As a proud alumna of The Ohio State University, I can hardly put into words the joy and pride I felt watching the Buckeyes win the National Championship last night. What a moment. What a season. What a team. It’s a night we’ll all remember for the rest of our lives. After the confetti fell and the trophy was raised, one thought kept running through my mind: we won the war, even though we lost the battle against Michigan. And honestly? I’d take that every day of the week and twice on Saturday.

However, as I reflect on this triumphant moment, I also think back to the aftermath of The Game a couple of months ago. That loss to Michigan hurt, as it always does. But what hurt even more was the way some in Buckeye Nation reacted—not just with disappointment, but with vitriol, personal attacks, and calls for drastic changes. Last night’s victory makes it all the more clear that those reactions were not only misplaced but an embarrassment to the incredible tradition and spirit of Ohio State.

Winning the War

Let’s be clear: the goal is always to beat Michigan. That rivalry is sacred. It’s the heartbeat of college football and the pinnacle of our season. But as hard as it is to lose The Game, the ultimate goal is bigger than one matchup. It’s about winning the Big Ten, earning a spot in the College Football Playoff, and bringing home a National Championship.

This year, we did just that. We may have stumbled in Ann Arbor, but we regrouped, rallied, and proved that Ohio State remains one of the best programs in the country. Our players and coaches showed resilience, determination, and heart—qualities that define what it means to wear the scarlet and gray. While Michigan can celebrate their win in The Game, we’re the ones celebrating the ultimate prize. And let’s be honest: isn’t that what really matters? I’ll take the National Championship over a rivalry win any day.

Reflecting on the Vitriol

Despite the joy we’re all feeling now, I can’t help but revisit the aftermath of The Game. The loss brought out the worst in some of our fanbase. Social media was flooded with calls for Ryan Day’s job, personal attacks on players, and an overall sense of entitlement that was, frankly, embarrassing. It was as if some forgot what this program stands for and the incredible success we’ve enjoyed under Day’s leadership.

Ryan Day is now a National Championship-winning coach. He’s proven, once again, that he’s the right man to lead this program. And yet, just a couple of months ago, some fans were ready to cast him aside. Let me say this as clearly as I can: Ryan Day is an exceptional coach, an exceptional leader, and an exceptional human being. He represents Ohio State with integrity, grace, and class. He’s built this program into a perennial contender and has done so while prioritizing the well-being of his players. That’s the kind of leader I want representing my alma mater.

To see fans calling for his head after one loss—even to Michigan—was disappointing. Yes, we have the right to be upset. Yes, we can critique the game plan and question decisions. But there’s a difference between criticism and outright disrespect. And let’s not forget: it was Day and this team who gave us the chance to celebrate last night’s championship. They deserve our gratitude, not our vitriol.

A Bigger Perspective

The truth is, The Game is just that—a game. Yes, it’s the most important one of the season for many of us, but it’s still a game. These players and coaches are real people with real emotions, dedicating their lives to representing Ohio State. They feel the highs and lows just as much as we do, if not more. To turn on them after one loss is not only unfair but goes against the spirit of what it means to be a Buckeye.

Last night’s win is a reminder of what this program is capable of and what makes Ohio State special. It’s not just about one game or one rivalry. It’s about the tradition, the excellence, and the unity of Buckeye Nation. We’re part of something bigger than any one moment, and we should carry that perspective with us, win or lose.

Moving Forward as Champions

So, where do we go from here? First, we celebrate. We celebrate this incredible team, this incredible season, and this incredible program. We celebrate Ryan Day, the players, and everyone who made last night’s championship possible. And yes, we can even celebrate Michigan’s victory in The Game, because it ultimately didn’t matter. They won the battle, but we won the war. I’ll take that trade-off every single time.

Second, we reflect. Let’s use this moment to remind ourselves of what it means to be part of Buckeye Nation. It means supporting our team through thick and thin. It means respecting the players and coaches who represent us on the field. It means holding ourselves to a higher standard, just as we expect from them.

Finally, we move forward. The rivalry with Michigan isn’t going anywhere. Next year, we’ll have another chance to reclaim our dominance in The Game. But until then, let’s focus on what we’ve achieved. Let’s focus on the joy of being champions. And let’s focus on being the kind of fans who uplift our team, even in moments of adversity.

A Message to Buckeye Nation

To my fellow Buckeyes, let’s take a moment to appreciate what we have. We’re part of one of the greatest traditions in college football. We have a program that competes at the highest level year after year. And now, we have another National Championship to add to our storied history.

Let’s carry that pride with us into next season. Let’s cheer for our team with passion, but also with respect. Let’s critique with fairness, not anger. And let’s never lose sight of what makes Ohio State special—the tradition, the excellence, and the unity of Buckeye Nation.

Last night, we won the ultimate prize. And in doing so, we reminded the world what it means to be a Buckeye. Let’s carry that spirit with us, today and every day. Go Bucks!