January 16, 2025

Brian Kelly’s Selection of Notre Dame and Ohio State for the National Championship Game

In a surprising but not entirely unpredictable move, Brian Kelly, the head coach of the LSU Tigers, has announced that he predicts the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship Game will feature two perennial powerhouses: the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Ohio State Buckeyes. While Kelly’s decision to favor these teams may be met with some debate, it is certainly rooted in the current landscape of college football and the strengths of both programs. In this article, we will explore why Kelly’s selections make sense given the state of the sport, the strengths of Notre Dame and Ohio State, and what this prediction could tell us about the future of college football.

The State of College Football in 2025

As we enter the 2025 season, college football is in the midst of significant changes, both in terms of conference realignment and playoff expansion. With the addition of more teams to the College Football Playoff, the traditional powerhouses of the sport remain formidable, though the landscape is becoming more competitive every year. Programs that were once considered perennially dominant, such as Alabama, Georgia, and Clemson, continue to be factors in the championship conversation, but there has been a noticeable rise in programs like Ohio State, Michigan, and even Oregon, which have bolstered their recruiting and coaching staffs in an attempt to compete with the SEC giants.

Brian Kelly, who has coached at multiple institutions with significant histories—first at Notre Dame and now at LSU—brings a unique perspective on what it takes to be successful at the highest level. His selection of Ohio State and Notre Dame as the two teams most likely to reach the National Championship Game is based on several factors: their rosters, coaching staffs, recruitment, and consistency in high-pressure games.

Ohio State Buckeyes: A Juggernaut in the Big Ten

Ohio State’s program has been one of the most dominant forces in college football over the last two decades. Under head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have maintained a consistent level of excellence, frequently competing for Big Ten titles and National Championships. Ohio State’s success has been rooted in several key areas: elite recruiting, exceptional player development, and a high-powered offense that ranks among the best in the country year after year.

One of the main reasons Kelly selected Ohio State is their remarkable talent on both sides of the ball. Offensively, the Buckeyes have long been a team that can score in bunches. With a tradition of producing high-caliber quarterbacks like Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and CJ Stroud, Ohio State continues to develop some of the most dynamic playmakers in college football. The 2025 season is expected to be no different, with Kyle McCord or another rising quarterback under center, leading a talented receiving corps that includes a mix of young stars and experienced playmakers. Ohio State’s offensive line, which has long been a strength of the program, is expected to remain one of the best in the nation, providing the foundation for their explosive attack.

On the defensive side, Ohio State has made tremendous strides in recent years. Under Day’s leadership, the Buckeyes have worked to improve their defense to match the elite status of their offense. Ohio State’s defensive line, particularly, is always a force to be reckoned with, and their secondary is continually loaded with NFL-caliber talent. In 2025, the Buckeyes are expected to have a stout defense that can get after the quarterback and shut down opposing offenses, giving them the balance necessary to make a run for the National Championship.

Beyond talent, Ohio State benefits from a strong culture of success. The Buckeyes’ fanbase and infrastructure are built around high expectations, which ensures that the program is always striving for greatness. Ohio State has a championship pedigree, consistently competing in big games, and they have the necessary ingredients to make a serious push for the 2025 National Championship.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Consistency and Culture

Kelly’s selection of Notre Dame may seem like a more personal pick, given his history with the Fighting Irish, but it also reflects the ongoing success of the program. Notre Dame, under head coach Marcus Freeman, is continuing to build on its rich tradition of football excellence. The Fighting Irish are perennially a top contender for playoff spots, consistently winning double-digit games and competing for major bowl bids. Freeman’s leadership and his ability to recruit at a high level are key factors in making Notre Dame a true contender for a national title.

The 2025 Notre Dame team boasts a well-rounded roster, with talent on both sides of the ball. At quarterback, the Fighting Irish have a top-tier signal-caller in Sam Hartman, a veteran who transferred from Wake Forest to lead Notre Dame’s offense. Hartman is a skilled and experienced leader who can make every throw necessary to guide Notre Dame through tough matchups, and his ability to perform in clutch moments will be crucial for their championship aspirations. Additionally, Notre Dame’s running game, historically a strength, is expected to be as solid as ever, with a stable of running backs capable of taking pressure off Hartman and providing balance to the offense.

Defensively, Notre Dame continues to excel, with a defensive line and linebacker corps that is among the best in the nation. The Fighting Irish’s defense is known for its physicality and ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage. Freeman has brought a sense of toughness and discipline to the program, and Notre Dame’s defense is expected to play an integral role in the team’s championship push.

Beyond talent, Notre Dame’s commitment to excellence is deeply ingrained in the program’s culture. The Fighting Irish have one of the most passionate fanbases in college football, and their national brand continues to thrive. Notre Dame’s ability to recruit nationally gives them access to some of the best high school players in the country, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent. Freeman has inherited a program with a winning tradition and has continued to build on that foundation, leading the Fighting Irish back to national relevance after years of near-misses.

Brian Kelly’s Insight into Both Programs

As someone who has coached both Notre Dame and LSU, Kelly is uniquely qualified to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of these two programs. His tenure at Notre Dame gave him a deep understanding of the team’s culture, the recruiting landscape, and the challenges of competing at the highest level. His recent success at LSU has also given him a front-row seat to the changing dynamics of college football, particularly in the SEC, where the competition is fierce.

Kelly’s perspective on Notre Dame is undoubtedly shaped by his experience with the program. He knows the challenges the Fighting Irish face in terms of scheduling, national exposure, and recruiting, but he also understands the unique strengths that make them a perennial contender. The balance between tradition and modernity is a hallmark of Notre Dame’s program, and Kelly knows that Freeman is the right leader to keep the program on the path toward greatness.

At LSU, Kelly has faced Ohio State in past years, and his experiences with the Buckeyes have given him an appreciation for their talent and depth. He understands that Ohio State is consistently one of the most well-coached and well-equipped teams in the country, and he recognizes that they will be a formidable opponent in any playoff scenario.

Why Kelly’s Prediction Matters

Brian Kelly’s prediction is significant not only because of his insider knowledge of the programs involved but also because it sheds light on the changing dynamics of college football. As the playoff system continues to evolve and more teams vie for spots in the postseason, it is clear that traditional powers like Ohio State and Notre Dame will remain fixtures in the championship conversation. The ability of these programs to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of college football, while still maintaining their elite status, will be key to their future success.

Kelly’s forecast also highlights the importance of coaching in college football. The success of both Ohio State and Notre Dame can be largely attributed to the stability and vision of their coaching staffs. In an era where coaching changes are frequent, the consistency at both programs ensures they are always competitive. Ryan Day at Ohio State and Marcus Freeman at Notre Dame represent the future of college football coaching—young, innovative, and deeply committed to winning.

 

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