Eight students, including staff members of The Lantern and Scarlet and Gray Sports Radio, traveled to Atlanta to cover Ohio State Football at the College Football National Championship on Jan 20.   

They had the opportunity to put the skills that they’re learning on campus to work on the national stage and witness the Buckeyes take home the win.   

“It was once in a lifetime,” said fourth-year journalism student Noah Weiskopf. He serves as the sports editor for The Lantern. 

The magnitude of the opportunity was something new for the group, but they felt prepared for the job they came to do.   

“Just because it was the national championship, nothing changed in the work that I was doing,” said Weiskopf. “The preparation, plan, and mindset were the same as they were for the Western Michigan game that ended in a 56 to nothing win.”   

 “Our job is to tell the stories that matter," said journalism professor Dr. Nicole Kraft, who was also at the game as vice chair of the Ohio State Athletic Council, "and this experience—this whole season--gave everyone the chance to do that on one of the biggest stages in college sports. The skills they’ve developed at Ohio State prepared them to excel in every environment, and they showed that in their national championship coverage.” 

The novelty of it all wasn’t lost on Jayla Vanhorn, fifth year journalism and sport industry student and lead sports producer for The Lantern  

“Not many students or people my age get the opportunity to cover D1 collegiate sports, let alone a national championship game,” she said.   

She says that the reactions of fans, coaches and players are something that she’ll always remember   

“Witnessing that reminded me of why I've always wanted to go into sideline reporting.”  

Find their coverage in The Lantern and Scarlet and Gray Sports Radio.   

All coverage from The Lantern of the 2025 Ohio State Football season will be included in the book "Buckeye Glory." Proceeds support The Lantern and a portion goes directly to the students whose work is featured.  

Written by student Paige Hollowell