Finals MVP: Quinshon Judkins (RB, Ohio State)
For a half and a half, the running back was elusive. In one quarter, Quinshon Judkins keeps Ohio State safe by scoring twice. First, he resists 4 players to finish on the ground in spectacular fashion. Then, he shines at the reception after an improvisation by Will Howard.
In the second half, the running back will make a 70-yard run that puts Notre Dame under water. Stopped a few yards from the touchdown, he will still be rewarded. The former Ole Miss player therefore waited until the last match of the season to score a hat-trick. This is not his first in the NCAA, since he has already done so twice in 2022 and 2023, but in the regular season. His statistics in this final are excellent, with 11 carries, 2 receptions, for 121 yards in total and therefore 3 touchdowns. To complete, he finishes his 2024 season with more than 1,000 rushing yards, and 16 touchdowns in 2024.
Quinshon Judkins therefore succeeds in his bet to win the championship after his controversial transfer during the offseason. The NFL is likely expecting him next season despite having one year of eligibility remaining. This performance in the final earned him a lot of points in a dense crop of running backs.
The match: Notre Dame 23 – Ohio State 34
An intense match, and ultimately full of suspense between 2 deserving teams.
However, Ohio State marched on Notre Dame for almost the entire first half. Apart from the first series where the Fighting Irish monopolized the ball for 9 minutes with a rushing touchdown from quarterback Riley Leonard, the Buckeyes struck 3 times with a double from Quinshon Judkins and a receiving touchdown from Jeremiah Smith. Ohio State quarterback Will Howard is on cloud nine. He completed 14 of his 15 passes in the first half for a total of 144 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Ohio State thinks it's safe after Judkins' triple. But, Marcus Freeman and his men are not giving up. Already very lively in the semi-final, the Riley Leonard-Jaden Greathouse connection is picking up again. By scoring 2 touchdowns, including one on a magnificent 30-yard pass, they allowed Notre Dame to stay in the match. Unfortunately, it's too late. The fault of a magnificent pass from Will Howard for one of the strong men of the 2024 NCAA season, Jeremiah Smith. A pass which seals the fate of the match, with the joy in particular of the famous basketball player LeBron James, fan of the Buckeyes.
Ohio State ends 10-year drought in college footballwhile Notre Dame is still waiting since 1988.
They shined
The quarterbacks played their game.
Will Howard (17/21, 231 yards, 2 TDs) is extraordinary in the first half, and in management mode in the second half. Like Judkins, he arrived last offseason at Ohio State. A masterstroke which allowed him to win his first championship before flying to the NFL. The Ohio State quarterback was able to benefit from good protection, notably from Donovan Jackson, very good at left tackle even though that is not his position. Riley Leonard (22/31, 17 carries, 295 yards, 3 TDs) also scores a hat-trick, like Judkins. Sometimes seeming to be in agony, he puts Notre Dame back on track, even if it comes up short at the end. The quarterback has one year of eligibility remaining, but could enter the 2025 NFL Draft.
Other players to shine on offense are receivers Jeremiah Smith (5 REC, 88 yards, TD) and Jaden Greathouse (6 REC, 128 yards, 2 TDs). Unfortunately, these players will not be eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft. We will have to wait 2 years for the first, a real phenomenon. One year for the second, who confirms his performance in the semi-final.
In defense, players showed themselves. At Ohio State, the defensive line shines, especially against the run. The Tyleik Williams-JT Tuimoloau duo shows their advantage. On the Notre Dame side, the pair of linebackers Joshua Burnham and Drayk Bowen are revealed. The first forces a fumble on Emeka Egbuka, while the second makes 2 sacks. Both players are expected to remain in college for next season.
They disappointed
How hard it was for Davison Igbinosun!
The Ohio State cornerback has been Riley Leonard's favorite target. He conceded 3 penalties, and was not very inspired in the coverage or in the tackles. Cited among the cornerbacks who can be called up in the first rounds of the next Draft, he did not convince in this final. Very prominent in the semi-final, Jack Sawyer missed out a little, despite pressure in the first half.
Very good in the semi-final, Notre Dame cornerback Christian Gray suffered more against Ohio State receivers. On the defensive line, neither Howard Cross III nor RJ Oben were able to take over from Rylie Mills, who was largely absent from this final. Finally, the ground game did not shine on the Fighting Irish side. This is symbolized by Jeremiah Love's non-match. Author of 17 touchdowns this season, the running back has an infamous record of 4 carries and 3 small yards.
Nevertheless, the runner is going to be one of the next stars at his position ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
And now ?
For most of these players, it's time for the 2025 NFL Draft. A very long process which will last until the end of next April. Players from these 2 teams, as well as other university players, have until February 7 to register.
One of the important meetings of the process is the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, from February 24 to March 3.
For the others, see you next season!
Photo credit: Marc-Grégor Campredon, The Blue Pennant
