President Obama honors Ohio State for national title victory

President Barack Obama holds up a Ohio State football jersey that he was presented with from Ohio State football players Curtis Grant and Doran Grant, as head coach Urban Meyer watches at right. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) A few months after capturing a national title, the Ohio State Buckeyes made a trip to the White House in Washington D.C. Monday to be honored by President Barack Obama.

After leading those in attendance in an “OH-IO” cheer, President Obama lauded the Buckeyes for their achievements on and off the field.

“The Buckeyes hit their stride when it mattered most. At critical moments throughout the season, we learned about the character of this football team,” the President said.

Obama detailed the team’s incredible depth at quarterback from Braxton Miller to J.T. Barrett to Cardale “12-gauge” Jones, and even made sure to refer to Michigan as “the team up north” when mentioning Barrett’s injury against the Wolverines.

Obama also made sure to joke with running back Ezekiel Elliott about the NCAA”s new crop-top rule and mention standout defensive end Joey Bosa’s signature “shrug” celebration.

Once the President concluded his speech, OSU head coach Urban Meyer thanked Obama for being an early supporter for the creation of a College Football Playoff. Meyer also presented Obama with a game ball from the national title victory over Oregon and a red “Obama” No. 44 Buckeyes jersey.