Ohio State Makes History as First Team to Win National Championship in Both the 4-Team and 12-Team Playoff Eras

The Ohio State Buckeyes have cemented their place in college football history by achieving a feat that no other team has managed before: winning the national championship in both the 4-team and 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) eras. This remarkable accomplishment underscores the program’s continued excellence, resilience, and ability to adapt to changing dynamics in college football. As the first team to claim the ultimate prize in both the old and new playoff formats, Ohio State has not only solidified its status as a football powerhouse but also helped shape the narrative of the sport’s evolving postseason structure.

The Rise of Ohio State

Ohio State has long been a dominant force in college football. Historically, the Buckeyes have claimed multiple national championships, with their first coming in 1942. Since the mid-20th century, the program has been a staple of success, consistently competing for Big Ten titles and national recognition. Under the leadership of various legendary coaches—including Woody Hayes, Earle Bruce, Jim Tressel, and Urban Meyer—Ohio State built a tradition of excellence that has made it one of the most successful programs in college football history.

One of the most defining characteristics of Ohio State is its ability to recruit top-tier talent, a factor that has allowed the Buckeyes to compete at the highest level year in and year out. With a robust pipeline of NFL talent, the program has attracted some of the best players in the nation, contributing to its national championships and conference titles.

The Transition to the College Football Playoff

Before the College Football Playoff system was introduced in 2014, college football’s postseason consisted of a BCS (Bowl Championship Series) format, which was criticized for its subjectivity and lack of a true playoff structure. Teams were selected based on rankings, and only two teams competed for the national championship in the BCS National Championship Game. While the BCS era produced memorable matchups, it often left fans wondering if the system had unfairly excluded deserving teams.

In response to these criticisms, the College Football Playoff was established in 2014, expanding the postseason to four teams. The top four teams in the nation, as determined by a selection committee, would compete in two semifinal games, with the winners advancing to the national championship game. The new system was hailed as a step in the right direction, giving fans a taste of a true playoff format while maintaining the importance of the regular season.

Ohio State’s Historic 2014 Championship

Ohio State was the first team to win the national championship under the new 4-team playoff format. In 2014, the Buckeyes, led by head coach Urban Meyer, made a remarkable run to the title. Despite entering the playoff as the fourth and final seed, Ohio State proved its mettle on the national stage. After defeating Alabama in the Sugar Bowl in a thrilling semifinal, the Buckeyes moved on to face the Oregon Ducks in the national championship game.

In a dominant performance, Ohio State defeated Oregon 42-20, claiming the program’s eighth national title. The victory was a testament to Ohio State’s resilience, overcoming significant injuries—including the loss of starting quarterback J.T. Barrett—to capture the championship. Quarterback Cardale Jones, who stepped in for the injured Barrett, delivered a performance for the ages, earning MVP honors in the championship game.

Ohio State’s triumph in 2014 was a watershed moment for the program and the College Football Playoff. The victory confirmed the Buckeyes’ place among the elite teams in college football history while also signaling the start of a new era in the sport’s postseason landscape. With the win, Ohio State became one of the first teams to experience the excitement and unpredictability of the new playoff system, setting a precedent for success in the years to come.

The Expansion of the Playoff to 12 Teams

While the 4-team playoff era brought excitement and a sense of fairness to the postseason, many college football fans and analysts continued to advocate for an expanded playoff. The argument for a larger field centered on the notion that a four-team playoff excluded deserving teams from having a shot at the national championship. Critics pointed to instances where strong teams from Power Five conferences, Group of Five schools, or even non-Power Five teams were left out of the mix despite impressive regular seasons.

In 2023, the NCAA announced that the College Football Playoff would expand to 12 teams starting in the 2024 season. The new format aims to provide more opportunities for teams to compete for the national title, rewarding strong regular seasons and conference championships while still preserving the tradition of the bowl games. With the addition of more teams, the 12-team playoff will introduce new dynamics, including automatic bids for the top six conference champions, and a mix of at-large and seeded teams.

While the 12-team playoff structure has yet to be fully realized, Ohio State’s success in the 4-team playoff era gives the program a unique perspective on the transition to the new system. The Buckeyes are poised to continue their dominance under this expanded format, and their achievement in both the 4-team and 12-team playoff eras solidifies their legacy in college football.

Ohio State’s 2025 Championship: A Historic Milestone

In 2025, Ohio State achieved an unprecedented feat: winning the national championship in the inaugural 12-team playoff. Their journey to the title was a testament to the adaptability and excellence of the Buckeyes, who successfully navigated the expanded postseason format with a combination of high-powered offense, a stout defense, and experienced leadership from head coach Ryan Day.

The 12-team playoff introduced new challenges for all teams, including Ohio State, who had to adjust to the larger field and the added pressure of more games. With an expanded bracket, the competition was fierce, and Ohio State’s ability to stay focused and execute at a high level throughout the postseason was a key factor in their success. As the Buckeyes powered through the playoffs, their balanced attack—anchored by quarterback Kyle McCord and a dynamic group of playmakers—proved too much for their opponents.

In the championship game, Ohio State faced off against an equally formidable opponent, showcasing the competitive nature of the 12-team format. The Buckeyes emerged victorious in a thrilling contest, securing their second national championship under the playoff system. Their win in 2025 not only confirmed their ability to succeed in the new format but also marked them as the first team to claim titles in both the 4-team and 12-team eras.

Impact of Ohio State’s Achievement

Ohio State’s dual championships in the 4-team and 12-team playoff eras carry significant implications for the future of college football. First, it serves as a validation of the program’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Whether competing in a four-team bracket or navigating the complexities of a 12-team field, Ohio State has consistently demonstrated that it can thrive under any system.

Moreover, the Buckeyes’ achievement highlights the importance of building a program that can sustain excellence over time. College football is a sport that evolves, and Ohio State’s success over multiple decades and in different playoff formats is a testament to the strength and depth of its program. The Buckeyes have established a winning formula that includes elite coaching, top-tier recruiting, and a commitment to player development.

The 12-team playoff era also promises to create new dynamics in college football, including greater access for teams from outside the Power Five conferences and an increased emphasis on regular-season games. With more teams in the playoff mix, every game becomes more important, and the potential for upsets and surprises is higher than ever before. Ohio State’s success in this expanded format sets a standard for other programs to follow, reinforcing the notion that success in the postseason is about more than just a strong regular-season record—it’s about preparation, execution, and depth.

Ohio State’s history-making achievement of winning national championships in both the 4-team and 12-team College Football Playoff eras is a testament to the program’s resilience, adaptability, and sustained excellence. From their 2014 victory to their 2025 triumph, the Buckeyes have demonstrated that they are not only one of the most successful teams in college football history but also one of the most adaptable. As the College Football Playoff continues to evolve, Ohio State will likely remain a central figure in the sport, setting the standard for success in both the current and future iterations of the postseason system.

In a landscape where change is constant and expectations are high, Ohio State’s ability to rise to the occasion time and time again ensures that their legacy will endure. Whether in the 4-team or 12-team playoff eras, the Buckeyes’ place in the annals of college football history is secure—and their story is far from over.