Who will prevail in the national championship match between Ohio State and Notre Dame? Our professional forecasts

As the 2025 college football season culminates in a highly anticipated national championship game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, fans, analysts, and football experts alike are eagerly debating which team will emerge victorious. Both programs bring a rich tradition, elite talent, and passionate fanbases to the table, making this matchup one of the most intriguing in recent memory. To make an informed prediction about the outcome of this game, we must consider a variety of factors: team strengths, individual performances, key matchups, coaching strategies, and intangibles. This comprehensive analysis will delve into each aspect, providing a detailed forecast of how the championship game might unfold.

Team Breakdown: Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State, led by head coach Ryan Day, enters the national championship game as one of the most consistently dominant programs in college football. The Buckeyes have been a fixture in the College Football Playoff (CFP) picture for years, and their 2025 squad is no exception. With a well-rounded roster featuring elite talent on both sides of the ball, Ohio State is poised for another deep run in the postseason.

Offense: Power and Precision

The cornerstone of Ohio State’s offensive game plan is its high-powered passing attack. Kyle McCord, the starting quarterback, has emerged as one of the most promising quarterbacks in college football, following in the footsteps of previous Ohio State stars like Justin Fields and Dwayne Haskins. McCord is a natural leader with exceptional arm strength, precise accuracy, and the ability to make big plays downfield. His connection with wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., one of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, has been a driving force behind the Buckeyes’ success this season. Harrison, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, is a dynamic, playmaking receiver who can change the course of a game with his speed, route running, and ball skills.

Ohio State’s passing attack is complemented by a strong running game, led by Travon Henderson. The Buckeyes have been able to mix up their offensive playcalling with an effective ground game that keeps defenses honest. Ohio State’s offensive line, one of the best in the country, has done an excellent job of creating space for Henderson and giving McCord the time he needs to orchestrate his passing attack.

Despite their success in the passing game, Ohio State’s offense can sometimes be inconsistent, especially when facing teams with a strong pass rush or solid secondary. However, in this matchup against Notre Dame, McCord and his receivers will be key to generating enough points to keep the Fighting Irish at bay.

Defense: Speed and Strength

On the defensive side, Ohio State’s unit has been equally formidable. The Buckeyes’ defensive line, led by JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, has been one of the most disruptive forces in college football. These pass rushers can wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks, and their ability to generate pressure without needing to blitz will be crucial in this game.

Ohio State’s linebackers, including Cody Simon and Tommy Eichenberg, provide a solid foundation against the run while being capable of covering tight ends and running backs in the passing game. The secondary, anchored by cornerbacks like Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock, has been solid throughout the year, often locking down receivers and allowing the pass rush to do its job.

However, the defense has shown some vulnerabilities against mobile quarterbacks and spread offenses, which could play into Notre Dame’s hands if they manage to execute their game plan effectively.

Special Teams and Coaching

Ohio State’s special teams have been solid throughout the season, with reliable kicking and punting units, along with strong return game potential. Coach Ryan Day has demonstrated a knack for in-game adjustments and finding ways to exploit mismatches, both offensively and defensively.

Team Breakdown: Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame, under head coach Marcus Freeman, has had a resurgence in recent years. While they may not have the same sustained dominance as Ohio State, the Fighting Irish are back at the pinnacle of college football, and their 2025 roster is a force to be reckoned with. Notre Dame enters this game with a mix of veteran leadership and under-the-radar talent, making them a formidable opponent.

Offense: Balanced Attack with a Veteran Quarterback

At the helm of Notre Dame’s offense is Sam Hartman, the veteran quarterback who transferred from Wake Forest and has been a revelation for the Irish. Hartman’s leadership, poise, and accuracy make him one of the top quarterbacks in the country, and his ability to execute both the short and deep passing game has kept Notre Dame’s offense balanced and dangerous. Hartman’s experience in high-pressure situations, coupled with his steady hand, will be crucial for the Irish as they attempt to keep pace with Ohio State’s dynamic offense.

Notre Dame’s running game is led by Audric Estime, a powerful back who has the ability to wear down defenses over the course of the game. Estime’s physicality in the ground game will be an asset in controlling the tempo and keeping Ohio State’s offense off the field. The Irish offensive line, while not as highly touted as Ohio State’s, has been effective at creating running lanes and providing Hartman with adequate protection in the pocket.

While Notre Dame’s wide receiver corps is not as explosive or deep as Ohio State’s, Jaden Greathouse and Chris Tyree have shown the ability to make big plays when necessary. If Hartman can connect with these players downfield, Notre Dame’s offense can become a serious threat.

Defense: Discipline and Pressure

Defensively, Notre Dame has been a top-tier unit, particularly in the front seven. The Fighting Irish’s defensive line, led by Isaiah Foskey, is capable of generating significant pressure on the quarterback, and their linebackers, including JD Bertrand, are strong against both the run and the pass. Notre Dame’s defense has been effective in stifling opposing offenses and getting off the field on third downs.

Notre Dame’s secondary has been solid as well, with standout players like Benjamin Morrison and DJ Brown providing excellent coverage and the ability to make plays on the ball. Against Ohio State, the Irish will need to execute a game plan that prevents McCord from finding his rhythm with Harrison and his other talented receivers.

The Irish defense has the tools to contain Ohio State’s explosive offense, but they will need to be disciplined and avoid giving up big plays. Pressure on McCord, along with tight coverage on receivers, will be key to Notre Dame’s defensive success.

Special Teams and Coaching

Notre Dame’s special teams have been reliable throughout the season, with strong punting and field goal units. The Irish will need to win the field position battle and avoid any critical mistakes in the kicking game. Coach Marcus Freeman has done a fantastic job of revitalizing the Notre Dame program and getting his players to buy into his disciplined approach. Freeman will need to manage the game with a calm demeanor, making critical decisions regarding tempo, clock management, and game strategy.

Key Matchups: Breaking Down the Battle

Quarterback Play

The performance of Kyle McCord and Sam Hartman will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this game. McCord has the advantage of a high-powered supporting cast, but Hartman’s experience and poise under pressure give him a slight edge in terms of leadership. If McCord can exploit Notre Dame’s defense, particularly through the air, Ohio State will have a strong chance of winning. However, if Hartman can keep the game close and make crucial throws in key moments, he has the potential to lead Notre Dame to victory.

Offensive Line vs. Defensive Front

Both teams boast impressive defensive lines, but Ohio State’s offensive line has been more dominant throughout the season. If Ohio State’s line can provide McCord with time in the pocket, he will have the chance to carve up Notre Dame’s defense with his playmakers. Conversely, if Notre Dame’s defensive line can disrupt McCord’s rhythm and force him into uncomfortable situations, they will increase their chances of pulling off an upset.

Running Game: Control the Tempo

Notre Dame’s ability to establish the run with Estime will be crucial for controlling the tempo of the game and keeping Ohio State’s offense on the sidelines. If the Fighting Irish can control the clock with a physical ground game, they will limit the opportunities for McCord and Harrison to do their damage. However, Ohio State’s defense is strong against the run, and they will need to win the battle in the trenches to stop Estime from breaking off big gains.

Turnovers and Mistakes

In a game of this magnitude, turnovers can make all the difference. Both teams must take care of the ball and avoid mistakes. Ohio State’s high-powered offense can make opposing teams pay for turnovers, while Notre Dame’s defense will need to capitalize on any mistakes to set up scoring opportunities.

Intangibles: The Pressure of the Moment

Ohio State, with its wealth of playoff experience, is likely to have an edge in terms of handling the pressure of the national championship environment. However, Notre Dame’s well-disciplined, resilient approach, led by Marcus Freeman, could allow them to overcome any nerves and play their best football.