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The Ohio State football team took down Notre Dame in the national championship game on Monday night. After going up 31-7 in the third quarter, it looked like the Buckeyes were going to cruise to the finish line, but the Fighting Irish put up a good fight to make it close. However, quarterback Will Howard made some big plays when it mattered most for Ohio State, and that allowed the Buckeyes to get it done as they won the game 34-23.
Notre Dame didn’t make it easy on Ohio State in the fourth quarter as they nearly pulled off a miraculous comeback, but Will Howard and the Buckeyes found a way to get it done.
“You got to give all the credit in the world to those guys,” Howard said on Notre Dame in his postgame interview. “Man, they fought their tails off, and we knew who they were going to, we knew they were going to come back and give us a fight. But you know, first and foremost, I got to give the glory and the praise to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Man, I wouldn’t be here without him. I wouldn’t be here without my teammates, without my family, without everyone that bet on me back in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Man, I’m at a loss for words.”
When Ohio State needed big plays on Monday night, they almost always delivered. The Buckeyes were rock solid on third downs all night long, so it was only fitting for Howard to ice the game on a crucial third and 12.
“I think we did an unbelievable job on third down and winning the situations,” Howard said. “And, you know, we talk about all the time, we have to be the hardest playing team in the country, and we got to execute. And I think we did a heck of a job, when it came down to it, of executing and getting our job done.”
Less than two months ago, this Ohio State football team lost to Michigan at home as 20-point favorites. It was the fourth straight year that the Buckeyes lost to Michigan. However, because of the new 12-team CFP format, they got another chance.
“It made us come together, and it really challenged us,” Howard said of the adversity that this team faced. “Man, like we were… we were in a rough spot, and I just got to give all the credit to the guys in that locker room, man, for coming together and not letting that separate us, but letting it make us come closer. And I really don’t think we’d be here if it wasn’t for some of the adversity we faced this year. And, man, it makes it that much sweeter.”
Will Howard transferred to Ohio State for moments like this. He is a national champion.
“I don’t have words, man, they’ve changed my life in more ways than I can say man and coach [Ryan] Day and these guys here have completely, completely changed my life,” Howard said. “[Jim] Tressel said it and he talked to us but I can’t believe God gave me the chance to be a Buckeye, there’s nothing like it.”
Ohio State was certainly the best team throughout the College Football Playoff, and they are now the champs until a new team is crowned in 2026.
More must-reads:
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Ryan Grubb tells what will be the ‘biggest difference’ about Alabama football’s offense
The quarterback run game was a staple for Alabama in 2024 as Jalen Milroe was the team’s top rusher throughout the season, but the 2025 Crimson Tide offense could absolutely look nothing like it did last season. Alabama’s offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb was asked Tuesday if the offense will look drastically different from last year with Ty Simpson as the Crimson Tide’s starter. “That’s kind of the obvious one, right, it’s like we’re not necessarily a Jalen Milroe offense right now,” Grubb said. “Jalen was a super talented runner. That was probably a part of the gameplan every week, which was smart last year by the offensive staff, so I think that’s probably the biggest difference.” Milroe had multiple designed quarterback runs per game last season, but the number of quarterback carries per game will likely be lower based on what Grubb said on Tuesday. Grubb said Simpson is capable of doing some of the things Milroe did with his legs last season, but Grubb used a quarterback he coached at Washington as an example of what he believes Simpson’s role in the ground game could be this year. “I mean, to a point, Ty is certainly capable of doing those things,” Grubb said. “Michael Penix Jr. is a good runner. People wouldn’t know that, but we didn’t really run him until the playoffs or late just because it’s a long season, and you know, you’re better off with the starter being able to throw the football in this offense then run it. We’ll certainly look for those opportunities because I think Ty is a good runner and make sure we have good things for him but taking caring care of him and making sure he is up right is important.” The most important thing to Grubb in his first season as the Tide’s offensive coordinator is establishing a solid passing attack, but don’t be surprised if some spontaneous quarterback runs are mixed into the gameplan as the season progresses.
Steelers undrafted rookie reportedly upset Mike Tomlin before being cut
The Pittsburgh Steelers surprisingly had a few quality undrafted free agents during 2025 training camp and preseason, as many of them have put up an actual fight to make it to the 53-man roster. Unfortunately, there is very little room on the team, so some very tough decisions will have to be made on that front. Guys like Max Hurleman and JJ Galbreath have been stating their case throughout camp and into gameday, giving the coaching staff a good problem. One decision was surprisingly easy, however. During his weekly Q A chat, insider Ray Fittipaldo was asked about undrafted rookie Roc Taylor and why he was let go right after the preseason Week 2 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He spoke about something that happened right before that contest. "[Roc Taylor] actually got in Tomlin's doghouse at the joint practice," Fittipaldo said. "Not sure if that's the sole reason he was cut, but maybe part of it." Fittipaldo would not expand on what happened, but head coach Mike Tomlin saw enough of the rookie before gameday. It looked like Taylor would at least get first dibs on a practice-squad spot if he was released on roster cutdown day, but now, it seems like his chance of developing in Pittsburgh is gone entirely. Now, he is just hoping someone gives him a call for a chance to be on a practice squad elsewhere. It seemed like Taylor's stock was rising after preseason Week 2. Hurleman had a very rough game, and the former Memphis Tigers standout had three receptions for 39 yards against the Bucs. He was the second-leading receiver on the team, only behind Roman Wilson. It looked like he was forcing himself onto a roster spot, but apparently, Tomlin might have just been waiting until after the game to tell him to pack his bags and try again somewhere else. Steelers' recent receiver issues make Taylor cut even more concerning What makes this decision even more rough is the fact that the Steelers have three receivers who are not healthy at all. Calvin Austin III is trying to return after missing multiple weeks of practice with an injury, Ben Skowronek recently developed a toe issue and utility man Jonnu Smith has barely participated in practice since July. Spots were opening up for undrafted rookies to take, but Taylor may have said or done something inexcusable enough to lose that chance. The Steelers entered training camp with questionable wide receiver depth, and now it's only more concerning. Wilson's recent development has been the bright spot of the preseason at that position, as Scotty Miller has been taking over the role of WR3 since the game against Tampa Bay. That's why they brought in another possibly injured veteran, Gabe Davis, for a visit, and now they may be hoping that he does not sign elsewhere. Instead of Taylor taking the opportunity to push for a roster spot, guys like Hurleman and Brandon Johnson will be looking to make the team and stick around as numerous players recover from their injuries. With Davis having another visit on Wednesday and the Steelers playing in the preseason finale on Thursday, he most likely will not be signed until after that game. That means the bubble players can prove to the team that they don't need him. It's not public in regards to what Taylor did to get himself in trouble, but he could have had this prime opportunity to be on an active roster as an undrafted rookie. He could have easily been above Hurleman and Johnson on the depth chart. Instead, he is just hoping he makes any team's practice squad now.
Texas' Arch Manning reacts to grandfather Archie's 2026 NFL Draft prediction
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning should keep his family group chat updated about his decision for the 2026 NFL Draft. He doesn't want it tipping his plans, especially when they're not confirmed. Manning's grandfather, former New Orleans Saints QB Archie, told Texas Monthly his grandson isn't going to declare for the 2026 draft in a story published at the beginning of August. The 21-year-old passer, however, clarified he's keeping his options open. "I don't know where he got that from," Manning said Tuesday, via CJ Vogel of OnTexasFootball. "He texted me and apologized about that, but I'm really just taking it day-by-day right now." Manning attempted just 95 passes in his first two seasons at Texas but is already viewed as a potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft. In a story published Tuesday, The Athletic's Dane Brugler tabbed him as his top QB entering the season. Still, it would reportedly take a special circumstance for Manning to declare for the draft in 2026. He would want to play for a team that has a stable head-coaching situation and front office. Most franchises that are picking near the top of the draft don't have that. More importantly, Manning must prove he's worthy of the No. 1 pick. Despite his family name, he doesn't have a large enough sample size to show he's pro-ready. "If his last name were 'Smith' and he were a three-star recruit instead of a five-star blue-chipper, would he still appear this high early in draft rankings? Who knows," wrote Brugler. "However, what he has put on film so far has been very impressive. Now, scouts need to see it consistently each week, especially against the top opponents on Texas' schedule." Manning faces an elite opponent in Week 1. The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes host the No. 1 Longhorns on Aug. 30 at noon ET (Fox). The QB should probably tell his family to deflect questions about the draft until he's ready to make a decision. Speculation about his future could create even more pressure, which he doesn't need.
Steelers' Expected Free Agent Visit Sparks Major Concern Over Team's Confidence In Offensive Line
The Pittsburgh Steelers have changed up the roster a ton over the course of the 2025 offseason. Interestingly enough, the one positional group that is lining up to look exactly like the fan base expected is the offensive line. Four full-time starters from 2024 return with former first-round pick Troy Fautanu healthy and ready to work as the team's starting right tackle. The unit has to take a step forward and operate as an efficient and a consistent blocking source in both the running and passing games. It is still appropriate for Pat Meyer to be on the hot seat due to recent seasons' performances. On the interior, Zach Frazier will be the team's starting center with Isaac Seumalo on his left and Mason McCormick on his right. When James Daniels suffered a season-ending injury early in 2024, McCormick was unexpectedly thrown into the fire, but he performed quite well. This is what earned him the right guard spot well before training camp began in 2025. Depth may be an issue for the offensive line, however. This is a major concern if the coaching staff isn't confident in the guys working in behind the starters, as the big men up front are constantly rolled up on and experience injuries throughout any given season. The Steelers hinted that there are some worries, specifically on the interior, because they are hoping to host a veteran with 81 games of starting experience for a visit. Dalton Risner was drafted in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos before then playing for the Minnesota Vikings for two seasons. He has the ability to mix in on both sides of the line, while also having experience playing center and right tackle in college at Kansas State. If a team is worried about depth of the offensive line, the number one thing to do is hunt someone with versatility. It appears General Manager Omar Khan is doing just that. Spencer Anderson and Max Scharping are currently the two back-up guards, with Anderson being the more likely to be the first called upon. Needless to say, however, the Steelers' reported pursuit of Risner brings up a concerning realty that the front office and coaching staff see the unit as incomplete. Signing a veteran with the capability of playing pretty much anywhere on the line could solve a lot of worry inside Pittsburgh's building. Meyer is certainly a coach that could lose his job after the 2025 campaign if his group doesn't step up immediately. The offense can't afford to have Aaron Rodgers taking several sacks each game. The running game also has to open up early on so that the play-action can be utilized throughout the entire season, so there is quite a bit of pressure on the line. Signing Risner would ensure that a potential injury to one of the guards wouldn't be a total loss, but it's also possible that the Steelers are having some concerns about one of their respective abilities to stay healthy right now. Teams like Pittsburgh don't just randomly look to a sign a veteran that has started 81 games over a six-year span. While Andrus Peat may be impressing at the tackle position, it doesn't seems as if the coaching staff is too high on other depth pieces. Steelers Can't Afford To Have Bad Offense In 2025 While Pittsburgh is expected to have a stout defense, the offensive unit is the one that will take the team where it wants to go. Points have come at a premium for the organization over the course of recent seasons, so there is no doubt that keeping Rodgers upright and having an efficient operation will put the franchise in the AFC playoff conversation. It's not a great sign that the front office is already showing its cards that there may be worries on the line.
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