Ohio State Completes Dominant Season by Defeating Six Top-10 Teams
The 2025 college football season will forever be remembered as one of the most impressive campaigns in the history of the sport, with Ohio State emerging as the undisputed national champions. The Buckeyes not only claimed the title but also forged a path of dominance by defeating six of the top 10 teams in the country according to the final Associated Press (AP) Poll. By taking down the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 9th, and 10th-ranked teams, Ohio State solidified their place as one of the most resilient and accomplished teams in the annals of college football.
Ohio State entered the season with high expectations under head coach Ryan Day, but few could have predicted the gauntlet they would face on their way to the championship. The Buckeyes finished with a 15-1 record, their only blemish coming in a narrow defeat to Michigan in the regular season, which fueled their resolve to run the table in the postseason.
Each step of the way, Ohio State faced elite competition, and each time, they rose to the occasion. Here’s how the Buckeyes methodically dismantled the best teams in the nation to cap off an unforgettable year.
The first major test of the season came in late October when Ohio State hosted No. 10 Penn State in a marquee Big Ten matchup. Penn State entered the game undefeated and boasting one of the best defenses in the nation, led by All-American linebacker Abdul Carter.
Ohio State’s offense, however, found a way to break through, with quarterback Kyle McCord throwing for over 300 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was unstoppable, racking up 160 yards and a score. The Buckeyes’ defense, led by linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, stifled the Nittany Lions’ offense in the second half, leading to a decisive 27-17 victory.
In the College Football Playoff semifinals, Ohio State faced No. 9 Washington, the champions of the Pac-12. Washington’s high-powered offense, led by Heisman finalist Michael Penix Jr., was one of the most explosive units in the nation, averaging over 40 points per game.
The Buckeyes’ defense rose to the occasion, applying relentless pressure on Penix and forcing him into two costly interceptions. Meanwhile, TreVeyon Henderson ran for 150 yards and two touchdowns, leading Ohio State to a 34-24 victory and a berth in the national championship game.
The annual rivalry game between Ohio State and Michigan carried extra weight this season. Michigan, ranked No. 5 in the final poll, had defeated the Buckeyes in the previous two matchups and entered the game with a perfect record.
Ohio State, however, flipped the script in this year’s clash. McCord threw three touchdowns, and the Buckeyes’ defense held Michigan’s vaunted rushing attack to under 100 yards. A late interception sealed a 31-28 victory for Ohio State, avenging their prior losses and keeping their playoff hopes alive.
The Buckeyes faced No. 4 Florida State in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. The Seminoles, led by star quarterback Jordan Travis, had been dominant all season and were a popular pick to win the national championship.
Ohio State’s defense delivered its best performance of the year, shutting down Travis and the Seminoles’ offense. Henderson and Harrison Jr. provided the offensive spark, and the Buckeyes cruised to a 28-14 victory, silencing doubters and proving they were ready for the biggest stage
In the College Football Playoff semifinals, Ohio State faced No. 3 Alabama in a clash of heavyweights. Alabama, led by head coach Nick Saban, was the SEC champion and had one of the most complete rosters in the country.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading blows. McCord delivered the performance of his career, throwing for four touchdowns, including two to Harrison Jr. The Buckeyes’ defense came up with a crucial goal-line stand in the fourth quarter, securing a 38-31 win and a trip to the national championship game.
Ohio State’s final challenge was a showdown with No. 2 Notre Dame in the national championship game. The Fighting Irish entered the game undefeated and boasted a balanced, veteran-led roster.
In a thrilling contest, Ohio State emerged victorious, 35-28, behind another stellar performance from McCord and Harrison Jr. The Buckeyes’ ability to make key defensive stops in the second half proved to be the difference, and they hoisted the national championship trophy in front of a jubilant crowd in Atlanta.
By defeating six of the top 10 teams in the final AP Poll, Ohio State accomplished what many believed was impossible in the modern era of college football. Their path to the title was not only a testament to their talent but also their resilience, preparation, and ability to deliver in the biggest moments.
Head coach Ryan Day described the season best: “This team faced every challenge head-on. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but we believed in each other, and that belief carried us through.”
For Ohio State, the 2025 season will be remembered as one of the most remarkable in college football history, a year in which the Buckeyes proved themselves time and time again against the best competition in the nation.