Ohio State had wins over Tennessee, Oregon and Texas before toppling Notre Dame to take home the trophy. It was the end of a roller-coaster season for Ohio State, which limped into the playoff after a loss to archrival Michigan in the regular season finale.

Ryan Day deserved to feel vindication when he won a national championship less than two months after it seemed his Ohio State job was on the line. That relief only lasts so long. Day made that clear when it was suggested to him on Tuesday morning that Monday night's 34-23 national championship game victory over Notre Dame meant he would feel less pressure to win big in the 2025 season.

Much was made about the approximately $20 million Ohio State spent in name, image and likeness money to put the team together, but with a few exceptions, the money went toward the Buckeyes keeping their own players in school for another season, rather than leaving for the NFL Draft.