The Stage is Set: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame in the 2025 CFP National Championship

The college football season has been a rollercoaster of thrilling moments, surprise upsets, and high-flying offense. As we enter the final week of the season, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship. The Ohio State Buckeyes will face off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a game that promises to be a clash of two of the most storied programs in college football history.

Both teams come into the championship game with a strong season behind them, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Ohio State, the opportunity to claim their first national title since 2014 is a chance to solidify their position as one of the elite programs in the country. For Notre Dame, the Irish are looking for their first national championship since 1988, and a victory would be a dream come true for their passionate fanbase.

This game is more than just a national title matchup—it’s a battle between two iconic programs, each with their own rich history, proud traditions, and dedicated fanbases. It’s a meeting of powerhouses, both trying to claim their place atop the college football world.

Ohio State’s Journey to the National Championship

The Ohio State Buckeyes have been one of the most dominant teams in college football over the last decade, and 2025 has been no exception. Head coach Ryan Day has continued the success established by his predecessor, Urban Meyer, and has built a squad capable of competing for national championships year in and year out.

Ohio State entered the season as one of the favorites to reach the College Football Playoff, and they’ve lived up to that billing. The Buckeyes boasted an offense that was both explosive and efficient. Led by star quarterback Kyle McCord, the offense has been one of the most potent in the country, ranking near the top in both passing and scoring.

McCord, a highly touted prospect out of high school, has been brilliant all season long. His ability to make quick decisions, process defenses, and deliver accurate throws has been the backbone of Ohio State’s offense. With a stable of talented receivers, including Marvin Harrison Jr.—a potential first-round NFL Draft pick—Ohio State’s passing attack has been nearly impossible to stop.

In addition to their passing game, the Buckeyes have a strong running game, led by running back TreVeyon Henderson. Henderson, who was once considered one of the top running backs in the nation, has been a key part of Ohio State’s offensive balance. His ability to break off long runs and keep defenses honest has been vital to the team’s success.

On the defensive side of the ball, Ohio State has been just as impressive. Their defense has been one of the best in the nation, with a talented front seven that can put pressure on opposing quarterbacks and a secondary that has been able to lock down receivers. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has done an outstanding job in creating a defense that is both aggressive and disciplined. Whether it’s pressuring the quarterback, stuffing the run, or defending against the pass, the Buckeyes have been relentless all season long.

Throughout the season, Ohio State has faced tough competition in the Big Ten, including games against Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin. They navigated those challenges with relative ease, with their only loss coming at the hands of their biggest rival, Michigan. However, Ohio State rebounded from that loss by winning the Big Ten Championship and securing a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Ohio State’s playoff run has been nothing short of impressive. In their semifinal game, the Buckeyes faced off against a talented and well-coached team in the Georgia Bulldogs. It was a back-and-forth battle, but Ohio State’s offense, led by McCord, was able to make enough plays to pull out a thrilling victory and punch their ticket to the national title game.

Notre Dame’s Path to Glory

Notre Dame, under head coach Marcus Freeman, has been on a mission to reclaim the glory days of their football program. The Fighting Irish are one of the most iconic programs in college football, with a rich history that includes 11 national championships. However, it has been over three decades since Notre Dame last claimed a national title, and they have been itching for a return to the top.

The 2025 season has been a defining year for Freeman and his team. After a somewhat rocky 2024 season, Notre Dame came into 2025 with something to prove. Freeman, who took over as head coach in 2022, has built a team that is balanced, disciplined, and resilient—traits that have been on full display this season.

At the heart of Notre Dame’s offense is quarterback Sam Hartman, a graduate transfer from Wake Forest who has brought a wealth of experience to the Fighting Irish. Hartman, who spent several years as the starting quarterback at Wake Forest, has brought leadership and poise to a position that has been a point of concern for Notre Dame in recent years. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and throw the ball with precision has been a huge asset for the Irish.

Hartman has been able to connect with a talented group of receivers, including standout wideout Lorenzo Styles Jr. and tight end Mitchell Evans. These two players have been key targets in the passing game, and their ability to stretch the field and make big plays has helped the Irish score in bunches.

In the running game, Notre Dame has been solid with running back Audric Estime, who has been a bruising back capable of breaking tackles and gaining tough yards. Estime’s ability to control the clock and wear down defenses has been a crucial component of Notre Dame’s offensive success.

Defensively, the Fighting Irish have been just as strong. Their defense has been one of the most disciplined and opportunistic units in the country. Led by defensive coordinator Al Golden, Notre Dame’s defense is capable of shutting down both the run and the pass. The defensive line, anchored by standout players like defensive end Jayson Ademilola, is capable of generating pressure on the quarterback, while the secondary, led by cornerback Benjamin Morrison, has been excellent at disrupting passing lanes and forcing turnovers.

Notre Dame’s journey to the national title game has been one of resilience and determination. They faced off against a challenging schedule, including games against top-ranked teams like Clemson, USC, and Ohio State. In their semifinal game, Notre Dame went up against a tough Alabama team, and despite some adversity, they were able to pull out a hard-fought victory and earn a spot in the championship game.

Key Matchups to Watch

As the two teams prepare for their showdown in the national title game, there are several key matchups that will ultimately decide the outcome of the game.

1. Ohio State’s Passing Game vs. Notre Dame’s Secondary
   Ohio State’s offense, led by quarterback Kyle McCord and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., has been dynamic all season. However, Notre Dame’s secondary, anchored by cornerback Benjamin Morrison, has been excellent at shutting down opposing passing attacks. The Irish will need to generate pressure on McCord while also containing Harrison, who is capable of taking over a game. If Notre Dame’s secondary can hold up, they might be able to limit Ohio State’s offensive explosion.
2. Notre Dame’s Running Game vs. Ohio State’s Defensive Front
   Running back Audric Estime has been a force for Notre Dame this season, but Ohio State’s defensive front has been one of the best in the nation at stopping the run. The Buckeyes will look to limit Estime’s ability to control the clock and gain tough yards. If Notre Dame can establish a strong running game, it will allow them to dictate the pace of the game and keep Ohio State’s high-powered offense off the field.
3. Ohio State’s Defensive Line vs. Notre Dame’s Offensive Line
   Ohio State’s defensive line is one of the most talented in the country, and they will need to create pressure on Sam Hartman to disrupt Notre Dame’s offense. Notre Dame’s offensive line has been solid all season, but this will be their toughest challenge yet. If Ohio State can get to Hartman and force him into uncomfortable situations, it could spell trouble for the Fighting Irish.
4. Coaching Decisions
   Both Ryan Day and Marcus Freeman are exceptional coaches who have led their teams to the national championship. How they manage the game, make adjustments, and use their depth will be crucial. Whether it’s a key fourth-down decision, a late-game call, or halftime adjustments, both coaches will need to be at the top of their game to secure the victory.