College Football Playoff: Ohio State Gets First National Title in 10 Years with 34-23 Win Over Notre Dame
In the world of college football, the quest for a national title is the ultimate prize, and for the Ohio State Buckeyes, the long-awaited return to championship glory came in the most dramatic of fashions. After ten years of near-misses, heartbreaks, and close calls, Ohio State finally reclaimed the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship with a 34-23 victory over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The win not only secured Ohio State’s place in college football history but also marked the culmination of a season that combined elite talent, relentless drive, and masterful coaching. In this article, we’ll break down Ohio State’s path to the national title, explore key moments in the game against Notre Dame, and reflect on the significance of this victory for the program, its players, and its passionate fan base.
The Road to the Championship
Ohio State’s 2025 season had been nothing short of spectacular. The Buckeyes entered the College Football Playoff as the No. 2 seed, after a dominant 12-1 regular season, with their only loss coming in a hard-fought game against Michigan. Despite the setback, Ohio State’s offense, led by quarterback Kyle McCord, was explosive all season, and their defense, anchored by linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, was one of the most feared units in the country.
Ohio State’s journey to the national championship game was paved with convincing victories in both the Big Ten Championship and their semifinal CFP matchup against a formidable Alabama team. The Buckeyes had shown throughout the season that they were a balanced team, capable of both high-scoring shootouts and defensive stalemates. McCord’s development into a Heisman-caliber quarterback and the explosive playmaking abilities of wide receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka made Ohio State one of the most complete teams in college football.
Their semifinal matchup against Alabama was a battle of college football titans. The Crimson Tide, always a force under head coach Nick Saban, posed a significant challenge. Alabama’s defense was tough, and their offensive line was one of the best in the country. However, Ohio State’s offense, led by McCord’s efficient passing and Harrison’s acrobatic catches, was too much for Alabama to handle. A key defensive stand in the fourth quarter, with Eichenberg making crucial tackles to stop Alabama’s final drive, sealed the 28-24 victory and sent Ohio State to the championship game against Notre Dame.
Notre Dame, led by head coach Marcus Freeman, had also earned its spot in the national championship game after an undefeated regular season and a resounding victory over Clemson in the CFP semifinal. The Fighting Irish boasted a strong defense, led by All-American linebacker J.D. Bertrand, and an offense powered by dual-threat quarterback Sam Hartman. Notre Dame’s defense, which had been dominant all season, would be a formidable test for Ohio State’s high-octane offense.
The Championship Game: A Battle of Titans
On the night of the championship game, the atmosphere at the stadium was electric. The stakes could not have been higher, and for both teams, the game was a chance to prove that they were the best in college football. The opening kickoff sent fans into a frenzy, and from the first snap, it was clear that both teams were prepared for battle.
The game started with a tense first quarter, as both teams’ defenses showed their prowess. Ohio State’s offense, which had been so explosive all season, was stifled early by Notre Dame’s defense. The Fighting Irish defense came out with a game plan to shut down McCord’s passing game, with Bertrand and his defensive unit applying constant pressure on the Ohio State quarterback. Despite the pressure, McCord remained composed, finding ways to move the ball and keep the chains moving.
Notre Dame’s offense, led by Hartman, also struggled against Ohio State’s defense. The Buckeyes’ defensive line, led by Tuimoloau, was dominant, and their secondary, featuring standout cornerback Denzel Burke, was able to stifle Notre Dame’s passing attack. However, Hartman’s scrambling ability kept Ohio State’s defense on its toes, and the Fighting Irish were able to sustain a couple of long drives, ultimately taking a 10-7 lead after a 20-yard field goal by kicker Blake Grupe midway through the second quarter.
Ohio State responded quickly. McCord, undeterred by the early struggles, found his rhythm, connecting with Harrison on a key 50-yard completion that set up a 1-yard rushing touchdown by running back TreVeyon Henderson. The Buckeyes went up 14-10, and the stadium erupted with excitement. But Notre Dame wasn’t finished. Hartman, showing the poise that had gotten the Irish this far, led a well-executed drive that culminated in a 10-yard touchdown run by running back Audric Estime, giving Notre Dame a 17-14 lead going into halftime.
Second Half Surge: Ohio State Takes Control
Coming out of the halftime break, it was clear that the game had shifted into a higher gear. Ohio State’s coaching staff, led by Ryan Day, made adjustments on both sides of the ball that allowed the Buckeyes to seize control of the game. On offense, McCord’s precision passing became the driving force. He connected with Harrison on a quick slant route, which the star receiver turned into a 65-yard touchdown, putting Ohio State up 21-17 early in the third quarter.
The Buckeyes’ defense, meanwhile, continued to stifle Hartman and the Notre Dame offense. The front seven, which had been ferocious all season, pressured Hartman relentlessly, and the secondary made key stops in the red zone to prevent Notre Dame from adding any more points. Eichenberg was everywhere, leading the defense with tackles and key pass breakups, while Tuimoloau’s relentless pass rush forced Notre Dame’s offensive line to buckle under pressure.
The turning point came midway through the third quarter when Ohio State’s defense intercepted a pass from Hartman, setting up excellent field position for the offense. McCord, calm and collected, delivered a laser pass to Egbuka in the end zone for a 28-yard touchdown, increasing Ohio State’s lead to 28-17. Notre Dame, reeling from the turnover, was unable to recover, and Ohio State capitalized with another field goal from kicker Noah Ruggles, extending their lead to 31-17.
The Fighting Irish, needing to respond, mounted a late push in the fourth quarter. Hartman led a promising drive, capped off by a 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Mitchell Evans. The score brought Notre Dame within 31-23 with just under five minutes remaining. However, Ohio State’s defense held strong, stopping Notre Dame on a crucial 4th-and-2 with just under two minutes left, effectively sealing the victory.
McCord added a final field goal to make the score 34-23, and Ohio State’s defense stood tall to prevent any further Notre Dame threats. As the clock hit zero, Ohio State fans erupted in celebration, and the Buckeyes claimed their first national title in 10 years.
Key Players and Performances
While the entire Ohio State team played an instrumental role in the victory, a few individuals stood out and played pivotal roles in securing the national championship.
Kyle McCord: The Buckeyes’ quarterback was everything they needed him to be in the national title game. McCord’s ability to stay calm under pressure and deliver accurate throws to his star receivers was crucial. His 3-touchdown performance, including the long pass to Harrison and the decisive throw to Egbuka, solidified his place as one of the game’s standout performers.
Marvin Harrison Jr.: Harrison once again showed why he is one of the best wide receivers in college football. His ability to make plays in critical moments was a key factor in Ohio State’s success. The 65-yard touchdown reception he pulled off in the third quarter was a game-changer, giving Ohio State the momentum it needed to pull away.
Tommy Eichenberg: Ohio State’s defensive leader was everywhere on the field, racking up tackles and playing a critical role in stopping Notre Dame’s offense. Eichenberg’s interception of Hartman was a turning point, and his ability to read the game allowed Ohio State’s defense to remain composed and effective throughout the contest.
J.T. Tuimoloau: The defensive end was a constant threat to Hartman, disrupting Notre Dame’s offense and forcing the Irish quarterback to make hurried decisions. Tuimoloau’s pressure was key to Ohio State’s ability to stifle Notre Dame’s passing game.
The Significance of the Victory
Ohio State’s national title win in 2025 represents more than just a championship for the Buckeyes. It symbolizes the culmination of a decade-long journey that saw the program face tough losses, tough questions, and even tougher competition. Under Ryan Day’s leadership, the Buckeyes have returned to the pinnacle of college football, reaffirming their status as one of the elite programs in the country.
This victory is also a testament to the resilience of the players and coaching staff. The 2025 season was not without its obstacles, including a painful loss to Michigan during the regular season, but Ohio State’s ability to bounce back and dominate in the playoff shows the character and determination of this team.
For Ohio State fans, this national title represents a long-awaited return to glory. It was a victory that reconnected the Buckeyes with their storied tradition of excellence, cementing their place among the greats of college football.
Conclusion
Ohio State’s 34-23 win over Notre Dame in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship will go down in history as one of the most thrilling and significant victories in the program’s storied history. With standout performances from players like Kyle McCord, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Tommy Eichenberg, the Buckeyes proved themselves to be the best team in college football. For Ohio State, this championship was not just a title—it was a testament to their resilience, their excellence, and their place at the top of college football. The Buckeyes are once again national champions, and the future of Ohio State football has never looked brighter.
Leave a Reply