Watch here: Ohio State football’s championship celebration
Brian Hofmann
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A month of amazing memories for the Ohio State football team and its fans culminates on Sunday afternoon with a celebration.
Fans came together Sunday for a rally in the stands and on the field to celebrate the Buckeyes’ national championship. You can watch the best moments from the rally in the video player above.
Among the speakers included Athletic Director Ross Bjork, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, and Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, who brought a new “Champions Way” street sign that will be outside the Horseshoe.
Watch the full celebration and analysis below.
After Ohio State President Ted Carter pumped up the crowd, Coach Ryan Day addressed Buckeye nation, followed by several players, including defensive end Jack Sawyer, receiver Emeka Egbuka, and quarterback Will Howard.
“The national championship trophy is back where it belongs in the great state of Ohio,” said Day. “You [players] have cemented yourself in Ohio State history and you will have Buckeye nation talking about about your stories for years to come.”
Photo gallery
COLUMBUS, OHIO – JANUARY 26: Ohio State Buckeyes players sign Carmen Ohio during the NCAA Football Championship celebration at Ohio Stadium on January 26, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
The AFCA National Championship Coaches Trophy (left) College Football Playoff Trophy (center) and Rose Bowl Trophy on display before the Ohio State Buckeyes National Championship celebration at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Joe Maiorana)
COLUMBUS, OHIO – JANUARY 26: Head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes lifts the College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy during the NCAA Football Championship celebration at Ohio Stadium on January 26, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO – JANUARY 26: ( Left to right) Running back TreVeyon Henderson #32, Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka #2, Linebacker Cody Simon #0, Defensive end Jack Sawyer #33, Head coach Ryan Day and Athletics Director of the Ohio State Buckeyes Ross Bjork look on during the NCAA Football Championship celebration at Ohio Stadium on January 26, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO – JANUARY 26: Mayor of Columbus, Ohio Andrew J. Ginther and The Ohio State University President Walter “Ted” Carter holding up a street sign renaming a road out side of Ohio Stadium during the NCAA Football Championship celebration at Ohio Stadium on January 26, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO – JANUARY 26: ( Left to Right) The Ohio State University President Walter “Ted” Carter, Head Coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine sign Carmen Ohio during the NCAA Football Championship celebration at Ohio Stadium on January 26, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO – JANUARY 26: Head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes lifts The Coaches’ Trophy during the NCAA Football Championship celebration at Ohio Stadium on January 26, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO – JANUARY 26: Defensive end Jack Sawyer #33 of the Ohio State Buckeyes delivers remarks during the NCAA Football Championship celebration at Ohio Stadium on January 26, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
Ohio State Buckeyes fans enter the field before the National Championship celebration at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Joe Maiorana)
COLUMBUS, OHIO – JANUARY 26: Mayor of Columbus, Ohio Andrew J. Ginther delivers remarks during the NCAA Football Championship celebration at Ohio Stadium on January 26, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO – JANUARY 26: Ohio Governor Mike DeWine delivers remarks during the NCAA Football Championship celebration at Ohio Stadium on January 26, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
The College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy on display before the Ohio State Buckeyes National Championship celebration at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Joe Maiorana)
COLUMBUS, OHIO – JANUARY 26: The Ohio State University President Walter “Ted” Carter delivers remarks during the NCAA Football Championship celebration at Ohio Stadium on January 26, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO – JANUARY 26: Brutus Buckeye celebrating with fans before the NCAA Football Championship celebration at Ohio Stadium on January 26, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
Fans wait outside ahead of the Ohio State football championship celebration at Ohio Stadium on January 26, 2025. (NBC4 Photo / Gracie Collins)
COLUMBUS, OHIO – JANUARY 26: The Coaches’ Trophy sits on display before the NCAA Football Championship celebration at Ohio Stadium on January 26, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
NBC4 Photo / Gracie Collins
Ohio State Buckeyes fans gather on the field before the National Championship celebration at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Joe Maiorana)
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Day’s speech included wishes of gratitude to dozens of members of the coaching staff, including defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who is reportedly leaving Ohio State to take the same position at conference rivals Penn State.
The Buckeyes ran through the first 12-team College Football Playoff, with a December home win over Tennessee, revenge against No. 1 Oregon, Jack Sawyer’s 83-yard touchdown return after a sack against Texas, and Jeremiah Smith’s 56-yard fourth-quarter catch against Notre Dame. On Monday night, the Buckeyes became national champions for the first time since 2014, when the first four-team playoff was staged.
The celebrating began immediately after the game, both on the field in Atlanta and back in Columbus at Ohio Stadium, where fans gained access and stormed the field.
