The 2025 College Football Playoff Orange Bowl semifinal pits Notre Dame against Penn State in a highly anticipated matchup with a national championship berth on the line. This historic clash between two storied programs promises to be a closely contested battle, with early predictions suggesting a tight game.
Notre Dame enters the semifinal with momentum after an impressive 23-10 victory over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl quarterfinal. The Fighting Irish defense, which has been a cornerstone of their success this season, held the Bulldogs to just 10 points, showcasing their ability to shut down top-tier opponents.
Penn State, making its first-ever appearance in the College Football Playoff semifinals, advanced after defeating Boise State 31-14 in the Fiesta Bowl quarterfinal. The Nittany Lions have relied on a strong running game, featuring the dynamic duo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, which could play a crucial role in their offensive strategy.
Both teams boast formidable defenses, with Notre Dame allowing an average of 13.8 points per game and Penn State close behind at 15.8 points. This defensive prowess sets the stage for a potentially low-scoring affair.
The game will take place on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. ESPN will televise the matchup, giving college football fans across the nation the opportunity to witness this historic semifinal.
This contest marks the 20th meeting between Notre Dame and Penn State, with the all-time series currently tied at 9-9-1. Their last encounter was in 2007, adding an element of unfamiliarity and intrigue to this renewed rivalry.
Given the strength of both teams and the high stakes involved, this semifinal is expected to be a closely fought battle. The winner will advance to face either Texas or Ohio State in the National Championship Game scheduled for January 20 in Atlanta.
As the game approaches, fans and analysts are eagerly anticipating this clash between two of college football’s most respected programs, each led by accomplished coaches in Marcus Freeman and James Franklin. With a spot in the national title game on the line, both Notre Dame and Penn State will be looking to make their mark in what promises to be a memorable Orange Bowl semifinal.
A Milestone for Representation
The 2025 College Football Playoff Orange Bowl semifinal marks a historic milestone for college football, as two Black head coaches—Marcus Freeman of Notre Dame and James Franklin of Penn State—lead their teams in the first such matchup in CFP history. One will advance to compete for the national title, ensuring a breakthrough moment for both the sport and its future coaches.
Freeman, a 38-year-old, has quickly risen to prominence, guiding Notre Dame to its third CFP appearance in just his third season. Franklin, 51, has steadily built Penn State into a perennial contender, earning the Nittany Lions’ first-ever CFP spot this year.
Both coaches have already made history by leading their teams to significant bowl victories—Notre Dame stunning Georgia 23-10 in the Sugar Bowl, and Penn State dominating Boise State 31-14 in the Fiesta Bowl. Their success is not only a testament to their coaching acumen but also serves as a beacon for future generations of Black coaches in a sport where they remain underrepresented, especially at top programs.
As Franklin, currently the highest-ranked Black head coach in the nation, put it: “It’s about creating opportunities and pathways for others to follow.” Regardless of the outcome, this semifinal is a key moment in college football’s ongoing journey toward greater inclusion. And the cool thing is, both coaches will tell you it’s all about their young men and their execution in the end. Excellence is excellence, and these two men are a representation of just that! Marcus Freeman said it perfectly, “I’m very grateful. It’s a reminder that you are a representation for many others and many players who look like I do. Your color shouldn’t matter. The evidence of your work should. But it takes everybody.” The winner will move on to the National Championship Game on January 20 in Atlanta.