National Football Foundation

Big Ten Co-Champion Ohio State defeated Big East Champion Miami in the Fiesta Bowl BCS National Championship Game, marking the Buckeyes’ third MacArthur Bowl. Coached by College Football Hall of Famer Jim Tressel, Ohio State finished 14-0 after a 31-24 victory against the Hurricanes in the Fiesta Bowl BCS National Championship Game. The 2002 Ohio State team was the first in FBS history to finish its season at 14–0, and the second to win 14 games. The Buckeyes featured 2003 William V. Campbell Trophy recipient Craig Krenzel at quarterback.

Representing the pinnacle of team achievement in college sports, the trophy was the gift of an anonymous donor, who commissioned Tiffany & Co. to craft it from 400 ounces of silver, in honor of NFF founder General Douglas A. MacArthur. It took eight months to make, and the trophy features MacArthur's famous quote: "There is no substitute for victory."