Ohio State opens as a double-digit favorite over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

The College Football Playoff national championship game has been set. The Ohio State Buckeyes (13-2) will face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (14-1) on Monday, Jan. 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The Buckeyes were a -10 point favorite at Circa Sports Las Vegas. FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Fanatics all have Ohio State as a -9.5 point favorite, with the game total ranging from 45.5 to 47.5 points.

The SuperBook in Las Vegas also went -10 on Ohio State.

As the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship Game approaches, anticipation has reached a fever pitch. For college football fans, the postseason is the pinnacle of the sport, where the best of the best battle for supremacy. This year, the stage has been set for an exciting showdown between two of the sport’s most storied programs: Ohio State and Notre Dame. Both teams have had dominant seasons, but Ohio State has opened as a double-digit favorite in this highly anticipated championship matchup.

Ohio State, with its rich history and high-powered offense, enters the National Championship as one of the most complete teams in the country. Notre Dame, led by head coach Marcus Freeman, has emerged as a formidable force in the college football landscape and has managed to make it to the big stage for the first time in a number of years. While both teams have made their case for being the best in college football, the oddsmakers believe that Ohio State’s talent, experience, and depth give them a significant advantage.

This article will take a closer look at the two teams, why Ohio State is favored by such a wide margin, and what Notre Dame will need to do to defy the odds and pull off a victory. Additionally, we’ll examine the dynamics of this matchup and what it means for the future of college football.

Ohio State’s Road to the National Championship

Ohio State’s 2025 season has been nothing short of spectacular. The Buckeyes, led by head coach Ryan Day, have established themselves as one of the premier programs in the country, known for their explosive offense and solid defense. Coming off a successful regular season, Ohio State earned a spot in the College Football Playoff with an undefeated record and a dominant performance in the Big Ten Championship Game.

At the heart of Ohio State’s success is its offense, which has been one of the most potent in college football. Quarterback CJ Stroud, a Heisman Trophy finalist, has been playing at an elite level throughout the season, showcasing a blend of accuracy, arm strength, and poise under pressure. Stroud’s ability to connect with his star-studded receiving corps, led by Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, has been a key component of Ohio State’s offensive juggernaut. The Buckeyes’ receiving unit is arguably the best in the country, and they have wreaked havoc on opposing defenses all season long.

In addition to the passing game, Ohio State’s running back room, led by TreVeyon Henderson, has been highly effective. The Buckeyes have one of the deepest backfields in the country, with Henderson being complemented by a talented group of running backs capable of breaking off big runs and controlling the tempo of the game.

While the offense has garnered much of the attention, Ohio State’s defense has also been dominant. Led by linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and defensive end Jack Sawyer, the Buckeyes have been relentless in shutting down opposing offenses. Their ability to get to the quarterback, create turnovers, and defend both the run and the pass has made them one of the most balanced teams in college football. With a top-tier defense and a high-powered offense, Ohio State is a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the ball.

Notre Dame’s Journey to the National Championship

On the other side of the field, Notre Dame has also had a remarkable season. Under the leadership of head coach Marcus Freeman, the Fighting Irish have proven that they are capable of competing with the best teams in the nation. Freeman, in just his second season as head coach, has already guided Notre Dame to a berth in the College Football Playoff, a remarkable feat for the storied program.

Notre Dame’s success this season has been built on a balanced approach to both offense and defense. On offense, the Fighting Irish have been led by quarterback Sam Hartman, a transfer from Wake Forest who has brought a wealth of experience and leadership to the team. Hartman’s ability to make all the necessary throws and lead the offense has been a key factor in Notre Dame’s rise to prominence this season. Alongside him, the Irish have had strong performances from their running back duo of Audric Estime and Logan Diggs, both of whom have provided a solid ground game and helped keep defenses honest.

Notre Dame’s defense, a hallmark of the program for many years, has also played a significant role in the team’s success. The Fighting Irish defense, led by linebacker JD Bertrand and safety Xavier Watts, has been solid against both the run and pass. Notre Dame’s ability to limit big plays and keep opposing offenses from finding a rhythm has been crucial in their run to the National Championship.

However, despite their solid all-around play, Notre Dame has not faced the same level of offensive firepower that Ohio State brings to the table. While Notre Dame has been able to win games against tough competition, the Irish have yet to face an offense as explosive as Ohio State’s. This mismatch in offensive capabilities is one of the primary reasons Ohio State is favored by such a large margin.

Why Ohio State Is a Double-Digit Favorite

Ohio State’s status as a double-digit favorite in this matchup is the result of several key factors that tilt the odds in their favor.

1. Offensive Firepower

Ohio State’s offense is arguably the most potent in college football. With CJ Stroud at the helm and a receiving corps that includes Marvin Harrison Jr., who is widely considered the best wide receiver in college football, the Buckeyes possess an aerial attack that is capable of shredding even the most elite defenses. Stroud has shown the ability to make all the throws and command the offense, making Ohio State nearly impossible to stop when they are firing on all cylinders.

Additionally, Ohio State’s offensive line has been solid, providing Stroud with the protection he needs to make plays downfield. The Buckeyes’ running game, led by TreVeyon Henderson, is also a significant threat, offering a balance that keeps defenses on their toes. Ohio State’s ability to spread the ball around and attack from multiple angles makes them a difficult matchup for anyone, including Notre Dame.

2. Defensive Dominance

While Ohio State’s offense has garnered the most attention, their defense has been equally impressive. The Buckeyes have one of the best defensive units in the country, capable of shutting down both the run and pass. Defensive end Jack Sawyer has been a dominant force on the edge, consistently pressuring the quarterback, while linebacker Tommy Eichenberg is a sideline-to-sideline playmaker who can disrupt any offensive scheme.

Notre Dame, while solid on offense, has not faced a defense as suffocating and versatile as Ohio State’s. The Buckeyes’ ability to create turnovers, get to the quarterback, and shut down the run will be a significant advantage in this matchup. Notre Dame will need to find ways to move the ball against a defense that has been firing on all cylinders throughout the season.

3. Special Teams and Depth

In addition to their offensive and defensive prowess, Ohio State has one of the deepest rosters in college football. The Buckeyes boast an impressive collection of talent at every position, giving them the ability to rotate players and maintain a high level of play throughout the game. This depth is particularly important in a high-stakes matchup like the National Championship, where injuries and fatigue can take a toll.

Ohio State’s special teams have also been a strength, with solid kicking and punting units that provide a reliable foundation for the team. This balance across all phases of the game is another reason why the Buckeyes are favored to win by such a large margin.

4. Recent Performance in Big Games

Ohio State has consistently shown the ability to perform in big games, especially under Ryan Day’s leadership. The Buckeyes have a track record of success in high-pressure situations, including making it to the College Football Playoff in recent years and competing for national championships. This experience in big-game environments gives them an edge over Notre Dame, which has not been in the national spotlight as frequently in recent seasons.

What Notre Dame Needs to Do to Win

While Ohio State is the heavy favorite, Notre Dame has shown that it can compete with the best. To pull off the upset, the Fighting Irish will need to execute a near-perfect game plan. Here are a few key factors for Notre Dame’s success:

1. Control the Line of Scrimmage

Notre Dame’s offensive line will need to control the line of scrimmage and provide Sam Hartman with time to throw. The Fighting Irish must avoid allowing pressure from Ohio State’s defensive line, especially from pass-rushers like Jack Sawyer. Additionally, Notre Dame’s running backs will need to establish a consistent ground game to keep the Ohio State defense on its heels.

2. Limit Big Plays

The Buckeyes are known for their explosive offense, and Notre Dame must find ways to limit big plays. They will need to prevent Ohio State’s wide receivers from getting behind the secondary and force the Buckeyes to methodically move the ball down the field. A few key stops in critical situations could swing momentum in Notre Dame’s favor.

3. Take Advantage of Ohio State’s Weaknesses

While Ohio State is a complete team, no team is perfect. Notre Dame must identify Ohio State’s vulnerabilities—whether in the secondary or elsewhere—and exploit them. They’ll need to be creative on offense and find ways to stay ahead of the Buckeyes.