When the Notre Dame Fighting Irish meet the Ohio State Buckeyes for the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship, football fans are gearing up for not just a game, but a defining moment for college football. The showdown takes place at the illustrious Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, kicking off on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET. With both teams coming off impressive playoff runs, the tension and excitement could not be higher.
Ohio State enters this championship with a 13-2 record, seeking their first national title since 2014, after winning three consecutive playoff games against formidable opponents. Their path included definitive victories over the Tennessee Volunteers, Oregon Ducks, and Texas Longhorns, showcasing the offensive prowess of head coach Ryan Day's squad.
After suffering their only loss of the season to arch-rival Michigan, the Buckeyes rebounded spectacularly. They decisively defeated Tennessee 42-17, followed by a spectacular rematch against Oregon, where they flipped the script on their earlier season defeat with a commanding 41-21 win. The Buckeyes defended their spot at the national title by edging out the Texas Longhorns 35-21, thanks to linebacker Jack Sawyer's game-clinching fumble return.
On the other side of the field, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, who boast a 14-1 record, are on their first trip to the College Football Playoff since beginning their tenure with this expanded playoff format. The Irish aren’t just there to make up the numbers; they are determined to claim their first national championship since 1988.
Notre Dame's playoff run has been nothing short of remarkable. It initiated with a comfortable 27-17 victory over Indiana, where the Irish were dominant, leading 27-3 at halftime. Their campaign continued impressively as they knocked out last year's champion, the Georgia Bulldogs, with a 23-10 victory before narrowly defeating Penn State 27-24 in the Orange Bowl. For the Irish, their defense has played as key as their offense, contributing significantly to their momentum heading toward the championship.
When examining the offensive and defensive stats, both teams show impressive numbers. Notre Dame's offense has been built on their ground game, averaging 225.8 rushing yards per game, which is complemented by their defense allowing just 319.6 total yards per game. This has resulted in the Irish averaging 37.7 points scored, which stands solid against their defensive allowance of only 13.6 points.
Conversely, Ohio State flaunts a passing-heavy offense averaging 428.3 total yards and 35.8 points per game, with their defense being particularly formidable; they have allowed just 251.1 total yards and 12.2 points per game throughout the season, leading the nation. Their capacity to stifle both the run and the passing attacks gives them confidence heading to the matchup against Notre Dame.
coaches also play pivotal roles on each side. Ohio State’s Ryan Day directs his team with precision, directing quarterback Will Howard, who has led the team through the playoffs with 919 passing yards over three games. That said, Notre Dame's coach, Marcus Freeman, is also making headlines—this being his third year at the helm with solid results, including his first foray during playoffs. Freeman's leadership will be under the spotlight as he seeks to secure his place as one of college football's memorable figures by potentially delivering the Fighting Irish their first title since the 80s.
Betting odds for the game see Ohio State favored by 8.5 to 9 points, reflecting the public's sentiment backing the Buckeyes for their experience and recent form. The betting has the potential to split the crowd, but the conclusion suggests Ohio State shines as the consensus choice.
The matchup will be more than just about strategy; it features intriguing individual battles as well. Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore, celebrating his recognition as the Freshman Defensive Player of the Year, is likely tasked with minimizing Ohio State's stellar receiver Jeremiah Smith, who already racked up impressive stats with 1,227 receiving yards this season, showing he can always come alive during pivotal games.
Another factor may be injuries. Notre Dame's left tackle Anthonie Knapp is sidelined, potentially impacting their offensive line against Ohio State’s powerhouse defense. On the Ohio State side, cornerback Denzel Burke appears set to return, making their already formidable unit even stronger.
Fans can tune in live to witness the excitement of the championship on ESPN and various streaming platforms. The Irish and Buckeyes are set to deliver not just thrilling plays but also moments of history.
With all these elements, the championship game promises to be full of intensity, tactics, and emotion. Both teams have storied legacies and are hungry to leave their mark on college football history. Will Notre Dame reclaim past glory, or will Ohio State rise to reclaim their throne?