Ohio State Beats Notre Dame to Win College Football Playoff National Championship Game

In a thrilling culmination of an unforgettable college football season, Ohio State emerged victorious over Notre Dame in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship Game, securing a hard-fought 31-24 win. The Buckeyes, led by a resilient defense and a clutch performance from their offense, captured their ninth national title in school history. The game, held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, was a spectacle of contrasting styles, with Ohio State’s high-powered offense meeting Notre Dame’s stingy defense in what many described as a clash of titans.

From the opening whistle, both teams made it clear that this would not be a game decided easily. The stakes were higher than ever: for Ohio State, a victory would affirm their status as the preeminent program of the last decade, while Notre Dame, despite their long history, had not claimed a national championship in nearly four decades.

A Battle of Titans: The Build-Up

Heading into the 2025 season, Ohio State was once again one of the favorites to contend for a national championship. With quarterback J.J. McCarthy at the helm, the Buckeyes had one of the most potent offenses in the nation. The junior signal-caller, a dual-threat who had transformed into one of the game’s top quarterbacks, was flanked by an elite group of playmakers. The wide receiver corps, led by Marvin Harrison Jr., was dynamic and explosive, and the offensive line had developed into one of the best in the country.

On the other side, Notre Dame had quietly built an identity around one of the nation’s top defenses. The Fighting Irish had been powered by a stingy defensive unit, a unit that featured defensive tackle Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy, linebacker Jack Kiser, and a secondary that rarely allowed big plays. Their offense, while not as explosive as Ohio State’s, was balanced and effective, with quarterback Sam Hartman, who transferred in from Wake Forest, providing stability and leadership.

Despite the differences in their approaches, both teams had found ways to win all season long. Ohio State breezed through the Big Ten, defeating Michigan in a thrilling conference championship game to punch their ticket to the playoff. Meanwhile, Notre Dame’s path to the College Football Playoff was equally impressive, navigating through a tough independent schedule with victories over USC and Clemson. Both teams had earned their spot at the top of the college football pyramid, but only one would leave Atlanta as the champion.

First Half: Ohio State Sets the Tone

The game began with a defensive battle. Ohio State’s offense, which had been scoring at will all season, was immediately met with resistance from Notre Dame’s defense. The Fighting Irish stifled the Buckeyes’ opening drive, forcing a punt after a three-and-out. However, Ohio State’s defense also stepped up early, limiting Notre Dame’s running game and putting pressure on Hartman.

After a scoreless first quarter, Ohio State struck first. The Buckeyes put together a methodical 12-play, 75-yard drive, culminating in a 5-yard touchdown run by freshman running back Dallan Hayden. Hayden, who had shown flashes of brilliance all season, provided the power in a running game that had been sometimes inconsistent. His score gave Ohio State a 7-0 lead and injected some much-needed momentum into their sideline.

Notre Dame responded quickly. Hartman, who had been relatively quiet in the early moments, began to find his rhythm. The senior quarterback led the Fighting Irish on an 11-play, 68-yard drive that ended with a 10-yard touchdown pass to tight end Mitchell Evans. The score tied the game at 7-7, and the energy in the stadium shifted, as the Fighting Irish’s defense began to tighten once again.

The game continued to ebb and flow throughout the second quarter. Ohio State, eager to reclaim the lead, relied on McCarthy’s arm and legs to create opportunities. McCarthy, who had already thrown for over 300 yards in the semifinals against Alabama, continued to show why he was one of the best quarterbacks in college football. A 40-yard bomb to Harrison set up a short touchdown run by McCarthy himself, giving Ohio State a 14-7 lead.

But Notre Dame was far from done. Hartman, showing poise under pressure, connected with wide receiver Tobias Merriweather for a 35-yard gain to set up another scoring opportunity. A few plays later, Notre Dame tied the game again, this time with a 2-yard touchdown run from running back Audric Estime. The game entered halftime with the score knotted at 14-14, and the sense that whoever could make the first big adjustment in the second half would take control.

Second Half: Buckeyes Pull Ahead

The third quarter began with both teams determined to gain an edge, but it was Ohio State who found success early. The Buckeyes’ defense, which had been bending but not breaking, finally forced a critical turnover early in the second half. On Notre Dame’s first possession of the third quarter, defensive back Denzel Burke intercepted Hartman’s pass intended for Merriweather, giving Ohio State the ball at Notre Dame’s 42-yard line.

Ohio State took advantage of the turnover almost immediately. McCarthy, looking more confident than ever, orchestrated a flawless 7-play drive that ended with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Harrison. The score gave Ohio State a 21-14 lead, and the crowd erupted in celebration. McCarthy’s ability to make quick reads and take advantage of mismatches had become a defining characteristic of Ohio State’s offense all season, and it was on full display in this critical moment.

The Fighting Irish, however, did not go quietly. Hartman, despite the interception, remained poised and quickly moved Notre Dame into Ohio State territory. A 19-yard reception by wide receiver Jayden Thomas set up a 3-yard touchdown plunge from Estime, tying the game at 21-21. The defenses had been trading blows, and it was clear that both offenses were executing at a high level.

As the third quarter neared its conclusion, Ohio State’s offense seized control once again. A combination of short passes and a steady dose of Hayden on the ground helped move the ball down the field. With just under a minute remaining in the third quarter, McCarthy connected with tight end Cade Stover for a 15-yard touchdown, putting Ohio State ahead 28-21.

The Final Quarter: Drama and Clutch Play

The final quarter was a test of willpower. Notre Dame, trailing by 7 points, was forced to play aggressively in order to stay within striking distance. Hartman and his offense, aided by Estime’s hard-nosed running, moved quickly into Ohio State territory. However, the Buckeyes’ defense, which had struggled to get off the field all night, came up with another crucial stop. On a pivotal third-and-2 from the Ohio State 17-yard line, linebacker Tommy Eichenberg broke through to sack Hartman, pushing Notre Dame out of field goal range.

With time ticking away, Notre Dame had one last chance to tie the game. The Irish mounted a final drive, moving down the field with urgency. But with just under two minutes remaining, Ohio State’s defense delivered the knockout blow. On a fourth-and-5 from the Ohio State 14-yard line, Hartman’s pass intended for Evans was broken up by Burke, who sealed the victory for the Buckeyes.

With the ball back in their hands and only a minute left, Ohio State was able to run out the clock, securing a 31-24 victory and the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship.

A Historic Win for Ohio State

The victory gave Ohio State their ninth national title in school history, further solidifying their place as one of the premier programs in college football. McCarthy, who threw for 275 yards and two touchdowns in the game, was named the game’s Most Outstanding Player. Hayden, who rushed for 112 yards and a touchdown, was a key contributor as well.

For Notre Dame, the loss was a painful one, but it was also a sign of progress. Hartman, despite the loss, finished with 294 yards and two touchdowns, and Estime had a strong performance on the ground. The Fighting Irish had made it to the final game of the season, and while they fell short, the future appeared bright under head coach Marcus Freeman.