Preview of the Ohio State national championship: How the Buckeyes can win Ryan Day’s legacy game – The Athletic
As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for their most important game of the season, the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship, the pressure is mounting. This game is not just about winning a title for the program, but also for head coach Ryan Day, who is facing a defining moment in his career. After an illustrious tenure at Ohio State, Day’s legacy as the head coach is on the line, and a national championship victory would solidify his place among the elite coaches in college football history.
The Buckeyes will face a formidable opponent in the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, a team that has shown resilience and skill throughout the season. For Ohio State to capture its first national championship since 2014, Day will need to put together a game plan that maximizes the talent on his roster and counters Notre Dame’s strengths. This preview will analyze the key areas in which Ohio State must excel to secure victory in this high-stakes matchup and how Ryan Day can earn his legacy-defining win.
Ohio State’s Path to Victory: The Key Areas for Success
- Quarterback Play: Kyle McCord’s Moment to Shine
A key factor in Ohio State’s bid for a national championship will be the performance of sophomore quarterback Kyle McCord. McCord, who has had a stellar season under Day’s tutelage, will be under immense pressure in the biggest game of his young career. Despite his potential, McCord has yet to prove himself in a game of this magnitude.
For Ohio State to win, McCord must play with poise and composure, keeping his emotions in check and avoiding costly mistakes. McCord has an arm capable of making all the necessary throws, but his decision-making and timing will be critical in navigating a Notre Dame defense that is both physical and disciplined.
One area where McCord must excel is his ability to stretch the field. With wide receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr., who is arguably the best wide receiver in college football, McCord must capitalize on opportunities for big plays down the field. Notre Dame’s defense will likely focus on containing the run game, which will open opportunities for McCord to connect with Harrison Jr. on deep routes or in one-on-one coverage situations.
Additionally, McCord must demonstrate the ability to make quick, efficient throws in the short-to-intermediate game. Ohio State’s offense thrives on fast-paced tempo and exploiting mismatches, and McCord must execute Ryan Day’s game plan to perfection. His ability to read Notre Dame’s defense, make adjustments at the line of scrimmage, and keep the Irish off balance will be crucial for Ohio State’s success.
- The Running Game: TreVeyon Henderson’s Impact
While McCord’s arm and the passing game will play a significant role, Ohio State’s running back TreVeyon Henderson could be the key to unlocking the offense. Henderson has been a consistent threat throughout the season, providing Ohio State with a dangerous ground attack that can control the tempo of the game.
Against a stout Notre Dame defense, Henderson will need to be at his best. The Irish have shown the ability to stop the run with their physical defensive front, but Henderson’s speed and vision allow him to break big runs at any given moment. Day will need to ensure that Henderson gets the necessary carries, especially in critical situations where the Buckeyes need to grind out yards and control the clock.
The run game will be critical not only to relieve some of the pressure on McCord but also to open up passing lanes by forcing Notre Dame to respect the ground attack. A productive running game will allow Ohio State to establish balance, forcing Notre Dame’s defense to spread out and giving McCord more favorable passing situations.
Furthermore, Henderson’s ability to contribute in the passing game, especially out of the backfield, will be an important element to Ohio State’s offensive strategy. By utilizing Henderson in the screen game or on short routes, Ohio State can further keep Notre Dame off balance and avoid being one-dimensional.
- Defensive Dominance: J.T. Tuimoloau’s Disruptive Force
On the other side of the ball, Ohio State’s defense, led by defensive lineman J.T. Tuimoloau, will be tasked with containing Notre Dame’s Sam Hartman, a veteran quarterback who has proven himself capable of leading the Irish offense. Hartman’s dual-threat ability, both as a passer and a scrambler, will pose a challenge for Ohio State’s defense, but they have the tools to contain him.
Tuimoloau, one of the top defensive players in the country, will be a key player in disrupting Notre Dame’s offense. He has the strength and speed to get to the quarterback and make life difficult for Hartman. Tuimoloau will be critical in Ohio State’s pass-rushing strategy, and his ability to collapse the pocket and force Hartman into uncomfortable situations will go a long way toward limiting Notre Dame’s offensive effectiveness.
Ohio State’s defense will also need to focus on stopping Audric Estime, Notre Dame’s powerful running back. The Buckeyes have been solid against the run all season, and they’ll need to continue that trend in the championship game. If Ohio State can limit Estime’s impact on the game, it will force Notre Dame to rely more on the passing game, which plays to the strengths of Ohio State’s defense.
The secondary, led by Denzel Burke, will also need to be on high alert. Notre Dame has several capable wide receivers, including Tobias Merriweather, who can make big plays in the passing game. Ohio State’s secondary must remain disciplined, avoiding blown coverages and giving up easy passes downfield. By forcing Hartman to make difficult throws under pressure, the Buckeyes can create turnovers and keep momentum on their side.
- Coaching and Game Management: Ryan Day’s Leadership
As much as the players will determine the outcome of the game, Ryan Day’s coaching and game management will play a pivotal role in Ohio State’s success. Day has proven himself as an excellent offensive mind, but the National Championship will test his ability to make key adjustments and manage the game under pressure.
One of Day’s primary tasks will be to stay aggressive on offense while not forcing the issue. Notre Dame’s defense is physical and opportunistic, so Ohio State will need to pick its spots carefully. Day must trust his playmakers and put McCord in positions to succeed, utilizing both the passing and running games to keep the defense guessing.
Defensively, Day’s ability to make adjustments in-game will be critical. If Notre Dame finds success with their running game or Hartman starts to pick apart the secondary, Day will need to adjust quickly. The defensive staff, led by coordinator Jim Knowles, must find ways to disrupt Hartman and prevent the Irish from finding a rhythm.
Additionally, special teams will play an important role. Ryan Day will need to ensure that the Buckeyes execute cleanly on kickoffs, punts, and field goals. With the stakes so high, Ohio State cannot afford any mistakes in the third phase of the game, so focusing on field position and limiting penalties will be crucial.
- Winning the Mental Battle
Finally, in such a high-pressure game, Ohio State must be mentally prepared to stay focused and composed. Notre Dame will undoubtedly come out with everything they have, and the Buckeyes must be ready for an emotional battle. Ohio State has faced adversity throughout the season, and players like McCord, Henderson, and Tuimoloau have experience in big moments. The leadership in the locker room, including veterans and captains, will be critical in keeping the team grounded and focused on the task at hand.
Forecast: How Ohio State Wins the National Championship
For Ohio State to win the 2025 CFP National Championship, they must execute a balanced and disciplined game plan. The Buckeyes have the talent to win, but they must remain focused on the fundamentals and take advantage of their strengths. McCord must manage the offense with precision, finding his playmakers in key moments while avoiding turnovers. Henderson’s ability to control the game on the ground will allow McCord to have more opportunities in the passing game, especially to the dynamic Marvin Harrison Jr.
Defensively, Ohio State must disrupt Hartman and stop the run game early. J.T. Tuimoloau will be key in creating pressure and forcing turnovers, while the secondary must be vigilant in coverage. The Buckeyes’ defense has the ability to make game-changing plays, and they must do so when the moment arrives.
Ultimately, Ryan Day’s leadership will be the deciding factor. If he can remain calm and confident, make the right adjustments, and trust his players to execute, Ohio State will have a great chance of securing the victory. A national championship for Ohio State would be a crowning achievement in Day’s career, solidifying his place as one of the premier coaches in college football history.
Ohio State wins the 2025 CFP National Championship, 35-24. The Buckeyes’ explosive offense, along with their stifling defense, will prove to be too much for Notre Dame, and Ryan Day will cement his legacy as a national champion.
