When was the last time Ohio State played in a national championship? Buckeyes' natty history explored

Ohio State Buckeyes (No. 8) defeated Texas Longhorns (No. 5) 28-14 in the Cotton Bowl semifinal in Arlington, Texas, on Thursday. The College Football Playoff victory propels the Buckeyes to face Notre Dame in Atlanta for the national championship.

When was the last time Ohio State played in a national championship game?

Ohio State's championship legacy spans eight titles, with their most recent triumph coming in 2014 – the inaugural year of the College Football Playoff. Under coach Urban Meyer, the Buckeyes dominated that season's playoff run after securing the Big Ten championship with a 59-0 victory over Wisconsin.

A sign is unveiled commemorating the Ohio State Buckeyes' 2014 National Championship season in front of a section of visiting fans of the Hawaii Warriors at Ohio Stadium. - Source: Imagn

Their national championships include:

• 2014: College Football Playoff
• 2002: Bowl Championship Series
• 1970: Shared with Nebraska (AP, FWAA, NFF, UPI)
• 1968: Consensus (AP, FWAA, NFF, UPI)
• 1961: Shared with Alabama (AP, FWAA, NFF, UPI)
• 1957: Shared with Auburn (FWAA, UPI, AP)
• 1954: Shared with UCLA (FWAA, UPI, AP)
• 1942: Associated Press

The 2014 championship campaign showcased Ohio State's resilience. Following an early setback against Virginia Tech, the Buckeyes surged through the postseason.

Third-string quarterback Cardale Jones, running back Ezekiel Elliott and defensive end Joey Bosa led the team to victories over Alabama (42-35) in the Sugar Bowl and Oregon (42-20) in the title game.

Ohio State's most recent championship appearance came in 2021, where Alabama prevailed 52-24. Now, after 135 years of storied tradition, Texas aims to add another trophy on Monday, Jan. 20, when they battle Notre Dame for the national crown.

The Ohio State Buckeyes’ impressive legacy

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day - Source: Imagn

The Ohio State Buckeyes boast an impressive legacy since 1890, amassing 946 wins, 302 losses and 53 ties. Their bowl game record stands at 30-29, highlighted by recent victories over Oregon in the Rose Bowl and Texas in the Cotton Bowl en route to the national championship game.

College Football Playoff History:

2024 Season

Defeated Tennessee 42-17

Rose Bowl vs. Oregon (upcoming)

2022 Season

Peach Bowl: Georgia defeated Ohio State 42-21

2020 Season

Sugar Bowl: Ohio State defeated Clemson 49-29

National Championship: Alabama defeated Ohio State 52-24

2019 Season

Fiesta Bowl: Clemson defeated Ohio State 29-23

2016 Season

Fiesta Bowl: Clemson defeated Ohio State 31-0

2014 Season

Sugar Bowl: Ohio State defeated Alabama 42-35

National Championship: Ohio State defeated Oregon 42-20