This year’s College Football Playoff National Championship was a meeting of two powerhouse programs, each with everything to gain and nothing to lose. 

Under the bright lights of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Ohio State Buckeyes were out to prove that the preseason hype surrounding them was deserved. On the other side, Notre Dame was fighting to reclaim the glory they hadn’t touched since 1988.

What made this matchup so compelling wasn’t just the history, but the paths these teams had taken to get here. Ohio State had spent the season steamrolling opponents with their explosive offense and big-play capabilities. Meanwhile, Notre Dame relied on a balanced attack and gritty resilience, often leaning on the leadership of their dual-threat quarterback, Riley Leonard.

By the time the clock hit zero, the night had delivered everything fans could’ve hoped for: momentum swings, clutch plays, and unforgettable moments that left one team celebrating and the other wondering what could have been. Ohio State walked away as champions, but this was a game that showcased college football at its finest.

Ohio State Runs the Show in the First Half 

Notre Dame Strikes First

Notre Dame got the ball first and opened the game in dominant fashion, orchestrating an 18-play, 75-yard drive that chewed up nearly ten minutes of the first quarter. It was the longest scoring-drive in BCF/CFP Championship Game history. 

Quarterback Riley Leonard’s composure was on full display as he converted several critical third and fourth downs to keep the chains moving. The drive set a physical tone, capped off by Leonard’s 1-yard touchdown run to give the Irish an early 7-0 lead.

Ohio State Responds

Ohio State didn’t flinch. On their first possession, Will Howard wasted no time showing why he’s one of the nation’s top quarterbacks. Facing a third-and-long early in the drive, Howard connected with freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith to avoid a quick three-and-out. That conversion was a momentum-shifter, and a few plays later, Smith hauled in an 8-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7. 

Howard looked as good as he had all season, completing 13 consecutive passes to start the game — a new championship record.

The Buckeyes’ second possession was a clinic. Mixing short passes and runs, Ohio State’s playcalling kept Notre Dame’s defense off balance. Quinshon Judkins’ tough inside runs and Howard’s ability to extend plays with his legs showcased the versatility of this offense. 

Ohio State’s offensive coordinator, Chip Kelly, pulled out all the stops with really creative play designs to keep the Irish guessing. A 9-yard touchdown run by Judkins gave the Buckeyes a 14-7 lead and their offense was officially rolling.

While Notre Dame’s defensive front managed to generate occasional pressure on Howard, the quarterback stayed poised, either delivering strikes under duress or escaping the pocket to make plays on the move.

Defensive Stands

Ohio State’s defense really stepped up after that initial drive. Notre Dame leaned heavily on Riley Leonard’s dual-threat game all season, but the Buckeyes were ready for it. They focused on shutting down Leonard’s running lanes, forcing him to rely on his arm. And while Leonard is no slouch as a passer, Ohio State’s defensive front was a brick wall, making running the ball almost impossible for the Irish.

To make things worse, Notre Dame just couldn’t stay out of their own way. A costly false start on third-and-short killed one drive, and a dropped pass on fourth down buried another. The rhythm that carried them on that epic opening drive was gone. The Irish offense looked out of sync, and it showed as they struggled to sustain anything meaningful. Outside of the first drive, Notre Dame's offense wasn't able to muster up one first down for the entire rest of the half.

Firing On All Cylinders

By the end of the half, Ohio State had firm control. Will Howard capped off another smooth drive with a touchdown pass to Quinshon Judkins, his second score of the night. Howard was calm, cool, and surgical, putting his throws on the money and working through his progressions like a seasoned pro. The Buckeyes walked into the locker room with a commanding 21-7 lead, while Notre Dame was left scrambling for answers at halftime. 

Ohio State wasn’t just in control — they were doing whatever they wanted on offense, completely shutting them down on defense and showing no signs of slowing down.

Notre Dame’s Fight and Ohio State’s Finish

The third quarter opened with a bang as Quinshon Judkins continued his stellar performance. On Ohio State’s first possession, he broke free for a jaw-dropping 70-yard run, setting up a short touchdown that extended the Buckeyes’ lead to 28-7. Ohio State undoubtedly had all the momentum and control, but Notre Dame wasn’t ready to fold just yet.

Desperation kicked in for the Irish on their next drive, where they attempted a bold fake punt on 4th-and-2. While the play caught many off guard, Ohio State’s special teams unit was ready, forcing an incompletion. The ball was in the receiver’s hands but slipped out, giving the Buckeyes a short field to work with. 

That failed conversion seemed to mark a turning point, signaling the beginning of the end for Notre Dame’s chances.

Notre Dame’s defense, however, finally stepped up for the first time. They held Ohio State to a field goal on the ensuing drive — the first time the Buckeyes failed to score a touchdown. Down by 24, it wasn’t much, but it was progress. 

On their next possession, Notre Dame’s offense finally started to show signs of life. Riley Leonard connected on a few key passes, and a pass interference penalty on a critical third down kept the drive alive. Leonard then found Jaden Greathouse on a 34-yard touchdown pass, giving the Irish faithful something to cheer about. A successful two-point conversion followed, narrowing the gap to 31-15 and keeping Notre Dame within striking distance.

The Fourth Quarter: When History Is Written

The fourth quarter brought even more drama. Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka fumbled on a routine play, and Notre Dame recovered, finally catching a much-needed break. 

Momentum seemed to shift entirely in the Irish’s favor. Greathouse continued to be Leonard’s go-to target, repeatedly finding ways to get open against Ohio State’s secondary — the only one who could consistently do so. But just as the Irish seemed poised to close the gap further, they missed a 27-yard field goal. It wasn’t just the miss that stung — the decision to kick on 4th-and-goal down by 16 with only 10 minutes left is beyond head-scratching.

Even a made field goal would have still left Notre Dame needing two touchdowns, and the failure to capitalize on that drive seemed to deflate the crowd.

It didn't deflate the players, though, Notre Dame’s defense came out and held strong, quickly forcing an Ohio State punt. On their next possession, Leonard led a fast-paced drive that showed the best of their offense since the opening quarter. Greathouse delivered yet again, making an incredible one-handed touchdown catch to bring the score to 31-23 — just a one-score game. His performance was nothing short of heroic, single-handedly willing Notre Dame back into contention.

But Ohio State’s playmakers weren’t finished. Facing a crucial third-and-11, Will Howard delivered a 56-yard strike to Jeremiah Smith, who found a soft spot in Notre Dame’s coverage. It was a perfectly executed play, with Howard throwing across the field to connect with Smith. That play set up Jayden Fielding’s 33-yard field goal with 26 seconds left, effectively sealing the game at 34-23.

The most talented roster in the country proved why they deserved to lift the trophy. 

What Set the Champions Apart

Ohio State’s offensive efficiency was on full display, especially in the first three quarters. From Will Howard’s pinpoint accuracy to Quinshon Judkins’ game-changing runs, the Buckeyes’ roster showcased why they were considered the most talented team in the country. They executed their game plan perfectly, controlling the tempo and capitalizing on opportunities early and jumping out in front.

Notre Dame had a tough time catching a break. Field position didn’t do them any favors, and missed chances just kept piling up, making it hard to gain any momentum. That said, they didn’t roll over. Their physicality, especially in the second half, started to wear on Ohio State’s defense and gave them some life. The Irish kept pushing and clawed their way back into the game, but it just wasn’t enough to close the gap.

The Stars Who Shined Brightest

Ohio State

Will Howard put on a show, completing 17 of 21 passes for 231 yards and 2 touchdowns while adding another 57 yards on the ground. His performance showed exactly why NFL scouts will be paying attention as the draft approaches. Howard’s ability to make NFL-level throws was on full display, and in the right situation, he has all the tools to become a consistent and reliable quarterback at the next level.

Quinshon Judkins was a force in the backfield, racking up 100 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, including a jaw-dropping 70-yard run that electrified the stadium. His vision and explosiveness turned routine plays into game-changing moments.

Jeremiah Smith was another standout, hauling in a 56-yard catch that sealed the game for the Buckeyes. Smith’s talent is undeniable. If he were eligible, he’d likely be the first wide receiver off the board in either of the next two drafts. As a true freshman, he’s already setting himself apart, even in a class stacked with talent like Ryan Williams. Watching these two compete over the next few years will be incredible for college football fans.

Notre Dame

Jaden Greathouse was the heart of Notre Dame’s offense, pulling in 6 catches for 128 yards and 2 touchdowns. His highlight-reel one-handed grab was the kind of play that makes you sit up and say, “Wow.” Greathouse accounted for more than half of the team’s receiving yards, showing just how important he was to keeping Notre Dame in the fight.

For the Buckeyes, this championship signals the strength of their leadership, their talent, and their commitment to remaining at the top of college football. Looking ahead, the 12-team playoff brings even more opportunities for incredible matchups and underdog stories. The future of college football is certainly bright.