The stage is set for the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship, where the Ohio State Buckeyes will face off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on January 20. This highly anticipated event, held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, promises excitement as two storied programs vie for college football's top honor.
Both teams have navigated challenging paths to reach this decisive game, with Ohio State entering as the 8-seed and Notre Dame as the 7-seed. The Buckeyes, who finished the regular season with two losses, managed to reclaim their glory through resilient performances in the playoffs. After defeating higher-seeded teams like Oregon and Texas, they secured their place in the championship match.
On the other hand, the Fighting Irish, directed by head coach Marcus Freeman, have shown grit. Following a shaky start to the season, Notre Dame has bounced back with 13 consecutive wins, including last minute heroics to overcome Penn State 27-24 in the Orange Bowl to earn their spot. This marks the first appearance for Freeman at the FBS national title game, making him the first Black head coach to lead his team to this level of competition.
The matchup carries significant historical weight, not only for Freeman but also for both programs. Ohio State, with its five claimed national championships, is hungry for another title after dropping out of the Big Ten Championship game. Their recovery has been marked by impressive offensive and defensive showings, highlighted by standouts like wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who has scored multiple touchdowns throughout the playoffs—290 yards on four receptions—while defensive end Jack Sawyer has wreaked havoc with 4.5 sacks.
Marcus Freeman's story stands as a historic milestone not only for his culture but for college football at large. Taking over as head coach, Freeman has revitalized Notre Dame's program, ending decades of championship droughts and overcoming injuries to key players this season. His team demonstrated relentless spirit throughout their playoff run, qualifying for the national championship with significant contributions from both offense and defense.
"This isn't about one person. It’s about the collective effort of everyone involved," Freeman said during the playoffs. His comments reflect the broader importance of representation as much as the game itself.
Looking at odds and predictions, Ohio State enters as the favorite by more than eight points. Analysts speculate on how the game could play out, with many believing the Buckeyes' breadth of talent on both sides will prove decisive. With the pressure mounting, each moment will be pivotal as they clash with Notre Dame’s undertones of resilience and determination.
While betting lines suggest Ohio State's more formidable roster positions them to succeed, the Fighting Irish will undoubtedly put forth their best effort to claim their first national title since 1988.
Fans can expect live coverage of the championship on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. ET, with alternate viewing options available for those who wish to take part in the celebrations or catch up on highlights during breaks. For insights and detailed reports, CBS Sports’ coverage will also deliver real-time updates throughout the game, keeping fans engaged.
This clash is about more than just numbers; it’s about breaking boundaries and creating new narratives. With both teams boasting storied histories and passionate supporters, this championship promises to be as thrilling as it is historic.
Ohio State might be aiming to close the decade-long gap without winning the national championship, but they will be met with fierce competition from Notre Dame, whose unexpected victories have established them as formidable contenders. Fans of both teams are eager to see if history will hold, or if this championship will mark the beginning of something new for Notre Dame under Freeman’s leadership.
Whatever the outcome, the national championship game is poised to not only crown the best team of the year but also to highlight the evolution of coaching diversity, particularly with Freeman’s groundbreaking leadership role.