Ohio State opens as a huge favorite against Notre Dame in the National Championship game.

The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship game is set to feature two of the most storied programs in college football history: the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. As the championship battle approaches, the anticipation is at a fever pitch, with both teams primed for what promises to be an electric matchup. However, as the game approaches, oddsmakers have made a clear statement—Ohio State opens as a significant favorite against Notre Dame. The Buckeyes, coming off a dominant season, are viewed as the stronger team heading into the big game, but is that really the case, and can Notre Dame pull off an upset?

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the upcoming national championship game, exploring the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, the key players who will influence the outcome, and the broader narrative of how Ohio State has established itself as the favorite, while Notre Dame has quietly, but steadily, put together a strong season that puts them in position to compete for the sport’s biggest prize.

Ohio State: A Powerhouse in Every Phase

Ohio State’s journey to the 2025 College Football Playoff has been nothing short of dominant. From start to finish, the Buckeyes have been a juggernaut, with their offense and defense both firing on all cylinders. Under Head Coach Ryan Day, Ohio State has consistently been one of the most high-powered offenses in the country, and this season has been no different. The Buckeyes are ranked among the top teams in total offense, scoring over 40 points per game and averaging more than 500 yards of offense per contest.

The strength of the Ohio State offense is their quarterback play, with Kyle McCord leading the charge under center. After taking over as the starting quarterback for the Buckeyes, McCord has been everything Ohio State fans could have hoped for and more. McCord has thrown for over 3,500 yards, 35 touchdowns, and only five interceptions in 2025, showcasing his ability to make big plays in crucial moments. His ability to spread the ball around to a talented group of receivers has kept defenses on their heels all season.

At wide receiver, Ohio State boasts one of the most dynamic duos in the country. Marvin Harrison Jr., widely regarded as one of the top prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft, has been an absolute force on the field. Harrison has been nearly impossible to stop, with over 1,400 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns on the season. His ability to create separation with his elite route running and speed makes him a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses.

Complementing Harrison is Emeka Egbuka, another elite receiver who has consistently been a threat to take over games. Egbuka’s combination of size, speed, and agility makes him one of the toughest matchups in college football. Together, the two receivers form one of the most dangerous pass-catching tandems in the sport, and they will be pivotal to Ohio State’s chances in the national championship game.

In addition to McCord and the receiving corps, Ohio State’s running back committee has been incredibly effective. Miyan Williams has been the featured back for the Buckeyes, offering a combination of power and vision, while Trevyon Henderson brings an element of breakaway speed to the ground game. The Buckeyes’ ability to run the football effectively keeps opposing defenses honest, setting up play-action opportunities for McCord and his talented receivers.

While Ohio State’s offense has been the driving force behind their success, the defense has been equally impressive. Under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, the Buckeyes have been one of the best defensive units in the nation. The defensive line, anchored by J.T. Tuimoloau, has been a terror for opposing quarterbacks. Tuimoloau, a future first-round NFL draft pick, has amassed double-digit sacks this season and is a game-changer up front. Along with Jack Sawyer, the defensive line creates consistent pressure and forces turnovers, which has been a key factor in Ohio State’s dominance this year.

In the secondary, Ohio State boasts a number of playmakers, with Denzel Burke leading the charge at cornerback. Burke has been stellar in coverage this season, and his ability to shut down top receivers will be critical in Ohio State’s attempt to stop Notre Dame’s offense. The defense as a whole is fast, aggressive, and opportunistic, making Ohio State one of the most balanced teams in the nation.

Notre Dame: The Underdog with Heart

While Ohio State has been dominant all season, Notre Dame has quietly put together a remarkable campaign of their own. Head Coach Marcus Freeman has done an outstanding job in his second season at the helm, and the Fighting Irish enter the national championship game with a sense of purpose and confidence. Notre Dame’s road to the championship has been marked by impressive victories over top-ranked teams and a determination to prove they belong among the nation’s elite.

At quarterback, Notre Dame has been led by Sam Hartman, the veteran transfer from Wake Forest who has injected new life into the Fighting Irish offense. Hartman has been a steady presence under center, throwing for over 3,200 yards and 30 touchdowns while keeping turnovers to a minimum. His leadership and experience have been key factors in Notre Dame’s success, and he will need to be at his best in the national championship game if the Irish are to pull off an upset.

One of the strengths of Notre Dame’s offense is their balanced attack. While Hartman is the focal point of the passing game, Notre Dame’s running game has also been highly effective. Audric Estime has been the bell cow in the backfield, rushing for over 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. Estime’s powerful running style and ability to break tackles make him a difficult player to stop, and he will need to have a big game if Notre Dame hopes to keep Ohio State’s high-powered offense off the field.

At wide receiver, Notre Dame has a solid group of playmakers, with Jadarian Price emerging as a reliable target in the passing game. Price’s speed and ability to make plays after the catch will be crucial for the Fighting Irish as they attempt to keep pace with Ohio State’s explosive offense.

Defensively, Notre Dame has been one of the most well-rounded teams in the country. The Fighting Irish have a stingy defense that is built on a strong defensive line and a fast, aggressive linebacker corps. J.D. Bertrand, the team’s leading tackler, is an enforcer in the middle of the defense, and his ability to disrupt Ohio State’s offensive flow will be critical. Alongside Bertrand, Isaiah Foskey has been a dominant force off the edge, getting consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks and forcing mistakes.

In the secondary, Notre Dame is led by Benjamin Morrison, a shutdown corner who has been a key part of the team’s success this season. Morrison’s ability to cover top receivers will be vital in limiting the impact of Ohio State’s high-powered passing game. The Fighting Irish defense is tough, well-coached, and opportunistic, and they will need to be at their best to contain the Buckeyes.

The X-Factors

While both teams have standout units and players, the key to the game may lie in a few overlooked areas. For Ohio State, the ability to run the ball effectively against Notre Dame’s defense could be a deciding factor. While Notre Dame has a strong defense, they have struggled at times to stop the run, and if Ohio State can establish a balanced attack, it will make things easier for McCord and his receivers. The Buckeyes’ offensive line will need to win the battle at the line of scrimmage and create lanes for Williams and Henderson to exploit.

For Notre Dame, the ability to control the clock with their running game and limit Ohio State’s possessions will be critical. If Estime can continue to pound the ball and keep the Buckeyes’ offense off the field, it will go a long way in giving Notre Dame a shot at the upset. Additionally, Hartman’s ability to avoid turnovers and make plays down the field will be essential to Notre Dame’s success.

The Narrative

Ohio State’s dominance throughout the season and their status as a significant favorite are justified by their talent across all phases of the game. However, Notre Dame’s ability to play disciplined football, establish a balanced attack, and create a few big plays could allow them to challenge Ohio State for the national title. The Fighting Irish have been underdogs throughout much of the season, and their resilience and ability to perform in big moments have gotten them to this point.

While Ohio State has been the more consistent and complete team on paper, college football is a game of momentum, and Notre Dame has proven they can play with anyone. The national championship game has all the makings of an epic clash between two powerhouse programs, and while the Buckeyes enter as the heavy favorites, the Fighting Irish will not go down without a fight.