Team Overview: Notre Dame vs. Ohio State

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have long been a powerhouse in college football, consistently ranking among the nation’s elite programs. Under head coach Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame has achieved significant success, culminating in a National Championship appearance in 2025. Known for their balanced approach to the game, the Irish boast a potent offense and a stifling defense.

Key Strengths:

• Offensive Balance: Notre Dame’s offense excels in both the passing and running games. Quarterback Sam Hartman, a transfer from Wake Forest, has been a revelation in his first season with the Irish. Hartman has demonstrated poise and precision, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 35 touchdowns. His connection with wide receiver Tobias Merriweather, a playmaker who has emerged as a top target, has been a key factor in the team’s success.
• Running Game: Running back Audric Estime is a workhorse who can take over a game with his physical running style. His ability to wear down defenses and control the clock has been vital for Notre Dame’s offense, particularly in close games. Estime’s presence in the backfield gives Notre Dame a powerful ground attack that complements their passing game.
• Defense: Notre Dame’s defense has been a standout throughout the season. Led by linebacker JD Bertrand and cornerback Benjamin Morrison, the Irish defense is stingy against both the run and the pass. They rank among the top 10 nationally in total defense, surrendering fewer than 300 yards per game. The defensive line, led by standout edge rusher Rylie Mills, generates pressure and has been instrumental in disrupting opposing offenses.
• Special Teams: Notre Dame’s special teams unit has been a consistent force, with solid kicking from Blake Grupe and reliable return men in Chris Tyree and Deion Colzie. Their ability to flip field position could play a crucial role in the National Championship.

Key Player to Watch: Sam Hartman

Sam Hartman’s experience and playmaking ability will be crucial for Notre Dame’s success. He has faced elite defenses throughout his career, and his ability to stay poised under pressure will be tested against Ohio State’s aggressive defense. Hartman’s deep-ball accuracy, leadership, and clutch performances in big games will likely dictate the outcome of the game.

Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State, under head coach Ryan Day, has become a juggernaut in college football. With a deep roster, elite talent on both sides of the ball, and a high-powered offense, the Buckeyes are perennial title contenders. Ohio State enters the 2025 National Championship game with an offense that can strike from anywhere on the field and a defense that has evolved into one of the nation’s best.

Key Strengths:

• Offensive Firepower: Ohio State’s offense is explosive and versatile. Quarterback Kyle McCord has been stellar in his first full season as the starter, throwing for over 4,500 yards and 40 touchdowns. He has a wealth of talent around him, including wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. Harrison, in particular, is a potential Heisman Trophy candidate and one of the most dominant receivers in the nation. Ohio State’s offense is capable of putting up points in bunches, making them a constant threat to any opponent.
• Running Game: Running back Miyan Williams has been a consistent force in the backfield, complementing McCord’s passing attack. The Buckeyes’ offensive line, known for its physicality and ability to dominate in the trenches, ensures that Williams can find holes and wear down opposing defenses.
• Defense: Ohio State’s defense, under coordinator Jim Knowles, has shown significant improvement from previous seasons. The defense is anchored by defensive end Jack Sawyer, who has been a menace off the edge, and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, who has excelled as a sideline-to-sideline playmaker. Ohio State’s defense is aggressive, forcing turnovers and pressuring the quarterback with speed and power. The secondary, led by cornerbacks Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock, is capable of shutting down high-powered passing attacks.
• Special Teams: Ohio State’s special teams have been solid throughout the season, with kicker Noah Ruggles handling field goals and extra points efficiently. Punter Jesse Mirco’s ability to pin opponents deep will be key in helping the defense in field-position battles.

Key Player to Watch: Marvin Harrison Jr.

Marvin Harrison Jr. is arguably the best wide receiver in college football. His size, speed, and ball skills make him a matchup nightmare for any defense. Notre Dame will need to find a way to limit Harrison’s impact on the game, but his ability to take over a contest with a single play could be the difference-maker for Ohio State in the National Championship.

How They Got Here: Road to the National Championship

Notre Dame

Notre Dame’s journey to the 2025 CFP National Championship was marked by impressive wins, including a dominant victory over Clemson in the ACC Championship Game. Their regular-season schedule featured tough matchups against rivals such as USC, Michigan, and Stanford, but the Irish were able to emerge with key wins, securing a playoff spot with a 12-1 record. Their only loss came against an elite team in the regular season, but their overall resume and the quality of their victories earned them a spot in the final four.

Ohio State

Ohio State’s path to the National Championship was similarly challenging. The Buckeyes’ offense was on fire all season, and they navigated a tough Big Ten schedule with only one loss. That lone loss came in a close battle with Michigan, but Ohio State quickly rebounded and ran through the Big Ten Championship with a commanding victory. Ohio State’s ability to dominate offensively while also improving defensively made them a dangerous team all season long.

Key Matchup: Notre Dame’s Defense vs. Ohio State’s Offense

The key to this game will likely come down to the battle between Notre Dame’s defense and Ohio State’s offense. Notre Dame has been excellent at stopping the run, but Ohio State’s air raid offense, led by McCord and Harrison, presents a unique challenge. Notre Dame’s secondary, including standout cornerback Benjamin Morrison, will need to limit Harrison’s production. At the same time, the Irish defensive line, led by Rylie Mills, will need to put pressure on McCord to disrupt the timing of the Buckeyes’ passing game.

On the flip side, Ohio State’s defense will have to deal with Notre Dame’s balanced attack. If the Irish can establish the running game with Audric Estime and keep Ohio State’s offense off the field, they will have a significant advantage. The Buckeyes’ defense has been strong but has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in their secondary, which could allow Hartman to exploit mismatches in the passing game.

Keys to Victory for Notre Dame

1. Control the Clock: The Irish will need to control the tempo of the game and keep Ohio State’s high-powered offense off the field. By relying on their running game with Estime and mixing in effective play-action passes, they can sustain long drives and wear down the Buckeyes’ defense.
2. Limit Big Plays: Ohio State thrives on explosive plays, particularly from Marvin Harrison Jr. and their deep passing game. If Notre Dame can limit these big plays and force Ohio State into sustained drives, they will have a much better chance of slowing down the Buckeyes.
3. Pressure McCord: Notre Dame’s defensive line, led by Rylie Mills, will need to get consistent pressure on Kyle McCord. If McCord has time to throw, he will find open receivers. However, if the Irish can disrupt his rhythm and force him into mistakes, they can gain a significant advantage.
4. Special Teams Advantage: Special teams will play a crucial role in this game. Notre Dame has been solid on special teams, and a key return or field goal could make all the difference in a close contest.

Keys to Victory for Ohio State

1. Exploit Notre Dame’s Secondary: Ohio State’s passing game, led by McCord and Harrison, can exploit any weaknesses in Notre Dame’s secondary. If the Buckeyes can take advantage of mismatches on the outside, they will put themselves in a position to score quickly and often.
2. Establish the Run: Although Ohio State is known for its passing game, they will need to establish the run with Miyan Williams to keep the Irish defense honest. A balanced offensive attack will prevent Notre Dame from focusing too much on either the run or the pass.
3. Pressure Hartman: While Notre Dame’s offensive line has been strong, Ohio State’s defensive front, including Jack Sawyer, will need to get after Sam Hartman. Hartman’s quick release and decision-making make him tough to sack, but consistent pressure could force him into mistakes.
4. Create Turnovers: Ohio State’s defense has been opportunistic all season long. If they can force Notre Dame into turnovers, especially in critical moments, it will swing the momentum in their favor.

Expert Predictions and Odds

Odds:

• Notre Dame (+4.5)
• Ohio State (-4.5)
• Over/Under: 59.5 points

Expert Predictions:

• Game Prediction: Ohio State 35, Notre Dame 28
• Reasoning: While Notre Dame’s defense is strong, Ohio State’s offense, led by McCord and Harrison, is simply too potent. The Buckeyes’ ability to score quickly and consistently will be the difference in a game where Notre Dame’s offense keeps it competitive but ultimately falls short.
• Player to Watch: Marvin Harrison Jr. – His ability to make game-changing plays will be a key factor in Ohio State’s victory.
• MVP: Kyle McCord – McCord’s decision-making and ability to stretch the field will lead Ohio State to victory, and he will be the game’s MVP.