Ohio State's Historic Victory

In a stunning conclusion to the 2024 college football season, Ohio State has ascended to the No. 1 spot in the final AP Top 25 poll, following an impressive 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the national championship game. This victory marks a historic moment as the Buckeyes secure their sixth top ranking in AP history, now only second to Alabama's 12 championships.

Resilience and Championship Run

Despite facing a challenging season, including a loss to Michigan and an absence from the Big Ten title game, Ohio State's triumph shows their resilience and capability to bounce back. They entered the postseason ranked No. 6 but skyrocketed to the top spot, marking the largest leap in rankings from the end of the regular season to the final poll in history. The Buckeyes defeated formidable opponents, including AP No. 7 Tennessee, No. 1 Oregon, No. 4 Texas, and No. 5 Notre Dame, solidifying their place in college football history.

Record-Breaking Achievements

Interestingly, Ohio State became the first team ever to achieve five victories against teams ranked in the AP top five during a single season, outperforming records set by 2019 LSU and 1943 Notre Dame, who each managed four such victories. Additionally, they are now only the third team in history to finish at No. 1 after losing multiple games, joining 2007 LSU and 1960 Minnesota.

Impact on Big Ten Conference

The Big Ten conference has cause to celebrate, as the Buckeyes’ ranking ensures back-to-back AP titles for the first time in over 80 years. Michigan, which topped the poll last year, has been dethroned, showcasing the fierce competition within the conference.

Final Top Five Rankings

Ohio State is among five teams that held the No. 1 rank this season, a situation not seen since the 2008 season, highlighting the volatility and competitiveness of college football. Notre Dame finished in a respectable second place, marking its highest AP ranking since 1993, followed by Oregon, Texas, and Penn State completing the top five.

Notable Achievements and Downturns

There were also notable achievements within the rankings. Penn State achieved its first top-five finish since 2005, while Arizona State notched its first top-10 finish since 1996. Meanwhile, UNLV significantly broke new ground by finishing ranked for the first time in its history.

On the other end of the spectrum, some preseason favorites crumbled. Florida State, starting ranked at No. 10, endured a staggering downturn, finishing with a 2-10 record. This marked a historic collapse, as they became only the fourth team to win less than three games after starting in the top 10.

Looking Ahead to Future Seasons

Meanwhile, Ohio State started the season as the No. 2 team and has joined the elite group of national champions to have begun the year outside the top spot. Georgia, which opened the season ranked No. 1, fell to No. 6, marking the first time a preseason No. 1 has finished outside the top five since the College Football Playoff's inception in 2014.

As college football fans gear up for the next season, the implications of Ohio State's victory resonate throughout the nation. Will the Buckeyes continue their streak of dominance, or will another team rise to reclaim the title? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain — the landscape of college football remains as thrilling and unpredictable as ever!