As someone who covered Michigan’s national championship and its aftermath, I thought I’d give Ohio State a few pointers about what’s next.

Ohio State defeated Notre Dame on Monday night to become the latest national champions. The college football championship stays in the Big Ten with Michigan winning the previous year against Washington.

Ohio State first-year athletic director Ross Bjork wasn’t the one who hired Ryan Day as the school’s head football coach. However, he firmly attached himself to Day in late November when he reaffirmed the Buckeyes wouldn’t make a coaching change after a fourth straight loss to Michigan.

Early betting odds for Michigan vs. Ohio State 2025 "The Game" football matchup released one day after the Buckeyes' National Championship

Judkins, who transferred from Ole Miss last offseason, has inserted himself as one of the top playmakers for the Buckeyes this season. Since the 13-10 loss to Michigan that ended their regular season, Ohio State has been on a tear — beating Tennessee, Oregon and Texas by a combined 59 points.

Ohio State comes in ahead of the best the SEC has to offer and Big Ten rival Penn State to lead the way in the USA TODAY Sports way-too-early Top 25 for the 2025 season. The No. 1 Buckeyes have to replace quarterback Will Howard but will be able to surround the new starter with an elite collection of skill talent headlined by star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.

Michigan has owned Ohio State on the field, and now they have also beaten the Buckeyes in the television ratings game

With Ohio State winning its first national championship in a decade, let's find out if the 2024 Buckeyes are among the best College Football Playoff National Champions to date. Some of these teams were all-timers!

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day celebrates with the trophy after their win against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff national championship game Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) ATLANTA (AP) — The pass seemed to hang up there forever.