Ohio State Clinches National Championship 34-23 [PHOTOS]

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OH – IO!

The Ohio State Buckeyes have emerged as the first-ever national champion in the 12-team College Football Playoff. This win comes two months after a defeating loss to Michigan that cast lots of shade on the Buckeyes and Coach Day’s future. They silenced all doubts Monday night with a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

This marks OSU’s first national championship since 2014 and its ninth overall, tying them with Pittsburgh for the fifth-most championships in college football history.

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Coach Ryan Day reflected on their big night:

“It’s the reason why you get into coaching… see guys overcome things, learn life lessons, and reach their dreams. That’s what happened tonight.”

Quarterback Will Howard set a new championship game record by completing his first 13 passes. He finished the game 17-of-21 for 231 yards and two touchdowns, earning him the offensive MVP title. A 57-yard pass to freshman Jeremiah Smith helped seal the victory in the last minutes. Cody Simon was also named defensive MVP for his performance.

This trophy not only gives Ohio State its first national title in a decade but also extends their series lead over Notre Dame to 7-2, with seven consecutive victories. It’s the first time since the mid-1960s that the Big Ten has won consecutive national championships, with Michigan claiming the title last season.

View last night’s play by play here.

Keep scrolling for Ohio State championship photos LIVE from Atlanta!