ATLANTA — Ohio State celebrated a remarkable triumph on Monday night, clinching the national title with a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame, marking their first championship since 2014. The Buckeyes, seeded eighth in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, defied expectations following a late-season loss to rival Michigan.

Quarterback Will Howard orchestrated a pivotal play in the closing moments, connecting with Jeremiah Smith for a remarkable 56-yard gain on a critical third-and-11, effectively sealing the victory. Howard finished the night with 231 yards passing, throwing two touchdowns and completing 17 of his 21 attempts, showcasing a near-perfect performance.

Ohio State dominated early, scoring on their first four possessions with a combination of effective passes and a robust running game led by Quinshon Judkins, who rushed for 100 yards and contributed three touchdowns. Despite a valiant effort from Notre Dame, which rallied from a deficit of 31-7 to narrow the score late in the game, they ultimately fell short.

The game started with Notre Dame taking an early lead through a meticulous 18-play opening drive, capped by a touchdown run from quarterback Riley Leonard, who accounted for three total touchdowns. However, the Buckeyes’ offense proved too potent, scoring 31 consecutive points after the Irish's initial score.

Despite trailing earlier, the Fighting Irish made it a one-score game late in the fourth quarter, but were unable to complete the comeback after a missed field goal attempt by Mitch Jeter. Howard's key completion to Smith rejuvenated Ohio State's championship hopes and led to a successful field goal, starting the celebration for Buckeye fans.

Head coach Ryan Day reflected on the team’s journey, emphasizing their resilience amid challenges. “It’s a great story about a bunch of guys who have just overcome some really tough situations... they just kept swinging and kept fighting,” he said.

This victory not only secured Ohio State's sixth national championship but also marked a significant milestone, as Day joined a prestigious group of coaches in the program's storied history.

The Buckeyes’ playoff journey saw them outscoring opponents by an impressive margin epitomizing their dominance in the newly expanded playoff format. Ohio State rolled into the championship game with a combined score of 145-75 across their playoff games, underscoring their evolution as a formidable force in college football.

With this victory, Ohio State not only claimed glory on the field but also quelled any lingering doubts over their coaching and performance this season.

As the Buckeyes return to campus, they carry with them the coveted championship trophy, something that their devoted fans have long awaited.

For more details on the championship game, visit HuffPost, Reuters, and CNN.