Who will miss Ohio State vs. Notre Dame in the 2025 CFP National Championship?

Who Will Miss the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame?

As the 2025 college football season approaches, fans and analysts alike are already looking ahead to what promises to be an exciting postseason. Both Ohio State and Notre Dame are widely considered to be among the elite programs in college football, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations for the upcoming season. The narrative surrounding both teams centers around whether they will make a successful push for the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship, and who might be left out of this prestigious contest.

While Ohio State and Notre Dame have established themselves as perennial contenders in the College Football Playoff race, there are several factors that could determine who ultimately misses the championship game, despite their immense potential. The intricacies of their schedules, recruitment, coaching, and performance under pressure will play pivotal roles in whether these teams can secure a spot in the final four, or whether they will fall short and miss out on a chance at the national title.

In this article, we will break down the case for and against each team making it to the 2025 CFP National Championship and explore the key elements that could cause either Ohio State or Notre Dame to miss out on a chance to play for the title. We will also delve into potential scenarios that could unfold during the season, making this a compelling and thought-provoking look at the future of these two college football giants.

Ohio State’s Journey to the CFP National Championship: Why They Could Make It

Ohio State is one of the most consistently dominant programs in college football. Under Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have established themselves as a perennial playoff contender, consistently recruiting some of the best talent in the country. With a combination of elite players, stellar coaching, and a prolific offense, Ohio State is always a team to watch in the postseason race.

However, despite all of these advantages, Ohio State’s road to the 2025 CFP National Championship is far from guaranteed. Several factors could potentially derail their playoff hopes, preventing them from making it to the final game.

Strengths of Ohio State

1. High-Powered Offense: Ohio State is known for its explosive offense, led by an elite quarterback and dynamic skill players. The team has consistently boasted top-tier quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs, creating an offensive juggernaut that can put up points quickly and overwhelm opposing defenses. If the Buckeyes can continue their offensive dominance in 2025, they will be a difficult team to stop in the CFP.
2. Recruitment and Depth: Ohio State’s recruiting machine ensures that they have some of the top talent in the country year in and year out. With multiple 5-star recruits and an overall deep roster, Ohio State has a talent advantage over most other teams in college football. This depth allows the Buckeyes to overcome injuries and adjustments throughout the season, putting them in a prime position for a playoff run.
3. Experience and Coaching: Ryan Day has proven himself as one of the brightest young coaches in the college football world, and his experience coaching at the highest level should serve Ohio State well. Having coached in several CFP games, including a National Championship appearance, Day knows what it takes to get to the big stage and win.
4. Strong Defensive Talent: While Ohio State has long been known for its offensive prowess, the defense has become an increasingly important part of their overall strategy. Players like J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, two highly rated defensive ends, provide the kind of pass-rushing presence that can disrupt opposing quarterbacks in big games.

Challenges for Ohio State

Despite their strengths, Ohio State faces significant challenges that could keep them from securing a spot in the 2025 CFP National Championship.

1. Tough Schedule: The Big Ten is no slouch when it comes to competition. Ohio State will face stiff challenges in conference play, including matchups with Michigan, Penn State, and possibly Wisconsin. These games, particularly the rivalry with Michigan, can sometimes trip up the Buckeyes and put their playoff aspirations in jeopardy. A single loss in a tough conference can severely impact Ohio State’s ranking and positioning within the CFP race.
2. Quarterback Uncertainty: Ohio State enters the 2025 season with questions at quarterback. Although the program has consistently produced elite quarterbacks, there is uncertainty over who will start under center in 2025. Whether Kyle McCord or Devin Brown emerges as the leader, this position could be a potential weak spot, particularly if the new starter struggles under the pressure of big games. A lack of continuity at quarterback could impact Ohio State’s playoff hopes.
3. Defensive Inconsistencies: While the defense has shown improvement, it has sometimes been vulnerable against high-powered offenses, particularly in the Big Ten Championship and in past CFP games. In the postseason, where every mistake is magnified, Ohio State’s defense will need to step up and make key stops. If the defense struggles against elite offenses like Michigan or other top-tier opponents in the playoff, it could derail Ohio State’s national championship hopes.
4. Rivalry Losses: Ohio State’s biggest hurdle every year is its rivalry with Michigan. The Buckeyes have historically struggled to beat their archrivals in crucial games, particularly in the Big Ten Championship and the regular-season finale. A loss to Michigan or another team could prevent Ohio State from earning a spot in the CFP and, by extension, the National Championship.

Notre Dame’s Journey to the CFP National Championship: Why They Could Miss Out

Notre Dame has a unique place in the world of college football. The Fighting Irish are one of the most iconic programs in the sport, with a rich history of success and a national following. However, their status as an independent team means they don’t have the luxury of a conference championship game to boost their résumé in the eyes of the CFP selection committee. Notre Dame has had its share of near-misses in the playoff, and the road to the 2025 CFP National Championship is likely to present more challenges.

Strengths of Notre Dame

1. Elite Recruiting and Talent Development: Under head coach Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame has continued to recruit at a high level, securing top players across both sides of the ball. The 2024 and 2025 recruiting classes have brought in several highly ranked players, particularly in the trenches, which is a critical area for success in college football. With players like CJ Carr (quarterback) and Brennan Vernon (defensive line), Notre Dame will have the talent to compete at the highest level.
2. Balanced Attack: Notre Dame prides itself on its balanced style of play, with strong lines of scrimmage and a versatile offense. Whether they are relying on the running game, featuring dynamic quarterbacks, or playing solid defense, the Fighting Irish have the ability to stay competitive in all phases of the game. This balance makes them a formidable opponent for any team they face.
3. Defensive Prowess: The Notre Dame defense has been a strong suit under Freeman, and with key players like Jayson Ademilola and Isaiah Foskey, they can control the line of scrimmage and limit opposing offenses. A stout defense is essential for any team aiming for a National Championship, and Notre Dame’s defensive schemes have the potential to keep them in games against the nation’s best.
4. Coaching Stability: Freeman has provided Notre Dame with stability after taking over from Brian Kelly, and his leadership is one of the biggest reasons for the program’s success. Freeman’s focus on player development, particularly in building a strong team culture, should help the Fighting Irish stay competitive as they look for a playoff berth.

Challenges for Notre Dame

1. No Conference Championship: As an independent program, Notre Dame does not compete in a conference championship game, which puts them at a disadvantage when it comes to making the CFP. The lack of a championship game means that Notre Dame must go undefeated or hope for a series of high-quality wins to earn a playoff spot. A single loss, especially in a tough conference like the ACC or against a high-profile opponent, could cost them a spot in the CFP.
2. Tough Schedule: Notre Dame’s schedule is always filled with challenging opponents. In 2025, the Fighting Irish will face teams like Ohio State, Clemson, and USC. These high-caliber matchups present an opportunity for Notre Dame to prove themselves, but also pose a risk if they fail to win one or more of these games. A loss to any of these teams would severely hurt Notre Dame’s chances of making the CFP.
3. Quarterback Play: The success of Notre Dame’s offense hinges on the development of their quarterback, CJ Carr. If Carr is unable to take command of the offense or struggles in key moments, it could hold back the team. Notre Dame has had difficulties in the past with consistent quarterback play, and any hiccups at this position could significantly impact their season.
4. Big Game Pressure: Notre Dame has faced criticism for its inability to win big games in recent years. While they’ve been a consistent playoff contender, their performance in key matchups, particularly in bowl games and the CFP, has been lacking. For Notre Dame to secure a spot in the 2025 CFP National Championship, they will need to prove they can win in high-pressure situations. Losing crucial games, particularly on the national stage, could ultimately prevent them from earning a spot in the championship game.

Who Will Miss the 2025 CFP National Championship?

While both Ohio State and Notre Dame have the talent and potential to make a run at the 2025 CFP National Championship, several factors could determine which team ultimately falls short.

• Ohio State’s Biggest Roadblock: A potential loss to Michigan in the regular season, combined with a Big Ten Championship game loss, could put Ohio State in a tough position. Their chances could be further diminished if they struggle with quarterback play or if their defense proves inconsistent against high-powered offenses.
• Notre Dame’s Biggest Roadblock: Notre Dame’s lack of a conference championship game is a serious hurdle. They will need to go undefeated or have a strong win-loss record with multiple high-profile victories. A single loss to a team like USC or Clemson could be disastrous for their playoff hopes, especially with no conference title to fall back on.

Ultimately, while both teams have significant talent, Ohio State could have a slight edge in securing a spot in the 2025 CFP National Championship, given their depth, high-powered offense, and recent success in big games. Notre Dame, despite its strengths, could fall short without the added benefit of a conference championship game, and a single loss could be enough to eliminate them from contention. Therefore, Notre Dame is more likely to miss out on the 2025 CFP National Championship compared to Ohio State, whose schedule and strength could propel them into the final showdown.