In an exciting College Football Playoff final, Ohio State defeated Notre Dame 34-23 to win their ninth National Title.

The stage was set for one of the most anticipated National Championship games in recent memory. Ohio State, a powerhouse program that had seen its fair share of success in college football, was looking to add a ninth national title to its storied history. Their opponents, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, were no strangers to the big stage, and under head coach Marcus Freeman, they were eager to capture their first title since 1988. What unfolded on that fateful night was a thrilling, heart-pounding contest that not only showcased the skill and talent of both teams but also solidified Ohio State’s place in college football history.

The Buckeyes came into the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship game with a team loaded with talent, led by their star quarterback Will Howard and a formidable defense. Ohio State had faced its fair share of adversity throughout the season, but their resilience, led by head coach Ryan Day, had them primed for this championship opportunity. On the other side, Notre Dame was fueled by a strong defense and an offense that had shown explosive potential all season long. The combination of the Buckeyes’ offensive firepower and the Irish’s defensive prowess promised to make for an exciting contest, and the game lived up to every expectation.

1. The First Half: A Tight, Tactical Battle

From the opening kickoff, it was clear that this would be a close, hard-fought battle. Both teams came out of the gate with an intense, physical approach to the game. Notre Dame’s defense, ranked among the best in the nation, came prepared to challenge Ohio State’s high-powered offense. The Irish were successful early on, forcing the Buckeyes into a couple of tough third-down situations. However, the Buckeyes’ offensive line stood strong, and Will Howard showed poise under pressure, making critical throws to his playmakers.

The game’s first touchdown came midway through the first quarter when Ohio State’s Will Howard connected with wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. for a beautiful 45-yard touchdown pass. The chemistry between Howard and Harrison was evident, with Harrison showcasing his elite route-running ability and Howard threading the needle with a perfectly placed pass. The Buckeyes led 7-0, sending their fans into a frenzy.

However, Notre Dame was not going to be easily shaken. Their offense, led by quarterback Sam Hartman, quickly responded with a methodical drive down the field. Hartman, known for his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions, led Notre Dame’s offense with precision. A key 30-yard completion to wide receiver Jaden Greathouse set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Notre Dame’s running back Audric Estime to tie the game at 7-7.

The rest of the first half was a defensive showcase, with both teams trading blows in a battle of field position. Ohio State’s defense, led by linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, did its best to disrupt Notre Dame’s offensive rhythm, while Notre Dame’s defense—anchored by standout linebacker JD Bertrand—was able to slow down Ohio State’s powerful rushing attack.

With the game knotted at 7-7 in the second quarter, both teams had chances to take the lead but came up short due to missed field goals and critical stops by each defense. The game felt like it could go either way, as both teams were clearly capable of making big plays, but neither could find a way to capitalize fully.

2. The Turning Point: Ohio State’s Defense Steps Up

As the second half began, the tension in the stadium was palpable. Fans knew that this was the point where both teams would need to dig deep if they wanted to claim the national title. Ohio State, with its defense coming off a strong first half, was determined to shift the momentum in its favor.

The turning point of the game came early in the third quarter. After a series of back-and-forth drives that resulted in punts, Notre Dame found themselves with a crucial opportunity to take the lead after forcing Ohio State into a three-and-out. Sam Hartman, who had been steady throughout the game, dropped back for a key third-and-long situation. He had time to throw but was under pressure from Ohio State’s defensive line. Just as he went to release the ball, defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau broke through the offensive line and knocked the ball loose. Linebacker Tommy Eichenberg scooped up the fumble and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown.

Ohio State’s defense, which had been solid all season but occasionally struggled in high-pressure moments, delivered a massive play that shifted the tide of the game. The Buckeyes were now leading 14-7, and the momentum had firmly swung in their favor. Notre Dame, now trailing, was forced to adjust, and Ohio State’s defense would not let up.

The Irish, now facing a deficit, tried to respond, but their offense was stifled by Ohio State’s pass rush and secondary. Sam Hartman, despite his best efforts, found himself under constant pressure, and key incompletions led to a three-and-out. Ohio State’s defense had established control of the game, and the Buckeyes’ offense was ready to take advantage of the momentum shift.

3. Offensive Firepower: Will Howard and Marvin Harrison Jr. Deliver

With the lead now in hand, Ohio State’s offense started to show why they had been so dangerous all season. Will Howard, who had been calm and composed under pressure, led the offense with a sense of urgency and confidence. He started to make quicker decisions, and his connection with star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. proved to be unstoppable.

The Buckeyes’ next drive was a thing of beauty. Howard orchestrated a mix of run-pass options, keeping Notre Dame’s defense on their heels. Running back TreVeyon Henderson had some key carries to keep the defense honest, but it was Howard’s connection with Harrison that made the biggest difference. With the Irish defense focused on stopping the run and trying to contain Ohio State’s dynamic playmakers, Howard connected with Harrison on back-to-back passes for 20 and 30 yards.

The second of those passes came on a deep ball down the sideline, where Harrison used his superior speed and ball-tracking ability to leap over a Notre Dame defender and make the catch at the 5-yard line. The very next play, Howard fired a quick pass to the corner of the end zone, where Harrison made a diving catch for his second touchdown of the game. The Buckeyes were now up 21-7.

Notre Dame wasn’t done, though. Their defense had been tested, but their offense had found a way to stay competitive. On the ensuing possession, Hartman and Estime spearheaded a fast-paced drive that saw them convert multiple third downs. Hartman connected with tight end Mitchell Evans for a 22-yard touchdown pass, cutting Ohio State’s lead to 21-14.

But just as Notre Dame appeared to be gaining momentum, Ohio State’s defense came up big again. On the next drive, with the Irish threatening to tie the game, Ohio State linebacker Steele Chambers intercepted Hartman’s pass intended for the end zone. The momentum continued to favor the Buckeyes, and it was becoming clear that Notre Dame’s offense was struggling to execute when it mattered most.

4. Finishing Strong: Ohio State Clinches the Win

With just under 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Ohio State had a chance to put the game out of reach. A methodical drive, led by Howard and Henderson, ate up precious clock and kept the Notre Dame defense on its heels. The Buckeyes, looking to seal the game, had a pivotal third-and-goal from the 7-yard line.

In what would prove to be a defining moment, Howard found his tight end Cade Stover in the end zone for a 7-yard touchdown pass. Stover, who had been a quiet contributor all season, came up with a clutch catch when his team needed it most. The touchdown extended Ohio State’s lead to 28-14, and it seemed as though the championship was within their grasp.

Notre Dame, now down two touchdowns, had one final opportunity to mount a comeback. However, the Ohio State defense held firm, and despite a late touchdown run by Estime, the Irish’s rally fell short. The final score was 34-23 in favor of Ohio State, securing the Buckeyes’ ninth National Championship and their first since the 2014 season.

5. Ryan Day’s Moment of Triumph

As the final whistle blew and the confetti fell, the Ohio State Buckeyes were officially crowned the 2025 National Champions. For head coach Ryan Day, it was a moment of redemption and triumph. After years of coming up just short—whether in the playoff, against Michigan, or in national championship contention—Day had finally delivered the title that so many had questioned him about. He had led his team to victory in the face of adversity, overcoming injuries and tough competition to stand atop college football once again.

“Now what are they going to say?” Day mused after the game, a confident smile on his face as he basked in the glory of the moment. His critics, who had doubted his ability to win the big one, had been silenced. His leadership and the resilience of his team were now cemented in Ohio State football lore.

For the players, coaches, and fans, the 2025 National Championship was a moment to remember. It was a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and belief. As Ohio State celebrated their victory, it was clear that they had earned their place as one of college football’s premier programs—forever immortalized as the 2025 National Champions.