sealing a 31-24 victory and the national championship. This moment was monumental not only because it ended a 32-year championship drought for Ohio State but also because it showcased the heart and grit that have become synonymous with Buckeye football.
Fast forward to the 2014 season, where the Buckeyes, under new head coach Urban Meyer, returned to the national championship stage. That year was marked by a combination of offensive explosiveness and defensive resilience. Ohio State entered the College Football Playoff with a mission, and their path culminated in the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship against Oregon.
This game was notable for the Buckeyes’ ability to control the game on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Cardale Jones, who had been thrust into the starting role late in the season due to injuries, delivered one of the most memorable performances in Ohio State lore. One iconic play came early in the game when Jones connected with wide receiver Devin Smith on a deep touchdown pass that sent a message to Oregon and the rest of the college football world. Jones’s poise and arm strength were remarkable, especially considering he had only played a few games that season.
The Buckeyes’ defense also played a pivotal role in this championship run. Linebacker Darron Lee’s relentless pursuit of the Oregon offense and defensive back Vonn Bell’s critical interceptions helped keep the Ducks at bay. The defense’s ability to force turnovers and make big plays in crucial moments allowed Ohio State to maintain momentum throughout the game.
A defining moment of this championship came late in the fourth quarter, when Ezekiel Elliott burst through the Oregon defense for a long touchdown run that effectively put the game out of reach. Elliott’s blend of power and speed was too much for the Ducks to handle, and that touchdown sealed the Buckeyes’ victory at 42-20. The 2014 national championship run exemplified Ohio State’s adaptability and resilience, proving they could overcome adversity and rise to the occasion on college football’s biggest stage.
The most recent national championship moment to enter the Buckeyes’ storied history came in the 2022 season. Led by head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State once again found themselves at the top of the college football world. This team was a balanced squad with a high-powered offense and a tenacious defense, ready to take on the nation’s best.
The 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Georgia Bulldogs was a battle between two elite teams. The game was a defensive slugfest in the early stages, with both teams struggling to move the ball consistently. But Ohio State’s offense found a spark in quarterback C.J. Stroud, whose leadership and precision passing opened up opportunities for the Buckeyes.
One iconic moment from this championship game came when Stroud connected with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba on a critical third-down conversion that kept a key drive alive. This play was a testament to the chemistry and trust between Stroud and his receivers, showing the depth of Ohio State’s offensive weaponry.
Defensively, the Buckeyes delivered in the clutch. Linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and defensive end Zach Harrison were relentless in applying pressure and making game-changing tackles. A pivotal interception late in the game by cornerback Cameron Martinez helped swing momentum firmly in Ohio State’s favor.
The defining play came in the fourth quarter when Ohio State’s running back, Miyan Williams, powered his way through the Georgia defense for a touchdown that gave the Buckeyes a crucial lead. This run was emblematic of the team’s physical style and refusal to back down from any challenge.
Ohio State’s victory in this game, final score 35-28, marked their latest national championship and continued their legacy of excellence. This win demonstrated the team’s ability to blend a high-octane offense with a suffocating defense, a combination that has become the blueprint for championship success in modern college football.
Looking back at these last three championship runs, the common threads that emerge are clear: Ohio State’s unwavering determination, the ability to perform under pressure, and a commitment to teamwork and discipline. Each championship run featured different heroes—whether it was Craig Krenzel’s calm leadership in 2002, Cardale Jones’s unexpected rise in 2014, or C.J. Stroud’s poised passing in 2023—but all played pivotal roles in their respective titles.
These iconic moments are more than just plays or games; they represent the spirit of Ohio State football. The passion of the players, the strategic brilliance of the coaches, and the fervent support of the fans all converged to create memories that will be celebrated for generations.
In the larger picture, these plays and victories have helped define Ohio State as a perennial contender on the national stage. The Buckeyes have consistently shown that they can overcome adversity, adapt to new challenges, and rise to the occasion when it matters most. This legacy of excellence, built on iconic moments from their championship runs, is what fuels the pride and passion of Buckeye Nation.
As we reflect on the last quarter-century of Ohio State football, these national championship moments stand out not only for their impact on the program but also for their significance in college football history. They serve as reminders of what makes the sport thrilling—the unpredictability, the drama, and the sheer joy of witnessing greatness.
Ohio State’s top 25 plays of the quarter-century undoubtedly include these championship moments at the very top, as they embody the essence of what it means to be a Buckeye: resilient, relentless, and ready to seize glory when the stakes are highest.
