Notre Dame vs. Ohio State History: What is Their All-Time Record Heading into the 2025 CFP National Championship?
The rivalry between Notre Dame and Ohio State is one of the most anticipated and exciting matchups in college football. Both teams are among the most prestigious programs in the sport, with deep histories and passionate fanbases. Heading into the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship, these two historic schools find themselves on a collision course for a title showdown. With each team boasting numerous championships, legendary players, and a rich tradition of success, it is no surprise that fans are eager to see how the next chapter in their storied history will unfold.
In this article, we will explore the all-time record between Notre Dame and Ohio State, providing insight into the significance of their past matchups and the intensity of their rivalry. We’ll dive into the historical context of their encounters, how each team has performed against the other, and what their past games might tell us about the upcoming 2025 CFP National Championship game. By looking at their past successes, legendary players, and iconic moments, we will analyze how both teams stack up against each other in the larger framework of college football history.
The Historical Significance of Notre Dame vs. Ohio State
Before delving into their all-time record, it’s important to understand the significance of this rivalry in college football. Both Notre Dame and Ohio State are powerhouses in the sport, but they have followed different paths to success.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish, with their iconic gold helmets and storied tradition, have been one of college football’s most successful and recognized programs. Founded in 1887, the program has amassed 11 national championships, 7 Heisman Trophy winners, and numerous All-Americans. The Fighting Irish are known for their rigorous schedule and independent status, as they do not belong to a conference. Their national reputation has helped them maintain a significant fanbase across the country.
Ohio State Buckeyes, on the other hand, have been a dominant force in the Big Ten Conference. Founded in 1890, Ohio State has claimed 8 national championships and produced countless legendary players. With a tradition of success in the Big Ten and a reputation for excellence on both sides of the ball, the Buckeyes are known for their physical play, talented rosters, and fierce rivalries with teams such as Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin. Ohio State’s ability to consistently produce NFL talent has kept them at the forefront of college football for decades.
Despite their different paths, the two programs share common traits: they are both blue-chip teams, regularly ranked among the nation’s elite, and have produced numerous memorable games and moments. Their matchups over the years have been few but impactful, often highlighting the high stakes of college football in a way that captures the attention of fans across the nation.
Notre Dame vs. Ohio State: All-Time Record
As of the start of the 2025 CFP National Championship, the all-time record between Notre Dame and Ohio State is heavily skewed in favor of Ohio State. The two teams have faced off a limited number of times throughout their histories, with most of their matchups occurring in the bowl season or as part of special scheduled games. Despite their storied histories, they have not played each other as frequently as some of the other high-profile rivalries in college football. However, when they have met, the games have been thrilling and full of drama.
Head-to-Head Record: Ohio State Leads Series
As of 2024, Ohio State holds a 4-2 lead over Notre Dame in their all-time head-to-head series. These two teams first faced each other in a significant game in the early 20th century, but their more modern meetings have garnered much of the attention.
Here’s a breakdown of their notable matchups:
- 1935 Rose Bowl – Ohio State 26, Notre Dame 9
- The first-ever meeting between Ohio State and Notre Dame took place in the 1935 Rose Bowl. This game set the tone for their rivalry, as Ohio State came out victorious. The Buckeyes, led by coach Francis Schmidt, defeated Notre Dame in a contest that cemented Ohio State’s early football legacy. This win was significant for Ohio State’s program as they proved their ability to compete against a prominent team like Notre Dame.
- 1995 Kickoff Classic – Notre Dame 45, Ohio State 26
- In the 1995 Kickoff Classic, Notre Dame got the better of Ohio State, earning a statement win to kick off the season. This game was memorable for Notre Dame’s offense, which dominated the Buckeyes in the second half. The game featured an explosive performance by Notre Dame’s offense under coach Lou Holtz, who would go on to build a national championship contender in the years to come.
- 2006 Fiesta Bowl – Ohio State 34, Notre Dame 20
- One of the most famous games in recent history between the two teams occurred in the 2006 Fiesta Bowl. Ohio State, led by coach Jim Tressel and quarterback Troy Smith, came out on top. Notre Dame had a solid season but couldn’t keep pace with the high-powered Buckeyes, who were in the midst of a national championship push. The game remains memorable for Ohio State’s defensive strength and offensive balance, particularly their star quarterback’s performance.
- 2015: Ohio State 44, Notre Dame 28
- In 2015, the two teams squared off in a New Year’s Six bowl game. Ohio State defeated Notre Dame in a thrilling matchup that saw J.T. Barrett lead the way for the Buckeyes. The Buckeyes dominated the early stages of the game and held off Notre Dame’s late rally to win. This victory was part of a series of strong bowl performances for Ohio State during the early years of the 2010s.
- 2023 – Ohio State 24, Notre Dame 17
- The most recent meeting came in 2023, during the regular season, and ended with a dramatic victory for Ohio State. Notre Dame had the game in hand for much of the evening, but Ohio State made a late comeback to win, solidifying their dominance in the series. Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord and receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. made key plays in the final moments, cementing Ohio State’s victory.
- 2024 – Notre Dame 35, Ohio State 31
- The most recent meeting between the teams came in the 2024 season, where Notre Dame pulled off a remarkable victory over Ohio State in a thrilling, back-and-forth affair. Notre Dame’s victory was built on strong offensive and defensive execution, culminating in a game-winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
Analyzing the Series
While the overall record may suggest a dominance by Ohio State, the rivalry has seen its share of exciting and dramatic moments. Both teams have managed to get the best of one another at different points in history, and their matchups are always highly anticipated by fans.
Notable Players in the Rivalry
The Notre Dame vs. Ohio State rivalry has also seen the rise of several legendary players who have made their marks on these iconic programs:
- Joe Montana (Notre Dame) – One of the greatest quarterbacks in college football history, Joe Montana led the Fighting Irish to national prominence in the 1970s and is an iconic figure in college football lore. Although Montana did not play in the 1980s games, his legacy as the quarterback who led Notre Dame to victory in the 1977 National Championship remains a symbol of success for the program.
- Archie Griffin (Ohio State) – The only two-time Heisman Trophy winner in college football history, Archie Griffin represents Ohio State’s rich history of producing star athletes. Griffin’s influence is still felt within the program and college football at large.
- Troy Smith (Ohio State) – As Ohio State’s quarterback, Troy Smith was integral to their success during the early 2000s, leading the team to a national championship game and winning the Heisman Trophy in 2006.
- Ronnie Lott (Notre Dame) – A hard-hitting defensive back, Ronnie Lott is one of the most celebrated players in college football history. Lott’s legacy as a tough and fearless player has shaped Notre Dame’s football identity.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead to the 2025 CFP National Championship
As the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship approaches, the rivalry between Notre Dame and Ohio State continues to build excitement. With both teams boasting a wealth of talent and historic legacies, this championship clash is poised to be one of the most anticipated matchups in recent memory.
While Ohio State holds the overall advantage in the all-time series, Notre Dame’s recent victory has added a new layer of intrigue to the rivalry. With everything on the line in the 2025 National Championship, this matchup promises to be one for the ages, and fans of both teams will be eagerly awaiting what is sure to be another chapter in the long, storied history between these two powerhouse programs.
