Entering as underdogs as the No. 7 seed against No. 8-seed Ohio State, the Fighting Irish proceeded to orchestrate an insane 18-play, 75-yard drive that ended with quarterback Riley Leonard’s 1-yard plunge into the end zone and drained 9:45 off the clock.

Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) returns an interception during the second half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won 28-14.

The Ohio State Buckeyes have had a fascinating 2024-25 season. Picked as one of the best teams in the country, with a roster that ranked as the most talented in