How Many National Championships Does Ohio State Have?

By Sarah Miller · January 11, 2042

Ohio State University has won eight recognized national championships in football, with titles in 1942, 1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, 1970, 2002, and 2014.

Overview of Ohio State's National Championships

The Ohio State Buckeyes are one of the most storied programs in college football history. With a total of eight consensus national championships, the team has established itself as a powerhouse in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) competition. These titles span over seven decades, reflecting sustained excellence across generations of players, coaches, and fans.

Championship Recognition Sources

National championships in college football are not determined by a single governing body but are instead awarded by various polling organizations and selector groups. The NCAA officially recognizes multiple selectors, including the Associated Press (AP) Poll and the Coaches Poll, among others. Ohio State’s eight titles are widely accepted by major historical and statistical authorities.

1942 – AP Poll
1954 – AP Poll
1957 – FWAA (Football Writers Association of America)
1961 – UPI (UPI Coaches Poll)
1968 – AP and UPI (consensus)
1970 – NFF (National Football Foundation)
2002 – BCS National Championship (defeated Miami in Fiesta Bowl)
2014 – College Football Playoff (defeated Oregon in CFP National Championship)

Detailed Year-by-Year Breakdown

Each of Ohio State’s national title seasons was marked by dominant performances, iconic players, and pivotal victories that defined eras of college football.

1942: Paul Brown's Legacy Season

Under legendary coach Paul Brown, the Buckeyes went 9–1 and claimed their first national title via the final AP Poll. Their only loss came early in the season, but strong finishes by other teams allowed Ohio State to rise in the rankings.

1954 & 1957: Woody Hayes' Early Success

Coach Woody Hayes led OSU to its second title in 1954 with a perfect 10–0 record, winning the AP Poll. In 1957, despite a tie against Michigan, the Buckeyes were named champions by the Football Writers Association of America.

1961: Controversial but Recognized

The 1961 team finished 8–0–1 and was awarded the national title by the UPI Coaches Poll. However, this selection remains debated due to losses suffered by top competitors rather than on-field dominance.

1968: Consensus Champions

This undefeated (10–0) squad defeated No. 1 Southern California in the Rose Bowl and swept both the AP and UPI polls. Featuring future NFL stars like Rex Kern and Jim Otis, it is considered one of the greatest teams in school history.

1970: Shared Honor

The Buckeyes finished 9–1 and shared the national title with Nebraska according to the National Football Foundation. They lost only to Michigan during the regular season, yet still earned recognition based on selector criteria.

2002: BCS Triumph Over Miami

In one of the most memorable championship games ever, Ohio State defeated previously unbeaten Miami (FL) in double overtime in the Fiesta Bowl. The win ended Miami’s 34-game winning streak and gave the Buckeyes their seventh national title.

2014: First College Football Playoff Victory

As part of the inaugural College Football Playoff system, the fourth-seeded Buckeyes defeated Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and then beat Oregon in the national championship game. Led by quarterback Cardale Jones and head coach Urban Meyer, they became the first team to win the CFP title.

Year	Record	Head Coach	Title Selector(s)	Final AP Rank	Bowl Game	Result
1942	9–1	Paul Brown	AP Poll	1st	N/A	N/A
1954	10–0	Woody Hayes	AP Poll	1st	Rose Bowl	Won
1957	9–1	Woody Hayes	FWAA	2nd	Rose Bowl	Lost
1961	8–0–1	Woody Hayes	UPI Coaches	4th	Rose Bowl	Lost
1968	10–0	Woody Hayes	AP, UPI	1st	Rose Bowl	Won
1970	9–1	Woody Hayes	NFF	3rd	Rose Bowl	Won
2002	14–0	Jim Tressel	BCS	1st	Fiesta Bowl	Won (2OT)
2014	14–1	Urban Meyer	College Football Playoff	1st	National Championship Game	Won

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The table illustrates the consistency and evolution of Ohio State’s championship-caliber teams over time. While early titles were awarded pre-bowl era or through selector polls, modern championships (2002, 2014) were secured through decisive postseason victories under structured systems like the BCS and College Football Playoff. Notably, five of the eight titles came under the leadership of Woody Hayes, underscoring his foundational impact on the program.

Why Some Seasons Are Disputed

Unlike professional leagues, college football did not have a unified playoff system until 2014. Prior to that, national champions were often decided by polls, which could lead to split titles or controversial selections. For example, Ohio State claims eight titles, but some sources may recognize fewer depending on which selectors they prioritize.

The NCAA does not officially award a national championship in FBS.
Multiple selectors exist: AP Poll, Coaches Poll, FWAA, NFF, and various mathematical systems.
Ohio State officially recognizes eight titles based on major selector designations.
Some years, such as 1970 and 1961, remain debated due to lack of head-to-head resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio State National Championships

How many national championships do the Ohio State Buckeyes have?

Ohio State officially claims eight national championships in football, earned in 1942, 1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, 1970, 2002, and 2014.

Has Ohio State won a national championship since 2014?

No, Ohio State has not won a national championship since 2014. They have appeared in the College Football Playoff several times (including 2019, 2020), but have not returned to the title game since their 2014 victory.

Which coach won the most national titles at Ohio State?

Woody Hayes won five national championships at Ohio State (1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, 1970), more than any other head coach in program history.

Did Ohio State win the national championship in 2002?

Yes, Ohio State won the 2002 BCS National Championship by defeating the University of Miami 31–24 in double overtime in the Fiesta Bowl, ending Miami’s 34-game winning streak.

How did Ohio State win the 2014 national championship?

As the No. 4 seed in the inaugural College Football Playoff, Ohio State defeated No. 1 Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and then beat No. 2 Oregon 42–20 in the CFP National Championship Game to claim their eighth title.