Will Howard’s Message to Ohio State University After National Championship Victory it still feels surreal. But we did it. WE did it. And when I say we, I don’t just mean

Will Howard’s Message to Ohio State University After National Championship Victory

Good evening, Buckeye Nation!

Wow… what a ride it’s been. Standing here, talking to all of you after winning the national championship, it still feels surreal. But we did it. WE did it. And when I say we, I don’t just mean the guys out there on the field—I mean every single person who’s ever worn the scarlet and gray with pride. This victory belongs to all of us.

First, I want to thank my teammates. Fellas, this season wasn’t just about the wins—it was about the journey, the grind, the countless hours we put in when no one was watching. From spring practice to fall camp, through every high and low, we believed in each other. We pushed each other. We became a family. And when it mattered most, we showed the world what Ohio State football is all about: toughness, resilience, and heart.

To the coaching staff—Coach, thank you for trusting me, for pushing me to be better every single day. Your leadership, your guidance, your belief in this team made all the difference. You taught us that football isn’t just about X’s and O’s—it’s about character, discipline, and playing for something bigger than yourself. This championship is a reflection of that.

Now, to the fans. Buckeye Nation… you are unmatched. Your energy, your passion—it’s electric. Walking into The Shoe and hearing 100,000 strong roaring, feeling that vibration in your chest, knowing that you’ve got the best fans in the world behind you—that’s something special. Whether you were in the stadium, at home, or across the country, you lifted us up. When things got tough, when the odds were against us, we could hear you. We could feel you. And we carried that with us every single game.

This season wasn’t perfect. We faced challenges. There were moments where we had to dig deep, moments where we had to look at ourselves and ask, “How bad do we want this?” But that’s the thing about Ohio State—we don’t back down. We don’t fold. We fight. And through every challenge, we grew stronger. We became a team that wasn’t just playing for wins—we were playing for each other, for this university, and for the legacy of those who came before us.

Because at Ohio State, it’s not just about football. It’s about tradition. It’s about excellence in everything we do—on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. It’s about representing something bigger than ourselves. And tonight, we honor that tradition with a national championship.

But this isn’t just the end of a season—it’s the beginning of a legacy. Future Buckeyes will look back at this team, at this moment, and they’ll know what’s possible when you believe, when you work, and when you refuse to quit. We’ve set a standard, and it’s one that goes beyond just wins and losses. It’s about how you carry yourself, how you face adversity, and how you rise when the world expects you to fall.

To the students—you’ve been with us every step of the way. You’ve filled the stands, brought the energy, and made Columbus feel like the center of the universe. To the alumni, who’ve worn this jersey before us, who’ve built the foundation that we stand on today—this is for you. Your legacy lives on in every touchdown, every tackle, every victory.

And to my family—thank you for your unwavering support. For every sacrifice, every word of encouragement, every late-night call when I needed to hear, “You’ve got this.” I wouldn’t be here without you.

Tonight, we celebrate. We celebrate this championship, this journey, and this incredible Buckeye family. But tomorrow? Tomorrow, we get back to work. Because that’s what champions do. We don’t settle. We keep pushing, keep striving, and keep representing Ohio State with pride and purpose.

So, to Buckeye Nation—thank you. Thank you for believing in us, for standing by us, and for being the heartbeat of this team. This isn’t just our championship—it’s yours.

We are THE Ohio State University.

O-H!

I-O!

Thank you, and Go Bucks!