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.
LIVE: Trump welcomes Ohio State football to the White House
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.