As of the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship, Ohio State and Notre Dame have faced each other on the gridiron numerous times in their storied histories. These two programs are among the most prestigious in college football, with rich traditions, passionate fan bases, and a wealth of national titles, conference championships, and individual accolades to their names. Their football programs are steeped in history, and each meeting on the field adds to that legacy.
To fully grasp Ohio State’s all-time record against Notre Dame, it’s important to consider the number of games, the context in which these teams have met, and the outcomes of those matchups. Both programs have had their fair share of dominance at different points in time, but Ohio State generally has been more successful in this rivalry, particularly in recent decades. The overall record between the two programs heading into the 2025 CFP National Championship can be traced from their first meeting up to the present.
Historical Context and Early Meetings
Ohio State and Notre Dame first met on the football field in 1935, marking the beginning of a competitive series. However, it wasn’t until much later that their encounters would become a consistent part of the college football landscape. These teams have played each other sporadically over the decades, but their matchups are often seen as marquee games due to the prominence of both schools.
The early years of the series were marked by an uneven distribution of victories, with both teams winning their fair share. Notre Dame was at its peak during the mid-20th century, with multiple national championships under its belt. Ohio State, on the other hand, was in a rebuilding phase but would soon emerge as a dominant force in college football under coach Woody Hayes.
Key Games and Turning Points
Over the years, several games in this series stand out for their significance, including the 1995 Sugar Bowl and the 2006 Fiesta Bowl.
The 1995 Sugar Bowl: This game holds a special place in the history of both programs. Ohio State, under coach John Cooper, faced Notre Dame in the 1995 Sugar Bowl. Ohio State entered the game with high expectations, having a strong season, but Notre Dame pulled off a memorable 45-26 upset. This was one of the many meetings where Notre Dame proved it could compete with Ohio State’s best teams, despite the Buckeyes being the more consistent program overall during the 1990s.
The 2006 Fiesta Bowl: This bowl game marked another high-profile meeting between the teams. The game had significant implications for both teams, as Ohio State entered the game as one of the top teams in the country, having finished the regular season ranked No. 1, while Notre Dame was ranked No. 5. Despite Notre Dame’s strength and reputation as a top-tier program, Ohio State won convincingly, 34-20, in a performance that highlighted the growing dominance of the Buckeyes under coach Jim Tressel.
Ohio State’s Dominance in Recent Decades
As the 21st century unfolded, Ohio State gradually emerged as one of the preeminent programs in college football. Under the leadership of coaches like Jim Tressel, Urban Meyer, and now Ryan Day, Ohio State has built an incredibly successful program. The Buckeyes have consistently been a top contender for national championships, and their success on the recruiting trail has ensured that they remain competitive year after year. This sustained excellence has translated into a more dominant record over Notre Dame in recent years.
Throughout the 2000s, 2010s, and into the 2020s, Ohio State had a clear upper hand in the series, with victories in multiple matchups against Notre Dame. The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship marks a significant moment for both programs, with Ohio State having been more successful in recent decades in head-to-head matchups.
Ohio State vs. Notre Dame: All-Time Record Heading into the 2025 CFP National Championship
Going into the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship, the all-time record between Ohio State and Notre Dame stands as follows:
- Total Meetings: 7 games
- Ohio State Wins: 4
- Notre Dame Wins: 2
- Ties: 1
This record, as of 2025, reflects Ohio State’s dominance in the series, particularly in the modern era. The two teams have met only sparingly over the years, which makes each matchup feel like a monumental event for college football fans. While Notre Dame has had success in certain games, Ohio State’s consistency and superiority in the head-to-head series have been notable.
The Significance of the 2025 CFP National Championship
The 2025 CFP National Championship between Ohio State and Notre Dame is poised to be one of the most anticipated matchups in recent college football history. For Ohio State, the championship game presents an opportunity to further solidify its position as one of the premier programs of the 21st century. The Buckeyes have been consistently in the playoff mix since the inception of the CFP format in 2014, and this game offers a chance to secure another national title for a program that has been incredibly successful in recent years.
For Notre Dame, the 2025 title game is an opportunity to prove that it can compete at the highest level and win its first national championship in decades. The Fighting Irish have a storied history and a massive national following, but they have often struggled to capture that elusive national title in the modern era, particularly after the introduction of the playoff system. This championship appearance is a significant step for the program, and winning it would be a crowning achievement for Notre Dame.
