Cardale Jones Led 2014 Buckeyes to Glory, Ending Championship Drought That Lasted Until Ohio State’s Triumphant Return Last Season

When Cardale Jones took the field as Ohio State’s starting quarterback in December 2014, few could have predicted the remarkable run that would follow. Third-string on the depth chart to start the season, Jones was thrust into action after injuries to Braxton Miller and J.T. Barrett. The moment could’ve overwhelmed most players. For Jones, it was an opportunity to etch his name into Buckeyes lore.

Ohio State’s 2014 national title remains one of the most improbable and iconic in the program’s storied history. Jones’ cannon arm, imposing frame, and calm under pressure became the stuff of legend over three unforgettable games. The Buckeyes throttled Wisconsin 59-0 in the Big Ten Championship, stunned top-ranked Alabama 42-35 in the Sugar Bowl semifinal, and powered past Oregon 42-20 in the first-ever College Football Playoff National Championship.

It was a championship run built on grit, depth, and belief—hallmarks of Urban Meyer’s tenure in Columbus. More importantly, it became the standard for future Buckeye squads. Yet despite numerous playoff appearances and top-ranked recruiting classes in the years that followed, Ohio State found itself falling just short of glory season after season. That drought finally ended last season, when Ryan Day’s team stormed its way to the national title and brought the trophy back to Columbus for the first time since Jones’ breakout campaign.

To appreciate what this latest title means, it’s important to look back at that 2014 team and the spark Jones provided. A redshirt sophomore at the time, Jones was known more for his infamous “we ain’t come here to play school” tweet than any on-field contributions. But when Barrett went down with a broken ankle against Michigan, Jones was suddenly in charge of a playoff-caliber team with everything to lose.

His first start came against a surging Wisconsin team led by Heisman finalist Melvin Gordon. Jones responded with a 257-yard, three-touchdown performance in one of the most dominant conference title wins in Big Ten history. That game alone could have been a career-defining moment. But Jones was just getting started.

In the Sugar Bowl against Alabama, Jones outdueled Blake Sims and a ferocious Crimson Tide defense. He threw for 243 yards and a touchdown, showcasing poise and confidence rare for a quarterback with only one career start. Running back Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 230 yards, and the Buckeyes’ offensive line mauled Alabama up front. The 85-yard touchdown run by Elliott in the fourth quarter remains one of the most iconic plays in Ohio State history.

Then came the final hurdle: Oregon. Led by Heisman-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota, the Ducks were favored. But the Buckeyes, powered by Jones’ strong arm and Elliott’s ground attack, seized control early. Despite four turnovers, Ohio State controlled the line of scrimmage and dictated the tempo. Jones passed for 242 yards and a touchdown, adding a score on the ground. Elliott’s 246 rushing yards and four touchdowns sealed the win.

In three starts, Jones delivered 860 passing yards, seven total touchdowns, and a national championship. He went from an untested backup to a Buckeye legend virtually overnight. The image of Jones hoisting the championship trophy, beaming with joy, is etched into the memories of Ohio State fans everywhere.

After the 2014 season, Jones considered declaring for the NFL Draft but opted to return. The quarterback battle that followed in 2015, with Jones and Barrett vying for the starting job, was a microcosm of the challenges Ohio State faced in the aftermath of success. Despite another talented roster, the Buckeyes fell short of the Playoff in 2015, and each season afterward brought heartbreak in one form or another—whether it was a semifinal loss to Clemson, a brutal defeat at the hands of Alabama, or missing the Playoff entirely.

But through it all, the legacy of Jones and the 2014 team loomed large. It served as a reminder that anything is possible when belief and talent align at the right moment. That spirit came roaring back last season.

The 2024 Buckeyes entered the season with question marks, especially on offense. Yet, as the season wore on, a new identity emerged—hard-nosed defense, balanced offense, and a will to win reminiscent of 2014. Quarterback Devin Brown stepped up in key moments, making clutch throws and leading with quiet confidence. The offensive line gelled late in the year, and the defense, led by an elite secondary, became suffocating.

Much like in 2014, the Buckeyes were counted out by many when they entered the Playoff. But they thrived in the underdog role. A semifinal win over a previously unbeaten Florida State team sent a message to the college football world—Ohio State was back. In the championship game, they took on a loaded Texas squad and delivered a methodical, complete performance to win the national title.

As confetti fell and players embraced at midfield, many fans flashed back to Jones and the 2014 team. The parallels were undeniable—quarterback resilience, running back dominance, and a coaching staff that rallied its players in the biggest moments. Ryan Day, often criticized for not “winning the big one,” finally got over the hump and earned validation. Just like Meyer in 2014, Day now had his ring.

The 2024 championship did more than end a ten-year drought—it reestablished Ohio State’s place atop the college football hierarchy. And it was built on a foundation laid by Cardale Jones and his unforgettable three-game run. Jones showed that greatness can come from unlikely places, and his legacy lives on in every Buckeye player who dares to dream beyond their role.

Today, Jones is a beloved alumnus and ambassador for the university. His journey from third-stringer to national champion is a source of inspiration across college football. He’s remained close to the program, often tweeting encouragement and attending games. His presence reminds fans of what can be accomplished when preparation meets opportunity.

In the long, proud history of Ohio State football, few stories are as cinematic or satisfying as Cardale Jones’ 2014 run. And as the Buckeyes once again stand atop the college football world, the echoes of that magical postseason remain loud and clear. One decade later, the torch has been passed—but never forgotten.