A lighthearted mishap took centre stage outside the White House on Monday when vice president JD Vance accidentally toppled the College Football Playoff National Championship trophy during a celebratory event honouring the Ohio State Buckeyes.
As the team posed for photos with President Donald Trump, Vance lifted the trophy for the cameras — only for the top to come loose and tumble to the ground, drawing gasps followed by nervous laughter from the crowd as the trophy’s base hit the pavement.
The Buckeyes, who claimed the national title in January with a 34-23 win over Notre Dame, were being formally recognised for their achievement. Vance, taking the moment in stride, quipped: “I didn’t want anyone after Ohio State to get the trophy so I decided to break it.”
Despite speculation over whether the team would make the trip, head coach Ryan Day described the visit as an “honor,” marking a final celebration before the offseason begins.
Ohio State now faces a period of transition with key players departing for the NFL Draft, including quarterback Will Howard, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, and running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins — a significant turnover on the offensive front.
The White House visit offered the team one last moment of unity before turning the page on a championship season.