COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State Buckeyes were honored Sunday afternoon at Ohio Stadium after winning the National Championship last week over Notre Dame, and Buckeye Nation came out in full force to show support for the football program.


What You Need To Know

  • The Buckeyes were greeted with fans at Ohio Stadium less than a week after winning the National Championship

  • Speakers included Gov. Mike DeWine, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther as well as Ohio State University president Ted Carter

  • Head Coach Ryan Day and the senior captains also shared their gratitude to Buckeye Nation

It was a day of celebration for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Lots of Buckeye Nation at Ohio Stadium was ready to cheer them on as they came home National Champions. It was also an afternoon to reflect on what got them there.

“Where were you when the Buckeyes won the National Championship?” head coach Ryan Day asked the crowd at Ohio Stadium.

Head Coach Ryan Day hoists the Coaches Trophy. (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

It was a trip down memory lane for Ryan Day and Buckeye fans as they relived the moments that got them to the National Championship. For fans, they’re still in disbelief.

“I still can’t believe it, to be honest," said Maddie Drake, an OSU senior. "I swear I went to bed, woke up and still couldn’t believe it the next day. Going out on this is a high for senior year.”

The celebration was a way for the team to show their support to the fans.

Jack Sawyer takes in Ohio Stadium one last time. (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

“We felt and heard your support, loyalty, your passion and your energy all along the way," Day said. "And we really felt you students, we appreciate you, thank you so much.”

“This is once in a lifetime to be a student and have a Natty," said Dominic Dymond, an OSU sophomore. "This is her senior year, so it really means so much to us.”

And for senior players, a way to say one final goodbye.

Coach Day and the senior captains smile during the celebration. (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

“Being thankful," graduate linebacker Cody Simon said. "So many different things have gone into these five years, and I’m just so happy to share them with my brothers and share them with Buckeye Nation.”

While the celebrations continue, it’s never too early to look forward to next season, which junior linebacker Sonny Styles is doing after announcing he’s staying for his senior season.

Ryan Day high fives OSU students at Ohio Stadium. (Spectrum News 1/Katie Kapusta)

“I’m looking forward to stepping into a leadership role and lead some young guys, pull some young guys along just like some older guys did for me as well," Styles said. "I’m just super excited for this team. We have a great team coming back, lot of great players, lot of talented players. Obviously we’re going to have to mesh and create our own identity. It’s going to be a new team next year.”

There are many seniors leaving Ohio State for the NFL draft in a few months, but some key players are still sticking around. It’s certainly going to be a new team next year, but same goals for 2025.