Ohio State’s eight national championship seasons is synonymous with excellence and dominance. With a storied history that dates back to 1890, the Buckeyes have been a force within the Big 10 Conference and on the national scene, solidifying their position as one of the top programs in college football.
A Legacy of Championship Seasons
1942 – The Paul Brown Era Begins
The 1942 Buckeyes, under the leadership of head coach Paul Brown, posted a 9-1 record to claim their first national championship. This team boasted five All-Americans, including team MVP Charles Csuri, setting the stage for future successes.
Due to the United State’s entry into World War II following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Buckeyes 1942 schedule had a military flair. OSU opened the season with a 59-0 win over Fort Knox and then concluded their season with a 41-12 win over Iowa Pre-Flight.
1954 – Woody Hayes’ Undefeated Triumph
In his fourth season at the helm, Woody Hayes led Ohio State to a perfect 10-0 season. The 1954 team defeated six ranked opponents, including No. 2 Wisconsin, and featured three All-Americans. Team MVP Howard Cassady was among those honored.
Buckeye Coaching Legend – Woody Hayes
Woody Hayes is synonymous with Ohio State football. During his illustrious 28-year career from 1951 to 1978, Hayes led the Buckeyes to five national championships and four undefeated seasons. Under his leadership, Ohio State secured 13 Big 10 championships, solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse in college football. Hayes also coached three Heisman Trophy winners and developed 56 first-team All-American players, showcasing his remarkable ability to nurture talent and achieve excellence on the field.
Beyond his impressive record, Hayes was known for his intense rivalry with Michigan, famously referring to them as “That School Up North” because he couldn’t bring himself to say their name. This rivalry became a defining feature of his tenure, culminating in a 16-11-1 record against Michigan. Hayes’ legacy at Ohio State is not just measured by his victories but also by his enduring impact on the program and the players he mentored, leaving an indelible mark on college football history.
1957 – Overcoming Early Setbacks
Despite an early-season loss to TCU, the 1957 Buckeyes rebounded to finish 9-1. They claimed the No. 1 ranking in the UPI Coaches Poll, capped off by a 31-14 victory over Michigan and a 10-7 win against Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Aurealius Thomas earned All-American honors that year.
1961 – Dominance and Controversy
The 1961 Ohio State team went 8-0-1, with their only blemish being a tie with TCU. Despite sharing the national championship honors with Alabama, the Buckeyes made a statement by defeating Michigan 50-20 in Ann Arbor.
1968 – The Powerhouse Team
The undefeated 1968 squad (10-0) was arguably one of the most talented in Ohio State history. With 11 All-Americans and six first-round NFL Draft picks, they crushed No. 4 Michigan 50-14 and defeated No. 2 USC 27-16 in the Rose Bowl. This era also featured what was known as the 10-Year War between Woody and Bo.
1970 – Co-Champions with Talent
Finishing with a 9-1 record, the 1970 Buckeyes were named NFF Co-Champions. Despite losing to Stanford in the Rose Bowl, the team produced four first-round NFL Draft picks, including John Brockington and Jack Tatum.
2002 – The Drought Breaker
Jim Tressel’s 2002 Buckeyes ended a 32-year championship drought with a perfect 14-0 season. Key victories included triumphs over No. 9 Michigan and a thrilling 31-24 overtime win against No. 1 Miami in the BCS National Championship Game.
2014 – The Playoff Era Begins
The 2014 season marked the dawn of the College Football Playoff era. Urban Meyer guided the Buckeyes to a national title, overcoming a week-two loss to Virginia Tech. They dominated Michigan 42-28, crushed Wisconsin 59-0 in the Big 10 Championship Game, and outplayed top-ranked Alabama and No. 2 Oregon in the playoffs to finish the season 14-1.
