The college football season just finished up its longest year ever, and the Ohio State football team decided to mess around and win the new 12-team College Football Playoff by beating Notre Dame

Let's take a look back at Sports Illustrated's best images and coverage from the Buckeyes' championship night.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are enjoying their national championship as much as they can, but it didn't take long for the rest of the country to turn their attention to next season. The Buckeyes have already lost Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator and could see Chip Kelly depart as well.

Ohio State and Texas headline the way-too-early College Football Playoff predictions for the 2025-26 season. With Ohio State projected as the No. 1 seed and Texas close behind at No. 2, these powerhouse programs are shaping up to be the teams to beat.

"First, Ohio State (No. 1 on [Mark] Schlabach's list) is obviously in despite a challenging 2025 schedule (No. 2 Texas and No. 3 Penn State at home, No. 13 Illinois and No. 21 Michigan on the road) and the requisite loss to the Wolverines," Connelly noted. "The Buckeyes will go 2-1 against the other headliners and advance at 10-2."

The Oregon Ducks were among the most watched teams during the college football season. Oregon played in three of the 20-most watched college football games in t

Jesse Temple: Ohio State has been a juggernaut during a three-game winning streak in the Playoff, embarrassing Tennessee and Oregon. Notre Dame has won 13 straight games and put together a fantastic season. But Ohio State’s balance and overall talent should emerge. … Ohio State 24, Notre Dame 14.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are one week removed from winning the 2024-25 College Football Playoff. Ryan Day's team took down Notre Dame in the national title game on Monday, January 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta,