Notre Dame and Ohio State will play in the College Football Playoff title game.

As the final whistle blows on the 2025 college football season, college football fans everywhere are gearing up for what promises to be one of the most exciting and highly anticipated matchups in recent memory: the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Ohio State Buckeyes. These two powerhouse programs have long been among the most storied teams in college football history, and now, they will meet in a championship game that could cement the legacy of both programs.

For Notre Dame, the chance to win a national title is an opportunity to finally break through and reclaim its place among the elite teams in college football. After a series of near-misses in recent years, the Fighting Irish are looking to secure their first national championship since 1988. Meanwhile, Ohio State, with its rich football tradition and consistent success, is seeking its ninth national title, a testament to its dominance in the Big Ten and college football at large. This is a matchup of two proud programs, each bringing its own unique style and identity to the table.

In this article, we will explore the key storylines leading up to this historic title game, including the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, the players to watch, and what fans can expect from what is sure to be an unforgettable showdown. From coaching strategies to individual player performances, we will break down every aspect of the game and set the stage for a clash that could have a lasting impact on the future of college football.

Notre Dame: A Storied Program Chasing Its First Title in Decades

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have been one of college football’s most prestigious programs since its inception in the early 20th century. With a history filled with legendary coaches, iconic players, and an unparalleled national following, Notre Dame is a name that resonates deeply in the world of college football. However, despite its rich history, the Fighting Irish have not captured a national championship since 1988, a drought that has left fans yearning for another title.

Notre Dame’s path to this year’s College Football Playoff title game has been paved with resilience, determination, and a renewed sense of purpose. Under head coach Marcus Freeman, who took over the program in 2022, the Fighting Irish have enjoyed a revitalization, with Freeman bringing a fresh energy to a program that had been in search of its next great chapter. Freeman’s ability to develop talent and create a cohesive, disciplined team has been evident throughout the season, and his leadership has been a driving force behind Notre Dame’s success.

In 2025, the Fighting Irish made an emphatic statement by finishing the regular season with a 12-1 record, earning them a spot in the College Football Playoff. Their only loss came to a tough opponent in the regular season, but they were able to rebound and earn a spot in the playoff, where they defeated top-tier teams with solid performances across all phases of the game.

Offensively, Notre Dame has been led by sophomore quarterback Tyler Buchner, who has emerged as one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the nation. Buchner’s ability to make throws from the pocket while also using his legs to extend plays has made him a dynamic threat for opposing defenses. Running back Audric Estime has also been a key contributor to the offense, providing a powerful ground game that has worn down defenses throughout the season. The Fighting Irish’s offensive line, often one of the best in the country, has provided Buchner and Estime with the protection and space needed to execute their game plans.

Defensively, Notre Dame has been nothing short of dominant. The Irish boast one of the most physical and disciplined defenses in college football, led by senior linebacker JD Bertrand and a secondary that includes standout cornerback Benjamin Morrison. The defensive line, anchored by Rylie Mills, has been relentless in its pursuit of quarterbacks, while the linebacker corps has been effective at stuffing the run and covering receivers. Freeman’s defensive strategy has made it difficult for opponents to find consistent offensive rhythm, and it will be key in their matchup against Ohio State’s potent offense.

Ohio State: A Powerhouse Program Seeking Title No. 9

Ohio State is no stranger to the College Football Playoff National Championship game. The Buckeyes have been a perennial powerhouse in college football, and their rich history of success includes eight national championships, the most recent of which came in 2014 under head coach Urban Meyer. Ohio State has consistently been among the top teams in the country, producing elite talent on both sides of the ball and winning conference titles year in and year out. Under head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have maintained their status as one of the nation’s elite programs, regularly competing for championships.

In 2025, Ohio State enters the College Football Playoff with a 13-0 record, a perfect regular season that included impressive wins over top Big Ten teams like Michigan and Penn State. With the combination of explosive offensive playmakers and a tough, opportunistic defense, the Buckeyes have earned their spot in the championship game.

The Ohio State offense is one of the most dynamic and dangerous units in the nation. Quarterback Kyle McCord, a junior, has been a revelation under center for the Buckeyes, showcasing the ability to make every throw in the playbook with precision and velocity. McCord has benefited from having an abundance of playmakers at his disposal, including wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr., one of the top wideouts in the country, and Emeka Egbuka, who has emerged as a reliable target in clutch moments. The Buckeyes’ passing game is one of the most potent in college football, and their ability to stretch the field vertically will be a significant challenge for Notre Dame’s defense.

In the running game, Ohio State has benefited from the play of Miyan Williams and TreVeyon Henderson, who have been able to churn out yards in crucial situations. The Buckeyes’ offensive line, anchored by standout tackle Paris Johnson Jr., has been effective in creating running lanes and providing McCord with ample time in the pocket.

Defensively, Ohio State has been balanced and disruptive. The Buckeyes’ defense is led by a ferocious defensive line, including JT Tuimoloau, who has the ability to dominate the line of scrimmage and get after the quarterback. The linebacker corps, with players like Cody Simon, has been effective in both pass coverage and against the run. Ohio State’s secondary, with standout cornerback Denzel Burke, has proven to be tough against opposing wide receivers, making it difficult for teams to sustain drives through the air.

Ohio State’s defense is known for creating turnovers and capitalizing on mistakes, and that will be crucial against a Notre Dame team that relies heavily on ball control and efficient execution. Ohio State’s ability to stop the run and pressure the quarterback will be key in limiting Notre Dame’s offensive production.

Key Matchups to Watch

As both teams prepare for this historic College Football Playoff National Championship game, several key matchups will determine the outcome of the game. These battles will be crucial to each team’s success, and fans should be watching for how they play out:

1. Tyler Buchner vs. Ohio State’s Defense:
Tyler Buchner’s ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground will be a key factor in the game. Ohio State’s defense will need to limit Buchner’s ability to extend plays and create big moments with his legs. Pressure from the Buckeyes’ defensive line and linebackers will be vital in keeping him contained in the pocket and forcing him into difficult throws.

2. Ohio State’s Wide Receivers vs. Notre Dame’s Secondary:
Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka are two of the best wide receivers in college football, and their ability to win one-on-one battles on the outside will be critical for Ohio State’s offense. Notre Dame’s secondary, led by Benjamin Morrison, has been strong all season, and their ability to limit explosive plays will go a long way in keeping Ohio State’s offense in check.

3. The Running Game:
Both teams rely on strong running games to set up their offensive balance. Notre Dame’s Audric Estime will look to power through Ohio State’s defense, while Miyan Williams and TreVeyon Henderson will aim to wear down Notre Dame’s front seven. Whichever team can establish dominance in the trenches and control the ground game will gain a significant advantage.

4. Turnovers and Special Teams:
Both teams are opportunistic on defense and in the special teams phase. Turnovers will be a critical factor in this game, as both teams have the ability to capitalize on mistakes. Whether it’s a fumble recovery or an interception, the team that wins the turnover battle could have the upper hand. Special teams plays, such as a long return or a crucial field goal, may also prove to be a game-changer.