On January 1, 2025, Ohio State University emerged victorious in the College Football Playoff National Championship, securing their ninth national title with a commanding 34-23 win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The game, held at a neutral site, was a thrilling showcase of talent, strategy, and resilience as the Buckeyes proved themselves to be the best team in college football.
The game marked a significant achievement for Ohio State, who had been on a path to redemption after a disappointing finish to the previous season. Under the leadership of head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes were determined to reclaim their position at the top of the college football world. For Notre Dame, this championship appearance was a rare opportunity to solidify their status as one of the elite programs in the country, but they would ultimately fall short in what became a hard-fought battle.
The Road to the Championship: Ohio State’s Resurgence
Ohio State entered the 2024 season with high expectations after a season that ended on a sour note the year before. They had lost in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff the previous season and had faced criticism for not being able to break through against the top-tier teams. However, Ryan Day’s team responded to this pressure with resilience. Their offense, led by star quarterback Jaden Davis, was explosive, and their defense, under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, had become one of the most dominant in the nation.
Davis, a Heisman Trophy finalist, was instrumental in the Buckeyes’ success, throwing for over 4,500 yards and 40 touchdowns throughout the season. His ability to read defenses and execute Ohio State’s no-huddle offense was a key factor in their potent attack. Running back TreVeyon Henderson, who had been overshadowed in previous seasons, had a breakout year, amassing over 1,500 yards on the ground and scoring 18 touchdowns. The Buckeyes’ offense had depth and balance, making them a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Defensively, Ohio State had the physicality and discipline needed to match up against the country’s best offenses. Players like linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and cornerback Denzel Burke led the charge, and the Buckeyes’ defensive line, anchored by future NFL prospect JT Tuimoloau, was a relentless force. Ohio State’s defense had become known for making critical stops in high-pressure situations, which proved to be a huge asset during their playoff run.
Their road to the national title was not without challenges, though. The Big Ten Championship game against Michigan had been a highly anticipated contest, with both teams undefeated heading into the matchup. Ohio State’s offense overcame a slow start, rallying late in the game to secure a hard-fought victory. This win propelled the Buckeyes into the College Football Playoff, where they faced a dominant Alabama team in the semifinals. Despite the Crimson Tide’s formidable roster, Ohio State’s high-powered offense outpaced Alabama’s defense, and the Buckeyes emerged victorious in a thrilling 45-38 showdown.
Notre Dame’s Journey to the Championship Game
On the other side of the bracket, Notre Dame’s path to the national championship had been just as remarkable, albeit more unexpected. The Fighting Irish, under head coach Marcus Freeman, were looking to cement their place among the elite programs in college football. Freeman, in only his second year as head coach, had quickly established himself as a rising star in the coaching ranks, leading the Irish to an undefeated regular season.
Quarterback Sam Hartman, a transfer from Wake Forest, was a key factor in Notre Dame’s success. Hartman, who had been a prolific passer in the ACC, quickly adapted to Notre Dame’s pro-style offense and provided the leadership and poise necessary to guide the team through a difficult schedule. Hartman’s ability to make clutch throws, along with the running game featuring Audric Estime, made the Irish a balanced and dangerous team.
Notre Dame’s defense, led by defensive coordinator Al Golden, was its most formidable asset. The Irish had one of the stingiest defenses in the country, allowing just 16 points per game during the regular season. With a defensive line led by Isaiah Foskey and a secondary featuring standout cornerback Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame had the tools to match up against the best offenses in the nation.
The Irish’s most impressive victory came in the semifinals, where they faced a talented Georgia team that had dominated college football for the last few years. In a physical, hard-hitting contest, Notre Dame’s defense stood tall, shutting down Georgia’s offense in the second half and securing a 27-24 upset victory. This win gave the Irish confidence heading into the championship game, where they hoped to bring home their first national title since 1988.
The Championship Game: A Clash of Titans
As the championship game approached, all eyes were on Ohio State and Notre Dame. On paper, both teams were well-matched, with Ohio State’s explosive offense facing off against Notre Dame’s suffocating defense. The storyline heading into the game was the contrast in styles: Ohio State’s high-scoring, fast-paced offense versus Notre Dame’s physical, grinding style of play. The matchup promised to be a battle of wills, and fans from both sides were eager to see who would emerge victorious.
The game began with both teams feeling each other out, with neither offense able to gain much traction early. Ohio State’s first drive was marred by penalties, while Notre Dame’s offense was stymied by a tough Ohio State defense. The first quarter ended with the score knotted at 0-0, but it was clear that the stakes were high, and every play mattered.
In the second quarter, Ohio State’s offense began to find a rhythm. Jaden Davis connected with wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who had been one of the best playmakers in the country all season, for a 45-yard touchdown pass that gave the Buckeyes a 7-0 lead. Harrison’s ability to create separation and make contested catches proved to be a difference-maker in the game. Henderson then added a 5-yard touchdown run to push Ohio State’s lead to 14-0.
Notre Dame’s offense responded with a drive that chewed up clock, as Hartman connected with tight end Mitchell Evans for a 10-yard touchdown pass. The Irish cut the deficit to 14-7, and the game was far from over. However, Ohio State’s defense, led by Eichenberg and Burke, quickly regained control. The Buckeyes were able to force a turnover late in the half, and Davis capitalized with a 35-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, extending the lead to 21-7 as the teams entered halftime.
In the second half, Notre Dame showed its resilience. Hartman led a methodical drive that ended with a 3-yard touchdown run by Estime, cutting Ohio State’s lead to 21-14. The Irish defense also stepped up, limiting Ohio State’s high-powered offense to just a field goal in the third quarter. With the score 24-14 heading into the fourth quarter, Notre Dame seemed to have the momentum, and the game was still very much in doubt.
However, Ohio State’s offense proved to be too much in the final frame. Davis engineered a clinical drive, culminating in a 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Cade Stover, which put the Buckeyes up 31-14. Notre Dame’s last-ditch effort was thwarted by a key interception from Burke, who sealed the game with a pick-six to give Ohio State a commanding 34-14 lead. The Irish scored a late touchdown, but it was too little, too late, as Ohio State held on for a 34-23 victory.
Ohio State’s Legacy: Nine National Championships
With the victory, Ohio State cemented its place as one of the most successful programs in college football history. The Buckeyes’ ninth national championship tied them with Alabama for the second-most titles in the modern era, trailing only the University of Southern California. Ohio State’s championship run was a testament to the team’s talent, discipline, and resilience throughout the season.
For Ryan Day, the win was a crowning achievement in his already impressive coaching career. Day had taken over as head coach in 2019 after Urban Meyer’s retirement, and after a few years of near-misses, he had finally delivered the national title that had eluded the program since the 2014 season. Day’s ability to build a powerhouse offense while improving Ohio State’s defense had been a key factor in their success.
The victory also solidified the legacies of several key players. Jaden Davis’ stellar performance in the national title game, where he threw for 350 yards and four touchdowns, earned him the game’s MVP honors and likely bolstered his chances of being the first overall pick in the NFL draft. Marvin Harrison Jr., who had been a dominant force throughout the season, further solidified his status as one of the best wide receivers in recent college football history. The contributions of Henderson, Eichenberg, and the rest of the Buckeyes’ roster were equally important, as they all played a role in Ohio State’s triumphant season.
Notre Dame’s Courage and Future
While Notre Dame’s national championship dreams were dashed in the final moments, their performance throughout the season was nothing short of remarkable. Head coach Marcus Freeman had led the Irish to the title game in just his second season, a testament to his leadership and the culture he had built. Notre Dame’s defense, in particular, was a strength, and they had proven they could hang with the best teams in the country.
Sam Hartman, despite a tough game in the final, had a historic season and had helped bring the Irish back into national prominence. The future looks bright for Notre Dame, as Freeman continues to recruit top-tier talent and develop players who are capable of competing at the highest level.
