Why Buckeye Monday vs. Notre Dame Could Be as Good as Any Night in Ohio State Football History
In the storied annals of college football, few matchups evoke as much excitement, tradition, and anticipation as Ohio State and Notre Dame. Both schools are powerhouses in the world of college football, each with a rich history, rabid fan bases, and a legacy of success that stretches back over a century. When these two programs meet, it’s more than just a game—it’s an event that transcends the sport itself. As Ohio State prepares to take on Notre Dame in what is being dubbed “Buckeye Monday,” the game promises to be one of the most memorable nights in Ohio State football history. Here’s why this matchup could stand out as one of the defining moments in the program’s illustrious legacy.
The Importance of the Matchup
When Ohio State and Notre Dame meet on the gridiron, it’s not just another regular season game. The intensity of this rivalry is heightened by the long-standing history between these two elite programs. Ohio State, led by head coach Ryan Day, is one of the premier teams in college football, consistently competing for national titles and producing some of the best players in the country. Notre Dame, under Marcus Freeman, has quickly rebuilt itself into a national contender, bringing back the pride and grit that has made the Fighting Irish one of the most respected programs in the history of the sport.
For both teams, this game has major playoff implications. The College Football Playoff (CFP) format leaves little room for error, and a win over a marquee opponent like Notre Dame or Ohio State could go a long way toward securing a spot in the final four. But beyond the immediate stakes, the game will serve as a battle for the history books—one that could set the tone for both programs moving forward.
For Ohio State, this game represents a chance to prove their worth in a high-profile matchup, showcasing their potential to capture another national championship. With a legacy that includes seven national championships, the Buckeyes are always one of the favorites to contend for the CFP. But in 2025, after the program’s near-misses in recent years, a win over Notre Dame would solidify their place among the elite and restore the confidence that their fanbase demands.
On the other side, Notre Dame has had a chip on its shoulder in recent years, often overlooked or dismissed as an outsider to the traditional powerhouses in college football. Yet, the Irish have consistently challenged themselves with a tough schedule, always seeking to prove that they belong among the best. A win against Ohio State would elevate them to a new level and establish Notre Dame as a true contender in the 2025 season.
In this high-stakes game, every play, every decision, and every moment will be crucial. Buckeye Monday is not just another game—it’s an opportunity to rewrite history.
A Storied History of Both Programs
To truly appreciate the gravity of this game, we must first understand the incredible histories of Ohio State and Notre Dame, two programs that have shaped the fabric of college football in ways that few others have.
Ohio State, with its Rich tradition of success, has long been one of the nation’s top football programs. Under the leadership of legendary coaches like Woody Hayes, Earle Bruce, and Jim Tressel, Ohio State has built a foundation of excellence that has remained strong throughout the years. The Buckeyes have produced a litany of Heisman Trophy winners, including Archie Griffin (the only two-time Heisman winner), Eddie George, Troy Smith, and Ezekiel Elliott. Their ability to reload year after year, while maintaining a competitive edge in the Big Ten and on the national stage, has made them one of college football’s most feared and respected programs.
What makes Ohio State’s history even more remarkable is its consistency. The Buckeyes have played in countless high-profile bowl games, including the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, and Fiesta Bowl, with a national title in 2002 and another in 2014. Their ability to recruit top talent, along with their physical style of play, has set them apart from many other schools.
On the other hand, Notre Dame holds a rich and equally storied history that dates back to the early days of college football. The Fighting Irish have long been synonymous with greatness, and their program’s success is often tied to legendary head coaches such as Knute Rockne, Ara Parseghian, Lou Holtz, and Brian Kelly. Notre Dame has won 11 national championships and produced some of the greatest players to ever play the game, including Joe Montana, Paul Hornung, and Tim Brown.
Notre Dame’s success has often transcended regional boundaries. Even when the team struggled at times, its national fanbase never wavered, and the Fighting Irish always played on the biggest stages. The program’s independent status—never tied to a conference—has been a source of pride for the school and its supporters, as it has consistently scheduled tough opponents across the country.
When you combine the prestige of both schools and the weight of their legacies, the Buckeye Monday vs. Notre Dame game is set up to be a collision of historical significance. Both teams will be playing not only for the current season but also to enhance the reputation of their storied programs.
A Star-Studded Cast of Players
One of the reasons this matchup is so highly anticipated is the caliber of talent on both sides. Ohio State and Notre Dame are two of the best recruiting programs in the country, constantly churning out future NFL stars. For Ohio State, players like quarterback Kyle McCord, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., and running back Travion Henderson headline the roster. Harrison, in particular, is one of the most dynamic players in the country and a future NFL first-round pick, bringing an added layer of excitement to the game.
On the defensive side, the Buckeyes feature some of the top talents in the nation, including defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg. These players have been crucial to Ohio State’s defensive success and will be tasked with containing Notre Dame’s explosive offense.
For Notre Dame, the team is led by graduate quarterback Sam Hartman, who transferred from Wake Forest and has quickly made an impact. Hartman brings leadership and poise to the position, and his ability to manage the game and make big throws will be essential for the Irish. Running back Audric Estime provides a powerful presence in the backfield, and the receiving duo of Jaden Greathouse and Chris Tyree adds another layer of danger to the Irish offense.
Notre Dame’s defense, led by standout players like linebacker JD Bertrand and safety Xavier Watts, will be tested by Ohio State’s high-flying offense. These defensive leaders have been tasked with shutting down some of the nation’s best offenses throughout the season, and their experience and toughness will be pivotal against the Buckeyes.
With both teams boasting an impressive roster of talent, the matchup will showcase some of the best individual performances of the year. This is the kind of game where the stars shine, and their performances could go down in history.
The Atmosphere: A College Football Classic
When Ohio State and Notre Dame meet, the atmosphere is always electric. The passionate fanbases of both teams will fill the stadium, creating a charged environment that will make Buckeye Monday feel like a college football classic.
At Ohio State, the Buckeye faithful are known for their dedication and unwavering support. The fans will be out in full force, sporting their scarlet and gray and filling the stadium with cheers and chants. Ohio State’s home field, Ohio Stadium (also known as “The Horseshoe”), is one of the most iconic venues in college football, and it will undoubtedly be rocking for this monumental matchup. The fans will be there, cheering on the Buckeyes with all their might, and ensuring that every play and every moment feels like a defining part of the game.
On the other hand, Notre Dame’s supporters will also bring their A-game. Notre Dame fans are some of the most passionate in the country, and the team’s national following ensures that the stadium will be packed with green and gold. There’s a unique mystique surrounding Notre Dame football, and their fans will travel far and wide to watch their team battle Ohio State in such a high-stakes game.
The energy in the stadium will be palpable, with each play building towards what could be an unforgettable conclusion. The national spotlight will be on Ohio State and Notre Dame, and this game has the potential to live up to the hype. From the tailgates to the post-game celebrations, everything about the atmosphere surrounding Buckeye Monday will make it a night to remember.
Legacy: A Game That Will Be Remembered
Ultimately, what makes this game so special is the potential for it to become one of the defining moments in Ohio State football history. It’s not just about the victory or the statistics—although both teams will surely leave everything on the field. It’s about the legacy this game could create. For Ohio State, this could be the game that launches them toward another College Football Playoff berth and reinforces their position as a perennial powerhouse. For Notre Dame, a victory over Ohio State could mark the beginning of a new era under Marcus Freeman, one that returns the Irish to the top of college football.
For both teams, Buckeye Monday could be as good as any night in their football histories—a game that will be remembered for years to come, not just for the result, but for the passion, drama, and unforgettable moments it creates.
In the end, regardless of who comes out on top, Buckeye Monday will be a night to remember in Ohio State football history. It will be a showcase of the best that college football has to offer, with two historic programs battling for supremacy on one of the sport’s grandest stages.
