President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance welcomed the Ohio State Buckeyes to the White House this week to celebrate their victory in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship. The ceremony marked a proud moment not just for Ohio State, but for an administration that has made honoring American excellence a central part of its message.
The Buckeyes clinched the national title with a hard-fought 34–23 victory over Notre Dame—securing their ninth national championship and their first under the expanded 12-team playoff format. The win capped off a season defined by resilience and grit, especially after a late-season loss to rival Michigan that could have derailed their title hopes.
President Trump praised the team’s determination and comeback spirit, calling their triumph “a true American story.” He noted that the championship game took place on January 20—coinciding with his second inauguration—calling it “a big day for all of us.”
Vice President JD Vance, an Ohio native and proud Ohio State alum, added his own humor to the event, joking with the crowd about a guest spotted wearing a Michigan hat at the ceremony. “That’s a dangerous weapon around here,” Vance quipped, drawing laughter from the players and coaches.
As part of the celebration, Trump was presented with a personalized Buckeyes jersey featuring his name and the number 47, commemorating his return to the White House as the 47th President of the United States. The team also gifted him a signed helmet—now a part of the growing collection of sports memorabilia housed at the executive residence.
One unexpected moment came when Vice President Vance attempted to lift the championship trophy. The base of the trophy detached and fell, nearly causing an accident. Quick-thinking players TreVeyon Henderson and Cody Simon stepped in to stabilize it. Vance later laughed off the incident, posting, “I didn’t want anyone after Ohio State to get the trophy, so I decided to break it.”
The event concluded on a celebratory note as the United States Marine Corps Band performed “We Are the Champions,” sending the Buckeyes off with fanfare befitting a national title team.
For President Trump and Vice President Vance, the celebration was more than a sports photo op—it was a tribute to hard work, perseverance, and the enduring American spirit. For Ohio State, it was the capstone to a championship season—and a moment in history etched into the White House lawn.