The 2015 NCAA Division I Football Championship was a game that changed college football forever. It was fast. It was loud. It was historic. Two powerhouse teams met under bright lights with a brand-new trophy on the line. Fans knew they were watching something special.
TLDR: The 2015 NCAA Division I Football Championship featured the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Oregon Ducks. It was the first-ever College Football Playoff National Championship. The game took place on January 12, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. Ohio State won the title with a 42–20 victory.
The Two Teams
The championship game featured:
- Ohio State Buckeyes
- Oregon Ducks
Both teams entered the game with big expectations. Both had explosive offenses. Both had star players. And both wanted to make history.
A New Era in College Football
This was not just any championship game. It was the first title game in the new College Football Playoff system. Before 2015, champions were decided by the BCS system. Fans often debated if the two best teams were truly playing.
In 2015, that changed.
The new playoff system included four teams. They played semifinal games. The winners met in the championship. It felt more fair. It felt more exciting. And it delivered drama.
Ohio State Buckeyes: The Road to the Championship
Ohio State came into the season with high hopes. They had talent. They had speed. They had strong coaching led by Urban Meyer.
But the season was not smooth.
The Buckeyes lost two quarterbacks to injuries during the year. First, Braxton Miller was ruled out before the season started. Then J.T. Barrett broke his ankle late in the season. That left Ohio State with their third-string quarterback.
Most teams would panic. Ohio State did not.
Cardale Jones stepped in. He was young. He was powerful. And he had something to prove.
Ohio State powered through the Big Ten Championship. They crushed Wisconsin 59–0. That huge win earned them a spot in the playoff.
In the semifinal, Ohio State faced Alabama. Many experts picked Alabama to win. But the Buckeyes fought hard. They won 42–35.
Now they were in the championship game.
Oregon Ducks: Speed and Flash
The Oregon Ducks were known for one thing: speed.
Their offense moved fast. Really fast. They snapped the ball quickly. They ran creative plays. And they scored a lot of points.
The Ducks were led by quarterback Marcus Mariota. He was calm. He was accurate. He was dangerous. Earlier in the season, he had won the Heisman Trophy, awarded to the best player in college football.
Oregon dominated the Pac-12 that season. They beat top teams. They scored huge totals. In the playoff semifinal, they crushed Florida State 59–20.
That win sent a clear message: Oregon was ready.
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Game Day: January 12, 2015
The championship game took place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The stadium was packed. Over 85,000 fans filled the seats. Millions more watched on TV.
The atmosphere was electric.
Ohio State wore their scarlet and gray. Oregon wore bright green and silver. The colors popped under the lights.
Everyone wondered: Would Oregon’s speed be too much? Or would Ohio State’s power control the game?
First Quarter: A Fast Start
The game began with energy.
Oregon struck first. Marcus Mariota threw a touchdown pass. The Ducks led early. Their fans roared.
But Ohio State answered back. Cardale Jones connected on key throws. Running back Ezekiel Elliott started finding holes in the defense.
By the end of the first quarter, it was clear. This would be a battle.
Ezekiel Elliott Takes Over
If there was one star of the game, it was Ezekiel Elliott.
He ran hard. He ran fast. He broke tackles. Again and again.
The Oregon defense tried to stop him. They stacked defenders near the line. It did not work.
Elliott finished the game with:
- 246 rushing yards
- 4 rushing touchdowns
- One of the greatest performances in title game history
Every time Ohio State needed a big play, Elliott delivered.
Key Moments That Changed the Game
Several moments shaped the outcome:
- Turnovers by Oregon: The Ducks moved the ball well early. But costly turnovers hurt them.
- Big defensive stands by Ohio State: The Buckeyes forced fumbles at key times.
- Long runs by Elliott: These plays broke Oregon’s momentum.
At halftime, Ohio State led 21–10.
Oregon still had hope. Their offense was powerful. But mistakes kept stacking up.
Second Half: Buckeyes Pull Away
In the third quarter, Ohio State stayed aggressive. They did not play it safe. They attacked.
Elliott scored again. Then again.
Cardale Jones made smart throws. He did not force plays. He looked calm, even though this was the biggest game of his life.
Oregon pushed back. Mariota threw for two touchdowns. He finished with 333 passing yards. But the defense could not slow Ohio State’s running game.
By the fourth quarter, the Buckeyes had control.
The final score was:
Ohio State 42, Oregon 20
Why This Game Mattered
This championship was historic for several reasons.
- It was the first College Football Playoff National Championship.
- Ohio State became the first champion of the new era.
- A third-string quarterback won it all.
- Ezekiel Elliott became a national star.
It showed that depth matters. It showed that teams can overcome injuries. It also proved the playoff system could produce exciting matchups.
Star Players from the Game
Let’s take a quick look at the key players:
Ohio State Buckeyes:
- Ezekiel Elliott – 246 rushing yards, 4 touchdowns
- Cardale Jones – Strong and steady quarterback play
- Joey Bosa – Defensive force
Oregon Ducks:
- Marcus Mariota – 333 passing yards, 2 touchdowns
- Byron Marshall – Reliable receiver
- Royce Freeman – Promising young running back
The Legacy of the 2015 Championship
This game set the tone for future playoffs.
It proved the system worked. Fans loved the excitement. TV ratings were strong. The playoff format became the new normal in college football.
For Ohio State, it was a proud moment. They joined the list of national champions. Urban Meyer added another title to his career.
For Oregon, it was heartbreaking. They were so close. But they made it to the first-ever playoff final, which was still a major achievement.
What Happened Next?
Many players from this game moved on to the NFL.
- Ezekiel Elliott became a first-round draft pick.
- Marcus Mariota was selected second overall in the 2015 NFL Draft.
- Several other players built pro careers.
The championship game helped boost their draft stock. Scouts saw how they performed under pressure.
Simple Breakdown
If you want the story in basic terms, here it is:
- Two top teams met.
- It was the first playoff championship.
- Ohio State ran the ball brilliantly.
- Oregon made too many mistakes.
- The Buckeyes won big.
It was fast. It was physical. It was unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
The 2015 NCAA Division I Football Championship was more than just a game. It was the start of a new chapter in college football history.
The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Oregon Ducks gave fans a thrilling showdown. Ohio State’s power and depth won the night. Oregon’s speed and skill made it exciting.
When people ask, “Who played in the 2015 NCAA Division I Football Championship?” the answer is simple:
Ohio State vs. Oregon.
And it was the beginning of the playoff era that fans enjoy today.
