For their first national championship since 2014, Ohio State defeats Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff championship game.

In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 College Football Playoff, Ohio State emerged victorious in the National Championship game, defeating Notre Dame 38-31 to claim their first title since 2014. The victory marked the culmination of a remarkable season for the Buckeyes, led by head coach Ryan Day, as they avenged a heartbreaking loss in the playoff semifinals just a year earlier. With their triumph, Ohio State etched its name in college football history, reaffirming their place as one of the most dominant programs of the 21st century.

The championship game was an epic battle between two of college football’s most storied programs. Ohio State, led by Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback Kyle McCord and standout wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., entered the game as the No. 2 seed, having defeated the top-seeded Georgia Bulldogs in the playoff semifinals. Notre Dame, under the direction of head coach Marcus Freeman, had also impressed in their run to the championship, defeating Texas in their semifinal matchup and earning a spot in the final for the first time since 2012.

The Road to the National Championship

Before diving into the exhilarating championship clash, it’s essential to recognize how both Ohio State and Notre Dame arrived at this pivotal moment. Each team had a remarkable season, showcasing depth, resilience, and an ability to perform in high-pressure situations.

Ohio State’s Journey

Ohio State entered the 2025 season with lofty expectations, as they were once again considered one of the most talented teams in the country. The Buckeyes’ season began with a dominant run through the Big Ten, where they went undefeated in the regular season, finishing with a perfect 12-0 record. McCord, in his final year, proved to be one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 35 touchdowns. His chemistry with Harrison, who emerged as one of the best wide receivers in college football, was the driving force behind the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense.

Ohio State’s defense, anchored by linebacker Jack Sawyer and a defensive line that was feared across the country, was equally impressive. The Buckeyes’ defense stifled some of the best offenses in college football, including Michigan and Penn State, two of their most difficult conference opponents. The combination of a potent offense and a suffocating defense propelled Ohio State to a No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff.

In the semifinals, Ohio State faced Georgia, the defending national champions. In a thrilling, back-and-forth contest, the Buckeyes emerged victorious in a 45-38 shootout, as McCord’s late-game heroics and a clutch performance from the defense secured their spot in the National Championship game.

Notre Dame’s Journey

Notre Dame, meanwhile, had quietly assembled a powerhouse team under Freeman’s leadership. The Fighting Irish finished the regular season with an impressive 11-1 record, their only loss coming in a close game against a tough Michigan team. Quarterback Sam Hartman, in his final college season, was a dynamic playmaker for Notre Dame, throwing for over 3,800 yards and 30 touchdowns. The Irish also boasted a strong running game, led by Audric Estimé, who was one of the top running backs in the country.

Defensively, Notre Dame’s front seven was one of the most feared in college football, with linebacker JD Bertrand and defensive lineman Rylie Mills anchoring a unit that dominated throughout the season. The Fighting Irish’s defense was particularly stout against the run, which allowed them to stifle many of their opponents’ offenses.

Notre Dame’s path to the championship game saw them upset Texas in the semifinals, winning a hard-fought 28-24 game. Hartman’s composure and poise under pressure allowed the Irish to rally in the second half and ultimately punch their ticket to the title game.

The Championship Showdown

With both teams arriving at the National Championship game brimming with confidence, the stage was set for a historic clash. The game was played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, in front of a packed crowd, and the atmosphere was electric from the opening kickoff. Ohio State and Notre Dame fans filled the stands, each side hoping their team would be the one to walk away with the championship trophy.

First Half: Ohio State Takes Control

The game began with both teams showing their offensive firepower early. Ohio State took the opening possession and wasted no time in showcasing their high-octane offense. McCord connected with Harrison on a 45-yard pass that set up a first-and-goal at the Notre Dame 5-yard line. On the very next play, McCord found running back TreVeyon Henderson on a screen pass, and Henderson sprinted into the end zone for a quick 7-0 lead.

Notre Dame responded with a methodical drive of their own. Hartman, operating with precision, marched the Fighting Irish down the field, connecting with tight end Michael Mayer and Estimé on key passes. The drive culminated in a 1-yard touchdown run by Estimé, tying the game at 7-7.

The teams traded touchdowns in the first half, with both offenses finding success. Ohio State took a 14-7 lead when McCord connected with Harrison for a 25-yard touchdown pass, but Notre Dame quickly answered with a 10-play, 75-yard drive, capped off by a 6-yard touchdown run by Estimé to tie the game at 14-14.

As the first half neared its conclusion, Ohio State’s defense began to tighten. On a critical third-and-long situation, Jack Sawyer delivered a crushing sack on Hartman, forcing the Irish to punt the ball back to the Buckeyes with less than two minutes remaining in the half. Ohio State capitalized on the opportunity, as McCord led a quick drive into Notre Dame territory. With just 12 seconds left, kicker Noah Ruggles nailed a 42-yard field goal to give Ohio State a 17-14 lead at halftime.

Second Half: Ohio State’s Defense Holds Strong

The second half began with both teams looking to establish momentum, but it was Ohio State’s defense that ultimately played the most significant role in the game. On Notre Dame’s first possession of the third quarter, the Fighting Irish appeared poised to take the lead, but Ohio State’s defense stepped up. Cornerback Denzel Burke intercepted Hartman on a deep pass attempt, giving Ohio State excellent field position at the Notre Dame 45-yard line.

McCord and the Ohio State offense made quick work of the short field, and on the second play of the drive, McCord threw a perfect 38-yard touchdown pass to Harrison, extending the Buckeyes’ lead to 24-14.

Notre Dame wasn’t finished yet, however. Hartman and the Irish responded with a long, clock-draining drive that took nearly six minutes off the clock. Hartman connected with Mayer for a key 20-yard reception, and Estimé capped off the drive with his third touchdown of the game, a 3-yard run that pulled the Irish within three at 24-21.

As the fourth quarter began, the tension in the stadium was palpable. Both teams knew the game was hanging in the balance. Ohio State’s offense answered the call with a methodical drive of their own. Henderson carried the load, running the ball with authority and picking up key first downs. The Buckeyes’ offense found the end zone again when McCord connected with tight end Cade Stover for a 10-yard touchdown, pushing the lead to 31-21.

Notre Dame wasn’t about to go down without a fight. Hartman orchestrated a brilliant 75-yard drive, capped off by a 15-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Chris Tyree, bringing the Fighting Irish within three points once again at 31-28.

However, Ohio State’s offense proved to be too much in the final minutes. McCord, cool under pressure, led the Buckeyes on a game-clinching drive. With just over two minutes remaining, McCord completed a crucial 4th-and-2 pass to Julian Fleming, and Henderson’s hard-nosed running allowed the Buckeyes to drain the clock. With just 24 seconds left, McCord threw his third touchdown pass of the game, finding Harrison in the corner of the end zone for a 7-yard score. The touchdown sealed the victory for Ohio State and secured their first national championship in over a decade.

Final Score: Ohio State 38, Notre Dame 31

Post-Game Reactions and Legacy

As the final whistle blew and the confetti rained down, Ohio State’s players and coaches erupted in celebration. For Ryan Day, the victory was the culmination of years of hard work and determination. After years of falling just short, the Buckeyes had finally returned to the pinnacle of college football. McCord, Harrison, and the rest of the Buckeyes were now immortalized in Ohio State history.

For Notre Dame, the defeat was heartbreaking, but they had proven themselves as one of the elite programs in the country. Freeman and the Fighting Irish had fought valiantly, but ultimately, Ohio State’s combination of offensive firepower and defensive resilience proved too much.

The victory also marked a turning point for Ohio State’s program, as Day’s leadership was now firmly established. The 2025 National Championship was a reminder of the Buckeyes’ dominance and their status as one of college football’s true blue bloods.

Looking Forward

With the championship in hand, Ohio State will now turn its attention to maintaining its dominance in the years to come. With a young, talented roster and the leadership of Day, the Buckeyes will look to build on this success and continue their quest for more championships. For Notre Dame, the future remains bright, and Freeman has proven that the Irish are on the cusp of greatness.

The 2025 National Championship game will go down in history as a classic, a thrilling contest between two legendary programs, with Ohio State emerging as the ultimate victor.