"First, Ohio State (No. 1 on [Mark] Schlabach's list) is obviously in despite a challenging 2025 schedule (No. 2 Texas and No. 3 Penn State at home, No. 13 Illinois and No. 21 Michigan on the road) and the requisite loss to the Wolverines," Connelly noted. "The Buckeyes will go 2-1 against the other headliners and advance at 10-2."

Let's take a look back at Sports Illustrated's best images and coverage from the Buckeyes' championship night.

Ohio State will play Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff national championship game. So, how expensive are ticket prices?