The All-Time Record of Notre Dame vs. Ohio State Going Into the 2025 CFP National Championship

As the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship approaches, the looming matchup between Notre Dame and Ohio State is drawing significant attention. Both programs are pillars of college football, with rich histories and immense fanbases. However, despite their long and storied traditions, the all-time record between Notre Dame and Ohio State is relatively short. As of January 2025, these two football giants have faced each other only a handful of times, and their head-to-head history is filled with pivotal moments, dramatic games, and lasting legacies.

In this analysis, we will delve into the all-time record between Notre Dame and Ohio State leading up to the 2025 CFP National Championship, exploring the key moments and narratives that have defined their rivalry. While the two teams have not met as frequently as some other prominent rivalries in college football, their few matchups have still been highly competitive and impactful, particularly given their recent success.

Historical Context of the Rivalry

Before we dive into the specifics of the head-to-head record, it’s important to understand the historical context of both programs. The University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish and The Ohio State University Buckeyes are two of the most successful and respected college football programs in the country.

• Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Established in 1887, Notre Dame has won 11 national championships, with their most recent title coming in 1988. The program is known for its storied tradition, independent status (never being tied to a conference until recent years), and long list of legendary coaches and players, including Knute Rockne, Lou Holtz, Joe Montana, and more. The Fighting Irish are regarded as one of college football’s most iconic programs, with a deep connection to both Catholicism and a national fanbase.
• Ohio State Buckeyes: Founded in 1890, Ohio State is one of the most successful programs in the history of college football, with 8 national championships, including the most recent one in 2014. Known for its passionate fanbase, Ohio State has won numerous Big Ten titles and produced legendary coaches like Woody Hayes, Earle Bruce, Jim Tressel, and Urban Meyer, as well as star players such as Archie Griffin, Eddie George, and Troy Smith. The Buckeyes are a juggernaut in the sport, with a rich tradition of excellence.

While both schools have long been college football powerhouses, their meetings on the field have been far less frequent than one might expect, given their historical prominence.

The All-Time Record: Notre Dame vs. Ohio State

As of January 2025, the all-time series between Notre Dame and Ohio State stands at 2-1 in favor of Ohio State, with the most recent meeting taking place in the 2025 CFP National Championship game. Below is a breakdown of the three games between the two teams, providing insight into each contest and how the rivalry has evolved over time.

1. The 1935 Matchup – Notre Dame 18, Ohio State 13

The first-ever meeting between Notre Dame and Ohio State took place in 1935, during a season that saw Notre Dame achieve national prominence under head coach Elmer Layden, one of the Four Horsemen. Notre Dame entered the game with a record of 7-0-0 and was ranked as the No. 1 team in the country. Ohio State, under head coach Francis Schmidt, was also having a strong season, sitting at 6-1-0 and boasting a solid football program.

In this historic matchup, Notre Dame came out on top with an 18-13 victory, holding off a late surge from Ohio State to secure the win. The game was played at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, and it proved to be a hard-fought battle, with both teams showcasing their strength and grit. Notre Dame’s victory was significant in maintaining their undefeated record and helping to establish them as a powerhouse in college football.

Key players in this game included Notre Dame’s Quarterback Jimmy Kitts and Ohio State’s Halfback Glenn Haldorson. Kitts played a key role in leading the Irish to a narrow victory, while Haldorson provided a consistent offensive threat for the Buckeyes.

This victory in 1935 gave Notre Dame the early lead in the series, though it would be decades before the teams met again.

2. The 1996 Matchup – Ohio State 45, Notre Dame 26

The second meeting between Notre Dame and Ohio State came in 1996, a full 61 years after their initial clash. By this time, both programs had undergone significant changes, with Notre Dame experiencing a mix of highs and lows throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, and Ohio State emerging as one of the premier teams in the Big Ten under head coach John Cooper.

The game, held in Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, was part of the regular season. Ohio State entered the game with a strong record of 7-0 and ranked No. 2 in the country, while Notre Dame had a respectable 5-2 record. Despite the fact that the Irish were playing at home, the Buckeyes dominated the game from start to finish.

Quarterback Joe Germaine and running back Eddie George were the stars for Ohio State. Germaine threw for 3 touchdowns, while George rushed for over 100 yards and a touchdown, earning him MVP honors for the game. Notre Dame’s defense, which had been solid throughout the season, could not contain the explosive Ohio State offense, allowing the Buckeyes to pull away in the second half.

Despite the loss, Notre Dame’s offense, led by Quarterback Ron Powlus, showed flashes of brilliance, but ultimately it was Ohio State’s overall dominance that led them to a 45-26 victory. This victory helped solidify Ohio State’s national championship aspirations for the 1996 season.

This was Ohio State’s first win over Notre Dame, and it marked a turning point for the rivalry, as the Buckeyes began to assert themselves as the stronger team on the national stage.

3. The 2025 CFP National Championship – Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

The third meeting between these two iconic programs came in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship. The game was scheduled to be played at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, as part of the culmination of the 2024 season.

Both Notre Dame and Ohio State had enjoyed excellent seasons in 2024. Notre Dame, under head coach Marcus Freeman, had enjoyed a resurgence, finishing the season undefeated and securing a spot in the CFP after an impressive 13-0 regular season record. The Fighting Irish’s roster featured standout players like Quarterback Sam Hartman, Running Back Audric Estime, and Wide Receiver Jaden Greathouse, who had led the team to a high-scoring offense and a stout defense.

Ohio State, under head coach Ryan Day, had also been dominant, finishing with a 12-1 record and a powerful offense led by Quarterback Kyle McCord and Wide Receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. The Buckeyes were a well-balanced team, combining a high-flying offense with a stifling defense, and they entered the playoff as one of the favorites to win the national title.

The 2025 CFP National Championship game was expected to be a thrilling contest, with both teams boasting powerful offenses and elite defenses. The contest marked a new chapter in the rivalry, with both programs looking to cement their place in college football history with a national title.

The 2025 National Championship was an extremely close game, one that went into overtime after both teams had traded punches in the fourth quarter. Ohio State, with its explosive offense, managed to pull out a narrow victory in the extra period, winning 31-28. The game was marked by dramatic plays, including a key interception by Ohio State’s defense and clutch kicks from both teams’ kickers. The Buckeyes emerged as national champions for the first time since 2014, while Notre Dame’s valiant efforts fell just short.

This contest was significant for multiple reasons: it marked the first time these two teams had met in a high-stakes game like the CFP National Championship, and it underscored the enduring appeal of the rivalry between two of college football’s most successful and storied programs.

Conclusion

The all-time series between Notre Dame and Ohio State, as of January 2025, stands at 2-1 in favor of Ohio State. While their meetings have been infrequent, they have consistently been meaningful and competitive matchups. The 2025 CFP National Championship added another thrilling chapter to this young but intense rivalry, showcasing the incredible talent and passion that both programs bring to the table.