The 2025 Ohio State football team didn't just bring home a national championship - they destroyed the tired narratives along the way. From the first whistle of the National Championship Game to the confetti drop, this team - players and staff - turned doubters into believers. After the loss to TCUN to end the regular season, it was fair to question the team and the coaching staff. It was fair to demand more (please note - this is NOT an endorsement of the personal threats, that crosses a line). I was one of those questioning the future of Ryan Day and it fully appeared that he had lost the locker room. Then, something amazing happened.
The players got out their frustrations in the immediate aftermath of The Game. Then, there was a team meeting. Things were hashed out and as soon as it was announced the team made the expanded CFP field, the narrative shifted. I went back and listened to press conferences and player interviews. The language changed and the messaging became clear - the focus was on family. Instead of falling apart, this team galvanized. Instead of placing blame elsewhere, this team (including the coaches) took accountability. As soon as the team took the field against Tennessee, even for warm ups, it was clear - this wasn't the same team that walked off the field on November 30th. They were on a mission to destroy narratives.
Narrative #1: "Ohio State Can't Beat the SEC"
Gone. Obliterated. Tossed into the Olentangy the way that Tennessee fans said they would toss the goal posts into the river after the game. For years, we heard the same tired refrain: Ohio State couldn’t measure up to the so-called “big dogs” of the SEC - even after the 2014 season. But on the sport’s biggest stage, the Buckeyes dismantled not one but TWO SEC powerhouses on their way to glory. The speed, the physicality, the dominance — it wasn’t just on display; it was ours.
Narrative #2: "OSU Can't Win the Big Games"
The record against Michigan since Covid (although we know why) was brought up endlessly. The regular season losses to the likes of Oregon were brought up. The losses in the CFP and the embarrassment that was the Missouri game to end the previous season - all brought up as "evidence" that Day and OSU couldn't win big games when going against talent-equated rosters. This team thrived in the spotlight, showing a level of preparation and poise that silenced critics. From electric offensive performances to clutch defensive stands, the Buckeyes proved they could rise to every occasion.
Narrative #3: "Ohio State's Offensive Line Can't Open the Run Game"
Injuries. Playing chess with the lineups to overcome struggles. More injuries. Outside of Ryan Day, was any coach under more scrutiny on this staff than Justin Frye? The work he did when it mattered the most is unreal. What was Ohio State's biggest question mark turned into one of its most reliable units in the playoffs. We saw the emergence of Luke Montgomery. We saw the return of Carson Hinzman. We saw the selflessness and domination of Donovan Jackson. The job done by the coaching staff and the players led to memorable plays that propelled this team into a truly balanced offense.
Narrative #4: "The Defense is Sure to Collapse"
I don't understand why, but people were doubting Ohio State's defense. They were doubting Jim Knowles. While fans were rightfully calling out a lack of production from the Defensive Line (lack of sacks, pressures, TFLs, etc. from veteran players), they still overlooked their dominating performances throughout the regular season. Then, they looked even angrier in the post season. They played with violence, speed, and focus. Caleb Downs lived up to the hype, and then some. Cody Simon emerged as a vocal leader and had one of the better seasons for a linebacker in recent OSU history. Captain Jack Sawyer and JT became the unstoppable duo we all knew they could be. The secondary had trustworthy guys taking the fight to receivers, while we also saw new names/faces emerge for the future. Defense still wins championships, and Ohio State has the best defense in the entire country.
There are additional narratives that I could write more about; however, this board gets the picture. I went from a doubter after the loss to TCUN to a believer in Ryan Day. I've always admired who Coach Day is as a man. I am incredibly happy for him to bring home a National Championship after knocking on the door a few times previously. Most importantly, I am happy that I was proven wrong. He is the right man for the job, because he is a good man and an even better leader of men. Good things should happen to good people - Ryan Day is good people. This team accomplished what they sought out to become - Buckeye legends.
