The 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship is set to be a showdown of contrasting styles as the No. 8 seed Ohio State Buckeyes face off against the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Monday, January 20, at 7:30 p.m. ET in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
For Ohio State, this title game marks their fourth appearance in the CFP’s final stage in the last decade, but this year’s journey has been anything but ordinary. After a shocking loss to Michigan in the regular-season finale, many questioned the Buckeyes’ legitimacy as a national contender. But since then, Ohio State has bounced back with authority, dismantling Tennessee and Oregon, then holding off a relentless Texas Longhorns squad in the semifinals, 28-14. Quinshon Judkins ran for two touchdowns before the pivotal moment came courtesy of defensive end Jack Sawyer, who forced a fumble by his former roommate returned it 83-yards for a touchdown to help seal the victory with 2:13 remaining and send Ohio State to their third national championship in school history.
On the other hand, Notre Dame’s road to the championship has been built on a foundation of steady defense and clutch performances. The Irish have been one of the most consistent teams in college football this season, recovering from a heartbreaking loss to Northern Illinois in Week 2 to rattle off 13 straight wins. Along the way, Notre Dame has found its rhythm with a defense that has stifled even the most potent offenses, including Georgia and Penn State in the CFP semifinals. Their 20-13 win over Penn State secured their first appearance in a national title game since 2012.
Ohio State’s Strength: Defense, and Will Howard’s Playmaking
Much of the Buckeyes’ recent success can be attributed to the improvement of their defense, which has carried them through the postseason. Ohio State’s defense has allowed just 52 points in three playoff games, holding their opponents to an average of 17.3 points per game. Led by standout linebacker Jack Sawyer, who came up with the crucial fumble return against Texas, the Buckeyes have shown they can make game-changing plays when it matters most.
On offense, quarterback Will Howard has been a steady hand under center, despite being more contained by Texas’ defense in the semifinals. The dual-threat signal-caller has been electric throughout the playoffs, and he’s been especially effective with his connection to Jeremiah Smith, who has been a nightmare for opposing defensive backs. While the Buckeyes have often relied on big plays in the air, their ground game has been equally effective, with running back TreVeyon Henderson pacing the backfield. With Ohio State’s defense continuing to shine, the Buckeyes are entering the national title game with plenty of momentum.
Notre Dame’s Key to Success: Ground and Pound, and Elite Defense
If Ohio State has one clear strength, it is their offense. But Notre Dame brings their own formidable weapons to the table. The Irish’s defense, which ranks second in the nation in points allowed per game (just 14.3), will need to rise to the occasion in Atlanta. The Irish defensive line, featuring stalwart players like Jaden Mickey and Riley Mills, has been particularly dominant during the postseason, stifling high-powered offenses like Georgia and Penn State.
Offensively, Notre Dame’s strength is their rushing attack. The Irish rank 14th nationally in rushing yards per game, and Jeremiyah Love (1,121 yards, 17 touchdowns) has been their workhorse. The dynamic running back’s explosiveness has been key in maintaining ball control and wearing down defenses. Though Love has been battling a knee injury, the extra time off before the championship should help him return to full strength. Behind him, Riley Leonard has been efficient in both the air and on the ground, running for 866 yards while completing 66.4% of his passes. Together, this offensive unit will look to grind out long, clock-eating drives that limit Ohio State’s chances to score.
The Betting Line: Ohio State Favored, But Notre Dame Unlikely to Back Down
Oddsmakers have made Ohio State the 9.5-point favorites in this matchup, with the total points set at 46.5. Given Ohio State’s dominant playoff run, including a double-digit win over Texas, it’s no surprise they’re favored. However, Notre Dame has been one of the most reliable teams against the spread (12-2-1) this season and has proven themselves capable of playing close games with top-tier opponents.
For Notre Dame to cover, they’ll need to disrupt Ohio State’s high-powered offense and establish their own methodical pace through the ground game. A steady defensive effort could keep the game within striking distance late, allowing their offense to make a decisive move.
The Model’s Pick
The SportsLine Projection Model (shout out to Stephen Oh, a sports data science expert who developed the proprietary model) has simulated this game 10,000 times and is offering its top recommendations. While the Buckeyes have been stellar in the postseason, Notre Dame’s defense and ball-control offense may prove to be a tougher challenge than Ohio State expects. If the Irish can make key stops and stay within striking distance late in the game, they have the tools to potentially pull off the upset.
Conclusion
As Ohio State and Notre Dame prepare for one of the most highly anticipated matchups in recent memory, fans can expect a gritty, strategic battle where defense could be the ultimate deciding factor. Will Ohio State’s high-flying offense continue its dominance, or will Notre Dame’s stifling defense and strong ground game prove to be too much? Tune in to find out who will emerge as the 2025 College Football Playoff National Champion.
Kickoff is set for Monday, January 20, at 7:30 p.m. ET.