The 2025 College Football National Championship is set to be a showdown for the ages. 

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (#7) and Ohio State Buckeyes (#8) will meet on Monday, January 20, 2025, at the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. This game carries more weight than usual, as it’s the first championship in the history of the expanded 12-team playoff format — a true test of endurance, adaptability, and grit.

At its core, this matchup pits two storied programs against one another, each taking dramatically different paths to get here. Notre Dame has leaned on resilience and the leadership of head coach Marcus Freeman to navigate their challenges. 

Meanwhile, Ohio State’s blend of top-tier talent and consistency under Ryan Day has kept them in championship contention despite bumps along the way. With two elite teams and contrasting styles set to collide, fans can expect a matchup filled with drama where preparation, execution, and in-game adjustments could make all the difference.

The Foundations of Greatness

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have had a season to remember, finishing 14-1 and proving themselves as one of the most resilient teams in college football. Their campaign got off to a strong start with a solid 23-13 win over Texas A&M in Week 1, but a shocking Week 2 loss to Northern Illinois (16-14) was a wake-up call. 

Since then, they’ve played every game as if it were a playoff matchup, rattling off dominant performances and earning key victories, including a rivalry win over USC (31-21) and blowouts against Purdue (66-7) and Georgia Tech (45-3).

Offensively, the Irish have thrived under the leadership of quarterback Riley Leonard, whose dual-threat capabilities have been the heartbeat of this team. He’s been supported by running back Jeremiyah Love, who has consistently delivered when the team needed him, adding balance to the attack. Behind it all is a rock-solid offensive line that’s kept Leonard upright and created lanes for the ground game.

On the other side of the ball, Notre Dame’s defense has been a force, allowing just 14.3 points per game, good for second nationally. Opportunistic and disciplined, this unit has made a habit of coming up with key turnovers in pivotal moments. The secondary, stacked with playmakers, has been particularly impressive in shutting down opposing pass games and creating game-changing plays.

A major part of their success can be credited to head coach Marcus Freeman and his emphasis on dominating the middle-eight — the last four minutes of the second quarter and the first four of the third. In this critical window, Notre Dame has outscored opponents 148-17, giving them a clear advantage that other teams simply don't have. This combination of talent, discipline, and coaching has turned Notre Dame into a true championship contender.

Ohio State Buckeyes

The Ohio State Buckeyes entered the 2024 season with sky-high expectations, and while a 13-2 record may look solid on paper, their journey was anything but straightforward. 

Ohio State’s campaign certainly included a few dominant wins, like a 20-13 victory over Penn State and a 38-15 blowout of then-undefeated Indiana. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Their two biggest regular season games — a 32-31 loss to Oregon and a 13-10 defeat in the regular-season finale against Michigan — exposed some cracks that had many questioning if this team could live up to its preseason hype.

At the heart of Ohio State’s offense is quarterback Will Howard, whose deep-ball accuracy and leadership have made him the centerpiece of their game plan. Howard’s chemistry with star receivers Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka has been a constant headache for opposing defenses. Together, this trio has powered one of the most dangerous passing attacks in the country.

On defense, Ohio State has been an absolute wall, allowing just 12.2 points per game to lead the nation. Defensive end Jack Sawyer has been a standout, making game-changing plays game in and game out. The Buckeyes’ front seven has been relentless, consistently disrupting offenses and making it nearly impossible for teams to establish any rhythm.

While the talent on this roster is arguably the best in the nation, it’s head coach Ryan Day’s ability to rebound from adversity that has kept Ohio State in championship contention. The losses to Oregon and Michigan could have derailed their season, but Day’s adjustments and unwavering focus have put this team in position to compete for the ultimate prize. Now, with all the pieces in place, the Buckeyes are ready to prove they belong on top.

The Playoff Gauntlet

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame’s postseason started with a solid, all-around performance in their 27-17 victory over Indiana. The final score was closer than the game felt at any point throughout, the Irish were in firm control from start to finish. The defense set the tone early, smothering Indiana’s offense and forcing them into tough situations throughout the game. On offense, quarterback Riley Leonard delivered an efficient performance, accounting for two touchdowns — one through the air and another on the ground — to lead the team to the next round.

In the Sugar Bowl quarterfinal against Georgia, the Irish showed they could win a more balanced game, emerging with a 23-10 victory. The offense operated with precision, blending effective rushing and passing to keep Georgia’s defense guessing. Meanwhile, Notre Dame’s defense delivered one of its best efforts of the season, stifling Georgia’s high-powered offense and proving they could stand toe-to-toe with the nation’s elite.

The Orange Bowl semifinal against Penn State was a nail-biter, with Notre Dame pulling out a 27-24 victory in the final moments. A clutch late-game interception by the defense set up the Irish for a game-winning field goal, highlighting their ability to come through in high-pressure situations. Although Penn State’s offense felt like they had a lot of momentum and were moving the ball, Notre Dame’s defense bent but never broke, showcasing the resilience and discipline that have defined their season.

Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State’s first trip in the 12-team College Football Playoff began with a dominant 42-17 win over Tennessee. The Buckeyes wasted no time asserting their superiority, with their explosive offense firing on all cylinders. Quarterback Will Howard was sharp, and the defense stepped up by forcing multiple turnovers, keeping Tennessee from ever finding their footing.

The quarterfinals brought one of the playoff’s most anticipated matchups: a rematch of Ohio State versus top-seeded Oregon in the Rose Bowl. The Buckeyes rose to the occasion, pulling off a convincing 41-21 upset. TreVeyon Henderson had a standout showing, racking up over 150 total yards and two touchdowns, while the defense held Oregon’s high-powered attack in check. This game felt like a statement to the rest of the playoff field that Ohio State was on a mission this season.

In the Cotton Bowl semifinal against Texas, the Buckeyes faced a much tougher challenge but came out on top with a 28-14 win. The turning point came courtesy of a massive defensive play from Jack Sawyer, who returned a fumble 83 yards for a touchdown. The offense followed up with efficient drives to close out the game, really highlighting the team’s ability to handle adversity and execute in critical moments.

The Final Showdown in Atlanta

This championship game has no shortage of fascinating matchups, but three key battles on the field could ultimately decide the outcome.

1. Notre Dame’s Strong Secondary vs. Ohio State’s Star Receivers

Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka are a nightmare to cover on any day, but for Notre Dame’s secondary, this might be their toughest test yet. Smith, already making a case as one of the most technically sound receivers in college football despite being a true freshman, demands double coverage at times. 

The Irish defensive backs need to stay disciplined to prevent explosive plays downfield, which is easier said than done against an offense this potent. If Notre Dame can force Ohio State to grind out drives instead of hitting home-run plays, they’ll have a chance to keep this game within reach.

2. Ohio State’s Defensive Line vs. Notre Dame’s Offensive Line

The trenches will be a battlefield, with Jack Sawyer leading Ohio State’s defensive front. Sawyer has been a game-wrecker all postseason, and his ability to pressure Riley Leonard will be a major factor. 

ESPN's Pete Thamel talked about Notre Dame's lack of options when it comes to moving the ball against this vaunted defense:

I think Notre Dame's going to struggle to move the ball... Their skill has played well in the playoff and I think it's gotten better as the year's gone on. They're very good at tight end. I just really struggle seeing where they're going to find yards. I think Mike Denbrock has called an unbelievable playoff, by the way, I want to give him a lot of credit for that. I think the sum has been greater than the parts in that Notre Dame offense.

For Notre Dame, establishing a consistent run game will be critical. If their offensive line can neutralize Ohio State’s pass rush and open lanes for Jeremiyah Love, it will not only take the heat off Leonard but also help control the pace of the game.

3. Turnover Battle

Turnovers are the great equalizer in football, now and forever. A single miscue could swing momentum and send you home until next year. Notre Dame’s defense has thrived on creating opportunities through turnovers, while Ohio State has done an excellent job of taking care of the ball in the postseason. Whichever team wins the turnover battle will likely control the tempo and field position — two things that are crucial in a championship game.

Coaching Matters

Head coach Marcus Freeman has turned the middle-eight into a weapon. Against a team like Ohio State, this window could be their best chance to take control of the game.

Freeman has also shown a knack for in-game adjustments, a trait that has helped Notre Dame pull out close games throughout the playoffs. On the other sideline, Ryan Day hasn’t been forced to make many adjustments so far in the postseason, thanks to his team’s dominant performances. However, in a game of this magnitude, adaptability will be key. How these two coaches manage the ebb and flow of the game will have a huge impact on the final score.

The Buckeyes’ offense is a nightmare to scheme against because they can attack in so many ways. Will Howard has been sharp through the air, and when you factor in TreVeyon Henderson’s ability to break big runs, it’s hard to find a weak point. Jeremiah Smith’s emergence as a freshman phenom adds another layer of unpredictability. If Ohio State can stay balanced and force Notre Dame’s defense to cover the entire field, things could get ugly in this one.

Final Thoughts

This game is as much about strategy and preparation as it is about execution. Ohio State just has too many players all across the field that can execute and make the plays needed for them to be holding the trophy at the end of it all. Freeman and his staff might have enough magic left in them to keep this one close, but even with that, I don't see how Notre Dame's offense will be able to keep up with the Buckeyes.