A year after Ohio State’s national title, Buckeye football still runs through small-town Ohio
Ohio State beat Notre Dame for the first 12-team playoff title in January 2025. In towns like Bellevue, Saturdays still revolve around the team.
A year ago this month, Ohio State won the college football national championship, beating Notre Dame 34-23 in Atlanta to claim the first title of the 12-team playoff era. In Bellevue and towns across the state, the win was celebrated in living rooms, bars and church halls.
The title run
The Buckeyes entered the playoff after a loss to Michigan that had angered fans. They then beat Tennessee, Oregon, Texas and Notre Dame in four games. It was the program’s first national title since the 2014 season. Coach Ryan Day, criticized after the Michigan loss, ended the season with a championship.
Why it matters in small towns
Ohio State football is one of the few things that unites the whole state. High school coaches in small towns often point to former players from places like theirs who went on to play in Columbus. Jim Tressel, now lieutenant governor, built his reputation as Ohio State coach; we covered his move into politics in our profile.
Ohio Stadium
Ohio Stadium, the Horseshoe, seats more than 100,000 and has been home to the Buckeyes since 1922. A trip to a game is a rite of passage for many families. For those who cannot make the drive, home games are a reason to gather. The athletic department’s site has schedules and ticket information.
Friday nights first
Before Saturday comes Friday, and Bellevue’s own teams in the Sandusky Bay Conference draw crowds. For our coverage of local schools and teams, see Schools & Sports.