A look at the Pro Football Focus grades of Ohio State's offense vs. Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship game.

Will Howard was surrounded by higher-profile players at Ohio State, but in the end he tied the Buckeyes' national title run together.

Ohio State quarterback Will Howard connected on his first 13 passes against Notre Dame to set the record for consecutive completions in a College Football Playoff championship game.

Will Howard’s girlfriend was in tears when the Buckeyes quarterback connected with receiver Jeremiah Smith late in the fourth quarter to seal Ohio State’s 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff national championship on Monday.

Coach Ryan Day shushed the critics, running back Quinshon Judkins scored three touchdowns, and the No. 8 seed Ohio State Buckeyes held off a furious second-half rally to beat No. 7 seed Notre Dame, 34-23,

Ohio State is your College Football Playoff National Champion. After jumping out to a 31-7 lead, the Buckeyes would let Notre Dame get back to within a score. And then Jeremiah Smith showed up once again to haul in a deep pass on third and long to secure Ohio State’s ninth national title.

Will Howard hit big-play receiver Jeremiah Smith for 56 yards on a late third and 11 to lock down a game that had been a laugher, then turned into something else.

Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith capped off another sensational night with a championship-clinching, 56-yard reception on third down in the final minutes of 2025 College Football National Championship.