When does the College Football Championship game in 2025 take place? How to watch Notre Dame vs. Ohio State

The College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship Game is the culmination of the season’s best teams battling it out for supremacy. Every year, college football fans eagerly await the game to determine the top team in the nation. In 2025, that battle will see two of college football’s most storied programs, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Ohio State Buckeyes, square off for the ultimate prize.

As the two programs prepare to clash, college football fans from across the country are excited about the possibility of witnessing a historic showdown between these powerhouse teams. This article will delve into the details of the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship Game, including when the game takes place, how to watch it, and the exciting storyline behind the Notre Dame vs. Ohio State matchup.

When Is the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship Game?

The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship Game is scheduled to take place on January 13, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Florida, at Hard Rock Stadium. This date marks the conclusion of the 2024-2025 college football season, following the thrilling playoff semifinal matchups, which will determine which teams advance to the championship game.

The national championship will kick off at 8:00 PM Eastern Time (ET), allowing fans to gather in front of their TVs or stream the action online to watch these two elite teams vie for the title.

Hard Rock Stadium, home to the Miami Dolphins of the NFL and host to numerous major sporting events, including Super Bowls and college football games, is the perfect venue for a clash of titans such as this. With its state-of-the-art facilities, large capacity, and vibrant atmosphere, the stadium will surely provide an unforgettable backdrop for what promises to be an electric College Football National Championship Game.

How to Watch the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship Game

If you’re wondering how to catch all the action from the 2025 CFP National Championship, you’re in luck—there are multiple ways to watch the game, whether you prefer traditional cable or streaming services. The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship will be broadcast on ESPN, a network that has carried the College Football Playoff since its inception.

Watching on Television

If you’re a traditional TV viewer, you can tune in to ESPN for live coverage of the 2025 National Championship Game. ESPN has a long history of broadcasting college football games, and the network’s coverage of the CFP is consistently top-notch. Expect in-depth analysis, pre-game shows, and expert commentary as they provide coverage from the moment the teams arrive at the stadium until the final whistle blows.

You can find ESPN on most cable and satellite TV providers, including:

• Xfinity
• AT&T U-verse
• DirecTV
• Dish Network
• Spectrum

Check your local TV listings for the exact channel number, as this will vary depending on your provider and location.

Streaming the Game

For those who prefer streaming, there are multiple platforms that will allow you to watch the game live, even if you don’t have a cable or satellite subscription. ESPN’s streaming service, ESPN+, will provide coverage of the game, but you can also watch through several popular streaming services that include ESPN in their package.

Here are some options for streaming the game:

• ESPN+: Subscribe to ESPN’s dedicated streaming service to watch the game live and on-demand. ESPN+ provides comprehensive sports coverage, including exclusive access to the College Football Playoff.
• Hulu + Live TV: This streaming service includes access to ESPN, as well as live coverage of many other sports events. Hulu + Live TV also offers on-demand content if you can’t catch the game live.
• YouTube TV: With a subscription to YouTube TV, you’ll be able to watch the College Football Playoff National Championship game on ESPN and other sports networks.
• Sling TV: Sling TV’s Blue package includes ESPN, so you can catch the game if you’re a Sling subscriber. Sling also offers flexible pricing options to suit different budgets.
• FuboTV: FuboTV provides access to ESPN and other major sports networks, making it another great streaming option for college football fans.

Additionally, if you have access to the ESPN app on your smartphone, tablet, or streaming device, you can watch the game live as long as you’re logged into your service provider.

Radio Broadcasts

If you’re unable to watch the game on TV or stream it online, you can still listen to the live radio broadcast. The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship will have radio coverage across multiple platforms. ESPN Radio will carry the national broadcast, providing real-time play-by-play commentary and analysis.

Many local radio stations also provide game coverage, so you can check with your local stations or sports radio providers for additional options. You can also tune into SiriusXM for national and regional radio broadcasts, including commentary from well-known sports analysts and former players.

The Notre Dame vs. Ohio State Rivalry: A Historic Matchup

When Notre Dame and Ohio State meet in the 2025 National Championship, college football fans will witness a thrilling battle between two teams with rich histories and passionate fanbases.

Ohio State Buckeyes: A Storied Program with Championship Pedigree

Ohio State has long been considered one of college football’s elite programs. The Buckeyes have won eight national championships, with the most recent coming in 2014, when they defeated the Oregon Ducks in the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Under legendary head coach Jim Tressel and current head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State has maintained its status as a perennial contender for the title.

The Buckeyes are known for their strong, well-coached teams that dominate both sides of the ball. With a rich tradition of producing NFL-caliber talent, Ohio State has consistently been a powerhouse in the Big Ten Conference and on the national stage. The team’s high-octane offense, led by a dynamic quarterback and explosive skill players, combined with a staunch defense, makes them a formidable opponent for any team in the country.

Ohio State’s storied rivalry with teams like Michigan and its success in the Big Ten gives it the experience of handling high-pressure games, making them a dangerous opponent in the national championship game.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish: A Legacy of Tradition and Determination

Notre Dame, often referred to as “The Fighting Irish,” is another of college football’s most prestigious programs. The program has a history steeped in tradition, with numerous national championships, Heisman Trophy winners, and NFL stars emerging from South Bend. Although Notre Dame has not won a national championship since 1988, the program has remained a constant force in college football, regularly competing for top rankings in both the regular season and postseason.

Under head coach Marcus Freeman, the Fighting Irish are looking to return to the national championship throne. Freeman, a former linebacker for the Ohio State Buckeyes, has instilled a culture of discipline, teamwork, and excellence at Notre Dame. With a talented roster that includes a dynamic offense and an elite defense, the Irish have what it takes to contend with any program in the nation.

Notre Dame’s passionate fanbase and its reputation for competing at the highest levels make them a worthy adversary for Ohio State. Freeman’s leadership has reinvigorated the program, and a victory over Ohio State would be a crowning achievement for both Freeman and the Fighting Irish.

Storylines to Watch in the 2025 National Championship

As fans prepare for the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship, several key storylines will add intrigue to the matchup between Notre Dame and Ohio State:

• Marcus Freeman vs. His Alma Mater: For Freeman, the opportunity to face Ohio State in the national championship is especially poignant. The former Buckeyes linebacker and assistant coach will be leading the Fighting Irish into battle against the school where he spent much of his playing and coaching career. Freeman’s journey from player to coach has been remarkable, and taking on Ohio State in the championship game would be a fitting chapter in his career.
• Ohio State’s Offensive Power: The Buckeyes are known for their explosive offense, and in 2025, their offensive weapons—led by a star quarterback and top-tier receivers—will provide one of the most potent attacks in the country. Notre Dame’s defense will have its hands full trying to contain Ohio State’s high-powered offense, but the Irish defense has proven itself capable of stepping up in big moments.
• Notre Dame’s Resurgence: After years of near-misses, Notre Dame is poised for another national championship run. The Fighting Irish have assembled a talented roster, with dynamic playmakers on both sides of the ball. Can Freeman lead them to glory in his second season as head coach?
• Trophy and Glory: Both programs will be vying for the ultimate college football prize—the national championship trophy. For Ohio State, it would be their ninth national title, cementing their place among the sport’s greatest programs. For Notre Dame, a victory would be a return to the pinnacle of college football after decades of striving for the elusive championship.