Predictions, choices, and odds of winning the national championship between Ohio State and Notre Dame
As college football continues to captivate fans across the country, the anticipation of who will make it to the national championship game grows exponentially as the season progresses. Among the top-tier teams contending for a spot in the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP), two historic programs—Ohio State and Notre Dame—have positioned themselves as strong contenders. Both teams boast rich traditions, elite talent, and championship aspirations, which makes their paths to the national championship intriguing. As we delve into predictions, choices, and odds, we’ll analyze Ohio State and Notre Dame’s strengths and weaknesses, examine their prospects for success, and make a comparison to determine who stands the best chance of claiming the coveted title.
1. Overview of Ohio State and Notre Dame’s Football Programs
Ohio State University and the University of Notre Dame are two of the most prestigious football programs in the country, with storied histories, passionate fanbases, and immense recruiting power. Both programs have had sustained success at the national level, and each has a legitimate shot at winning the national championship in 2025.
Ohio State: The Buckeyes are perennial powerhouses in college football. Led by head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State consistently ranks among the nation’s elite teams in recruiting, player development, and on-field performance. The Buckeyes are known for their high-powered offense, led by elite quarterbacks and a stable of talented running backs and wide receivers. Ohio State has a rich history of success in the Big Ten and has appeared in multiple College Football Playoffs, including a national championship victory in 2014 under former head coach Urban Meyer. Ohio State is also a formidable defensive team, with a history of producing top-tier NFL talent.
Notre Dame: Notre Dame, although not part of a conference, is one of the most recognizable programs in college football. The Fighting Irish have been a major contender for decades, with their most recent national championship appearance in 2020 and a history of successful seasons under head coaches such as Lou Holtz and Brian Kelly. Currently, under head coach Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame is looking to return to the pinnacle of college football. The Fighting Irish possess a balanced, physical style of play and have shown strength in both offense and defense. They’ve traditionally built their team around strong, versatile quarterbacks and a dominant offensive line, along with an aggressive defense. Notre Dame’s independent status allows them to schedule tough competition each season, and the program’s rich history keeps them relevant in national discussions.
2. Ohio State’s Path to the National Championship
As Ohio State enters the 2025 season, their path to the national championship is centered on several key components that make them one of the most formidable teams in college football.
Offense: Ohio State’s offense, historically one of the most explosive units in college football, remains a key strength for the Buckeyes in their pursuit of a national title. The offense revolves around their quarterback play, which has been a hallmark of Ohio State’s success over the past decade. The Buckeyes have consistently produced top-tier quarterbacks such as Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, and CJ Stroud. In 2025, Ohio State is expected to have a quarterback capable of continuing that tradition. With elite receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr. and a deep running back committee, the Buckeyes can generate explosive plays on every drive. The offensive line, while often overshadowed by skill players, is critical to their success, providing ample protection for the quarterback and opening holes for the running backs.
Defense: Ohio State’s defense has been a defining factor in their quest for a national title. The Buckeyes have always recruited elite defensive talent, and their defense remains a balance between physicality and speed. Their defensive line is one of the most feared in the nation, capable of disrupting opposing offenses and putting pressure on quarterbacks. With a deep secondary and a talented linebacker corps, Ohio State is poised to continue its dominance on the defensive side of the ball. If the Buckeyes’ defense can remain stout, they will be a force to reckon with in the playoffs, as the offense can outscore nearly anyone.
Schedule and Playoff Push: Ohio State plays in the Big Ten Conference, one of the premier football leagues in the country. The Buckeyes face tough competition from teams like Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin, which provides them with opportunities to prove their worth. If Ohio State can navigate its conference schedule, win the Big Ten Championship, and remain undefeated or with only one loss, they’ll almost certainly find themselves in the College Football Playoff. From there, it will come down to their ability to execute in the semifinals and final, where they’ve traditionally been strong.
Odds of Winning: With a highly talented roster and a proven track record in high-stakes games, Ohio State enters the 2025 season as one of the favorites to win the national championship. Their odds are bolstered by their historical dominance in the Big Ten, their high-powered offense, and their formidable defense. As a result, they are widely considered one of the top teams in college football, with their odds of winning the national title typically ranging between 3:1 and 6:1.
3. Notre Dame’s Path to the National Championship
Notre Dame, under the leadership of Marcus Freeman, is another program with national championship aspirations in 2025. The Fighting Irish have always been a tough, well-coached team, and Freeman’s leadership is expected to take them back to the forefront of college football.
Offense: Notre Dame’s offense in 2025 is expected to be strong, thanks in large part to the development of their quarterback. While the Fighting Irish have traditionally relied on a solid running game and a physical offensive line, they’ve shown an increasing ability to balance their attack and stretch the field with explosive passing plays. In the past, Notre Dame’s quarterbacks, like Ian Book and Jack Coan, have led the offense effectively, and in 2025, they are expected to have a signal-caller capable of leading them to the national title. Their offensive line remains a huge strength, and if the running game is as dominant as expected, it will provide a balanced attack capable of controlling the tempo of games.
Defense: Notre Dame’s defense has been a cornerstone of their success in recent years. The Fighting Irish have consistently fielded a tough, physical defensive unit that plays with speed and aggression. In 2025, they are expected to continue that trend, with a solid defensive line and secondary capable of containing high-powered offenses. The defensive front will be key in limiting opposing teams’ running games, while the linebackers will have to step up in coverage situations and pass-rushing scenarios. With a capable defense, Notre Dame can compete with the nation’s best teams, especially in low-scoring, hard-fought matchups.
Schedule and Playoff Push: As an independent school, Notre Dame has the flexibility to schedule a difficult slate of games, which helps strengthen their playoff resume. They play traditional powerhouses like USC, Stanford, and Clemson, along with a range of competitive teams. Notre Dame’s ability to schedule high-caliber opponents gives them an edge in impressing the selection committee, provided they can emerge from these games with a strong record. In the 2025 season, the Fighting Irish will need to avoid slip-ups in order to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Odds of Winning: Notre Dame’s odds of winning the national championship are slightly lower than Ohio State’s, but they still remain competitive. With the right blend of offense and defense, Notre Dame can compete with any team in the country. Their odds of winning the national championship typically range from 5:1 to 8:1, reflecting both their talent and the uncertainty surrounding their path through a tough schedule.
4. Comparison and Prediction: Who Has the Edge?
When comparing Ohio State and Notre Dame, several key factors influence their chances of winning the 2025 national championship.
Talent and Depth: Ohio State has a deeper talent pool, particularly at key positions like quarterback and wide receiver. The Buckeyes’ ability to recruit five-star athletes at nearly every position gives them an edge in terms of overall depth and versatility. Notre Dame, while strong, typically lacks the same elite level of depth, especially at the skill positions, which may put them at a disadvantage in high-stakes games against teams like Ohio State.
Coaching and Experience: Ryan Day has proven himself to be one of the best coaches in college football, with a national championship under his belt and consistent success in the College Football Playoff. Marcus Freeman is still in the early stages of his coaching career at Notre Dame but has shown great promise. However, the difference in experience between Day and Freeman may be crucial when it comes to preparing for big-game scenarios in the playoff.
Schedule and Path to the Playoff: Ohio State’s path through the Big Ten will be difficult but manageable, and their conference schedule allows them to earn the respect of the committee. Notre Dame, as an independent, will face a more varied set of opponents, but a loss or two could hurt their chances more than it would for Ohio State, whose conference championship could provide a cushion.
Prediction: While Notre Dame is undoubtedly a strong team, Ohio State’s depth, coaching, and consistency make them the slight favorite in this matchup. The Buckeyes are expected to go further in the College Football Playoff and have a better chance of securing the national championship in 2025. However, if Notre Dame can find a way to balance their offense and defense effectively while navigating a tough schedule, they could surprise many and make a deep playoff run.
