Eric Boggs
The Ohio State Buckeyes were celebrated in a momentous ceremony at the White House on Monday, marking their triumphant 2024 national championship season. The event, hosted by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, served as a prestigious acknowledgment of the Buckeyes’ historic run to their ninth national title—their first since 2014.
Representing the pride and spirit of Buckeye Nation, head coach Ryan Day delivered remarks that captured the heart of the team’s journey and its significance. In front of assembled dignitaries, players, staff, and university leadership, Day emphasized that while the trip to Washington, D.C. was a meaningful reward, it was the unparalleled effort and perseverance of his team that truly earned their place at the White House. Ohio State’s run through the expanded 12-team playoff was nothing short of legendary, with four straight victories over top-five opponents: Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame. No other team in college football history has navigated such a demanding postseason gauntlet and emerged victorious in every game.
Coach Day credited the team’s core of veteran leaders—fourth and fifth-year seniors—who anchored the program with resilience, toughness, and unity. Through adversity, they embodied the culture of excellence that defines Ohio State football. Quoting Teddy Roosevelt’s famed “Man in the Arena” speech, Day spoke to the courage and grit it takes to rise in the face of challenge and criticism. “It took every challenge, and we responded with heart, with grit, and with determination,” he said. “That is why this moment means so much to us.”
President Trump lauded multiple standout Buckeyes, including Will Howard, Cody Simon, TreVeyon Henderson, Emeka Egbuka, the offensive line, Jack Sawyer, and freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith. Trump shared a private conversation he had with Day, in which the coach hinted at Smith’s extraordinary potential, saying he “may be the best ever.” The praise didn’t stop there. Trump went on to commend Day for his remarkable coaching record—70 wins to just 10 losses since taking over in 2018—and called the national championship the crowning achievement in what has already been a stellar career.
Vice President Vance, an Ohio native and proud Ohio State alumnus, also addressed the team with pride and admiration. “I am so proud to be part of team scarlet and gray today,” he said, applauding the Buckeyes for a season that brought joy and pride to the entire state.
The team, alongside Trump and Vance, posed with the College Football Playoff trophy following the ceremony. In a lighthearted moment, Vance nearly dropped the nearly 50-pound trophy before TreVeyon Henderson and Cody Simon came to the rescue. Earlier in the day, the Buckeyes paid a visit to the Lincoln Memorial, further honoring the occasion with a symbolic nod to the nation’s history. Some members of the team were also hosted at the Vice President’s official residence prior to returning to Columbus.
For Ohio State fans, the celebration in D.C. served as a powerful capstone to a dream season—one marked not only by championships but by character, leadership, and an unshakable Buckeye bond. As Coach Day said, this team’s story will forever be told. Go Bucks.
