The Ohio State Buckeyes held off a thrilling Notre Dame comeback to win the CFP National Championship game 34-23 in Atlanta on Monday night.
In front of a star-studded crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium that included LeBron James, Travis Scott, Ezekiel Elliott, Bryce Harper and Anthony Mackie, the Buckeyes secured the victory when Will Howard connected with Jeremiah Smith on a deep pass for two . remaining minutes.
The matchup between two of college football's most famous programs featured a message from President Donald Trump, who was sworn in Monday, that aired on ESPN at halftime.
Also present was the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s youngest daughter, the Rev. Bernice King, executive director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.
This was the first time the CFP national championship game was held on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and also the first time the game was played on Presidential Inauguration Day.
Ohio State's victory was the ninth National Championship in program history.
More to follow.
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard led his team to victory in the CFP National Championship game
Ohio State coach Ryan Day celebrates wildly after his team clinched the title in Atlanta.
However, it was heartbreaking for Notre Dame and its impressive coach Marcus Freeman.
The final was played before a star-studded 77,660 spectators at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Among those in attendance was LeBron James with the NBA icon, a huge Ohio State fan.