The world of college football is no stranger to high-stakes drama, and the 2024 College Football National Championship game delivered it in spades. On one side, the Ohio State Buckeyes, a perennial powerhouse with a storied history of success, took on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, whose remarkable journey to the title game marked a culmination of years of growth under head coach Brian Kelly. While the Buckeyes ultimately triumphed in a tightly contested championship bout, Kelly’s leadership and the resilience of the Irish proved that his tenure at Notre Dame had been vindicated.
In the aftermath of a hard-fought 34-28 loss to Ohio State, the question on many minds was whether Kelly had finally proven himself after years of scrutiny, criticism, and questions about his ability to win the big one. Despite coming up short on the grandest stage in college football, the game offered compelling evidence that Kelly’s approach had taken Notre Dame football to a new level and positioned the program for sustained success.
Let’s dive into how Brian Kelly was vindicated by the 2024 College Football National Championship game, despite the Irish falling just short against the Buckeyes.
### The Long Road to the National Championship
When Brian Kelly first took over the Notre Dame football program in 2010, the expectations were immense. Notre Dame, a school with a rich football history and a fiercely loyal fanbase, had been searching for a coach who could bring them back to prominence. Kelly inherited a team that was in transition and tasked with regaining its footing in the modern college football landscape.
Over the next decade-plus, Kelly would endure both triumph and heartbreak. Notre Dame made several key bowl games under his guidance, including a historic trip to the 2013 BCS National Championship, but each of these high-profile appearances ended in disappointment. Despite consistent success and an ability to recruit at a high level, Kelly’s critics often pointed to his inability to secure a national title and the occasional big-game loss.
In 2024, the tide began to turn. The Fighting Irish entered the College Football Playoff as one of the top teams in the country, earning a berth in the National Championship game against Ohio State after a stunning season. Kelly’s recruiting efforts had finally paid off, and his focus on building a balanced, disciplined team had allowed Notre Dame to compete at the highest level. Quarterback play, a longtime point of contention for Kelly’s teams, was now a strength with talented signal-caller Sam Hartman leading the offense.
Throughout the season, Kelly had been lauded for his leadership, his ability to get the best out of his players, and the development of a defense that had become one of the toughest units in college football. While his detractors would always point to his inability to win the ultimate prize, the 2024 season and his team’s success up until this point had shown that Kelly had finally built the kind of squad that could challenge for a national championship.
### A Championship Game for the Ages
When Notre Dame faced off against Ohio State in the National Championship, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. The Buckeyes, under Ryan Day, had long been a fixture in the College Football Playoff, with a roster full of future NFL talent, including quarterback CJ Stroud and an explosive receiving corps. Ohio State’s offense was known for its speed, precision, and ability to score in bunches, making them a formidable opponent for the Irish defense.
But Notre Dame, under Kelly’s guidance, had a plan. The Irish defense, led by defensive coordinator Al Golden, was one of the best in the country at shutting down explosive offenses. The game turned into a battle of wills, with Notre Dame’s gritty, hard-nosed style of play clashing against Ohio State’s speed and finesse.
From the very beginning, it was clear that Kelly’s team was prepared. Notre Dame’s defense held its ground against Ohio State’s high-flying offense, forcing a series of key turnovers and making crucial stops in the red zone. Sam Hartman was efficient and poised, connecting with star receiver Lorenzo Styles Jr. and running back Audric Estime to keep the Buckeyes’ defense on its toes. Notre Dame, despite being viewed as the underdog by many, was matching Ohio State step for step, showing that they belonged on the biggest stage.
But as the game progressed, Ohio State’s talent began to take over. The Buckeyes’ offense found a rhythm in the second half, and CJ Stroud connected on several big throws to break open the game. Notre Dame’s defense, despite its valiant effort, couldn’t quite stop the onslaught of Ohio State’s elite playmakers. With just minutes remaining, the Buckeyes sealed their victory with a touchdown that pushed the lead to 34-28, ensuring their first national title since 2014.
### Kelly’s Vindication
Despite the heartbreaking loss, the performance of Brian Kelly’s Notre Dame team in the 2024 National Championship served as a vindication of his years of hard work and perseverance. Kelly, who had long been criticized for his inability to secure a national title, had proven that he was capable of building a team that could compete for the ultimate prize.
First and foremost, Kelly’s ability to bring Notre Dame back to the top tier of college football was evident. For years, the Irish had been seen as an underdog in the race for the national championship, a team that could never quite get over the hump. But in 2024, Kelly had built a program that had the talent, coaching, and mentality to challenge the best in the country. Notre Dame wasn’t just competitive; they were legitimately one of the top teams in the country, and that’s a testament to Kelly’s vision and leadership.
Additionally, Kelly’s handling of the game itself was commendable. Unlike in previous seasons, where his teams sometimes faltered in high-pressure moments, Kelly’s team stayed composed in the face of Ohio State’s elite talent. They didn’t back down, and they showed the kind of resilience that had been missing in past seasons. Even as Ohio State pulled away late, Notre Dame kept fighting, showing that they were a legitimate championship contender. Kelly’s ability to prepare his team for this moment, despite the tough competition, solidified his legacy as one of the top coaches in college football.
Perhaps most importantly, Kelly’s work in recruiting and player development finally paid off. Sam Hartman, who had transferred from Wake Forest to Notre Dame for his final season, was instrumental in the team’s success. Kelly’s ability to bring in a veteran quarterback and surround him with a talented supporting cast was key in getting Notre Dame to the national title game. The Irish’s offensive line, once a liability, had become one of the best in the country, and the defense, which had been Kelly’s hallmark throughout his tenure, was as formidable as ever.
### Looking Ahead: The Future of Notre Dame
While the loss in the National Championship game was undoubtedly disappointing for the Fighting Irish, it also marked the beginning of a new era for the program. Kelly had built the foundation for sustained success, and the program was in better shape than it had been in years. The 2024 season proved that Notre Dame was no longer a team that could be written off in the race for a national title.
For Brian Kelly, the journey is far from over. While the national title has eluded him thus far, his work at Notre Dame has ensured that the program is a perennial contender for the foreseeable future. With a roster full of young talent and a coaching staff that has proven its ability to compete with the best, Notre Dame’s future is bright.
### Conclusion: A Step Closer to Glory
Although Notre Dame fell short in the 2024 College Football National Championship game against Ohio State, Brian Kelly’s journey to this point proved that he had vindicated himself as one of the premier coaches in college football. Through years of consistent development, recruiting, and strategic planning, Kelly had transformed Notre Dame into a true national title contender. The Irish may not have captured the championship in 2024, but under Kelly’s leadership, they are now firmly in the conversation as one of the best programs in the country. The next step for Kelly and Notre Dame is clear: they’ll be back—and next time, they’ll be looking to finish what they started.