After the game ended, after the shredded papers fell and the cigars were lit, the heady aroma of Ohio State history permeated the Buckeyes’ locker room at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, drawing mixed with the smell of burning tobacco. Freshman safety Caleb Downs said it first. Veteran defenseman Josh Fryar said it next. And winger Maurice Clarett said it last: This OSU team, the one that beat/survived/overcame however you want to describe the 34-23 win over Notre Dame in the championship final What was college football Nationwide like on Monday the greatest team ever. “It was a serious climb, but I’m grateful for all the ups and downs for the lessons we learned,” Downs said, cigar dangling from his mouth, his “National Champion” hat “gia” worn on the head. “That’s why we’re here today.”

OSU’s six other national champions also deserve recognition, but none suffered through a tense playoff run as the Buckeyes defeated four straight top-10 teams, culminating in an easy win over the Fighting Irish, the team that brought back horrifying images of Ohio State’s past suffering. No, this title race played out exactly as it should have, with Ohio State fans cheering in excitement before nearly choking on Clemson in 2019 and Georgia in 2022, or, for the grown-ups older, were Michigan State in 1998 and USC in 1975. Anything other than suspense would feel too much easy God forbid.