The national champion Ohio State Buckeyes took a well-deserved victory lap in the nation’s capital on Monday as the team was honored at the White House for their 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship. Hosted by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, the Buckeyes were celebrated on the South Lawn in recognition of their 34–23 win over Notre Dame back in January — their first national title in a decade.

The event was a mix of pride, celebration, and a little bit of humor, as the Buckeyes were recognized not just for their championship trophy, but for the unforgettable run it took to earn it.

“You Refused to Let Buckeye Nation Down”

President Trump addressed the team with high praise for their perseverance throughout the season, especially after facing adversity midyear.

“You refused to let the Buckeye Nation down. You got better and better and tougher and tougher as the season went along,” the President said, applauding the team for rebounding from a tough loss to Michigan and turning it into motivation.

Trump also recognized Ohio State’s path through the inaugural 12-team playoff, which saw them take down Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame on their way to the trophy.

Ryan Day: “They Finished the Mission”

Head coach Ryan Day reflected on what it took to reach that White House podium.

“Traveling to D.C. was the easy part,” Day said with a smile. “Earning the right to be here was the hard one.”

He walked the audience through the Buckeyes’ grueling postseason stretch, noting their wins over four top-7 teams in back-to-back games — a first in college football playoff history.

“This team made history by winning the most difficult series of games in the history of college football… and they left no doubt,” Day said. “When adversity hit, they stood tall, stuck together, showed their true character, and became champions.”

Day then presented President Trump with a personalized Ohio State jersey and helmet, before closing his speech with a proud “Go Bucks!”

JD Vance’s Trophy Mishap Goes Viral

The most unexpected moment of the afternoon came when Vice President JD Vance, a proud Ohio State alum, lifted the national championship trophy… and accidentally broke it.

As Vance hoisted the nearly 50-pound trophy for a photo op, the golden football-shaped top separated from the base. Thankfully, running back TreVeyon Henderson was standing behind him and made a heads-up grab before the piece could hit the ground. The base clanged onto the lawn, drawing gasps and laughs from players and staff.

Vance took the mishap in stride, later posting on X (formerly Twitter):

“I didn’t want anyone after Ohio State to get the trophy so I decided to break it.”

The lighthearted moment went viral, and Henderson was credited with the biggest save of the day.

A Day to Remember in D.C.

Before the ceremony, the team visited the Lincoln Memorial, taking in the history and symbolism of their surroundings. After the White House event, Vice President Vance hosted the players and staff at the Naval Observatory, the official residence of the VP.

The event closed with the U.S. Marine Corps Band performing “We Are the Champions” as the team posed for photos with their hard-earned trophy — now fully reassembled.

It was a fitting final chapter to an unforgettable season. From conquering the nation’s top teams to being honored on the lawn of the White House, the 2024 Buckeyes not only finished the job on the field — they brought the pride of Buckeye Nation all the way to Washington, D.C.

Photo Credit: The White House on X