In the NCAA Championships, Ohio State easily defeats Notre Dame by displaying their superior ability, athleticism, and strategy.

The NCAA Championship game is one of the most anticipated events in college sports, drawing fans from across the nation, eager to witness the best of the best compete for glory. When Ohio State faced off against Notre Dame in the 2025 NCAA Championship, the stakes were as high as they could get, and the energy in the stadium was electric. The Buckeyes came into the game with a singular goal: to prove that their combination of athleticism, strategy, and skill would be enough to secure a decisive victory. What transpired was a masterful performance by Ohio State, who effortlessly dominated Notre Dame to claim the title, showcasing their superiority in every facet of the game.

The Buckeyes’ performance in this championship was not just a testament to their raw talent but also to the meticulous preparation and strategic brilliance of head coach Ryan Day and his staff. From the opening whistle to the final seconds of the game, Ohio State was in complete control, using their superior physicality, mental toughness, and game-planning to dismantle a Notre Dame team that had looked formidable all season. This was a game that not only solidified Ohio State’s dominance but also showcased why they are one of the most feared teams in college football today.

Ohio State’s Offensive Powerhouse

At the core of Ohio State’s triumph was their explosive and multi-dimensional offense. The Buckeyes came into the game with one of the highest-scoring offenses in the country, and they showed exactly why they were so feared. From the opening drive, it was clear that Notre Dame’s defense was in for a tough night. Ohio State’s offensive line, which had been outstanding all season, created massive holes for the running backs, while the receiving corps—led by Bryson Rodgers and Emeka Egbuka—took advantage of every opportunity to stretch the field.

Quarterback play has always been a point of strength for Ohio State, and in this game, it was no different. The Buckeyes’ signal-caller, Kyle McCord, was sharp from the start. McCord displayed poise under pressure, managing the game with precision and accuracy. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and execute the offense at a high level was a key factor in Ohio State’s ability to dictate the tempo of the game. Whether he was delivering a deep ball to Rodgers on a perfectly timed fade or finding Cade Stover on a well-executed crossing route, McCord demonstrated the kind of leadership that defines championship-caliber quarterbacks.

Notre Dame’s defense, which had prided itself on physicality and toughness throughout the season, simply couldn’t match up with the speed and precision of Ohio State’s offense. TreVeyon Henderson, the Buckeyes’ dynamic running back, was able to find space behind his offensive line and accelerate through it, breaking multiple long runs. His ability to push the pile and pick up yards after contact was critical in wearing down Notre Dame’s defense, which struggled to get off the field throughout the game.

The offensive line, led by Paris Johnson Jr. and Dawand Jones, was instrumental in neutralizing Notre Dame’s pass rush. The line gave McCord ample time in the pocket, allowing him to survey the field and deliver the ball with precision. On the ground, the running game was equally effective, with Henderson and Miyan Williams churning out crucial yards and picking up first downs to control the clock.

One of the key aspects of Ohio State’s offensive game plan was their ability to diversify the attack. The Buckeyes used a combination of short, quick passes and deep strikes down the field to keep the defense guessing. The quick passing game, with McCord hitting his receivers in stride and allowing them to make plays after the catch, kept the chains moving. At the same time, the deep ball opened up huge chunks of real estate for receivers to exploit, forcing Notre Dame to play defense on their heels.

Defensive Domination: Ohio State’s Control on D

While Ohio State’s offense was spectacular, it was their defense that truly set the tone for the game. Notre Dame entered the championship game with a reputation for having a balanced offensive attack, but they were utterly stifled by the Buckeyes’ defense. Ohio State’s defense, which had been one of the top units in the nation all season, came to play with intensity and discipline.

The front seven, anchored by defensive tackle J.T. Tuimoloau and linebacker Cody Simon, was dominant from the first snap. Tuimoloau’s ability to disrupt the quarterback’s rhythm, combined with Simon’s sideline-to-sideline range, meant that Notre Dame’s offensive line was constantly under pressure. The Buckeyes’ defensive line wreaked havoc in the backfield, forcing Sam Hartman, Notre Dame’s experienced quarterback, to scramble and make hurried decisions. Whether it was a well-timed blitz or a perfectly executed stunt, Ohio State’s defensive front created chaos that Notre Dame’s offense couldn’t overcome.

The secondary also stepped up in a big way. Denzel Burke, Jordan Hancock, and Sonny Styles were all over Notre Dame’s receivers, rarely giving them any space to operate. The Buckeyes’ defensive backs played physical, smart football, staying tight in coverage and forcing Hartman to make difficult throws. As the game wore on, it became evident that Notre Dame’s receivers couldn’t create the separation they needed to generate explosive plays. Ohio State’s defense not only contained the passing attack but also stifled the run game, forcing Notre Dame into predictable passing situations where their offensive line struggled to protect Hartman.

Notre Dame had no answers for Ohio State’s defense. The Buckeyes’ defensive game plan was perfectly executed, and their aggressive, opportunistic play was rewarded. Whether it was getting off the field on third down, forcing a turnover, or shutting down red zone opportunities, Ohio State’s defense made sure that Notre Dame never had a legitimate chance to get back into the game.

Coaching Brilliance: Ryan Day’s Game Plan

One of the most underrated aspects of Ohio State’s performance was the brilliance of head coach Ryan Day. Day, who has earned a reputation as one of the most innovative offensive minds in college football, showed in this game that his abilities extend far beyond just Xs and Os on the offensive side of the ball. His defensive coordinators, Jim Knowles and Kerry Coombs, had the defense prepared to perfection, and Day’s ability to motivate his team, keep them focused, and adjust throughout the game was a huge reason for Ohio State’s success.

Day’s game plan was methodical and calculated. He understood that Notre Dame, while a talented team, didn’t have the same level of athleticism as Ohio State. Day made sure to exploit that difference by spreading the field, using tempo to wear down Notre Dame’s defense, and forcing their defenders into uncomfortable situations. On the defensive side, Day and his staff recognized that Notre Dame’s offense was built on rhythm and precision. By applying constant pressure to Hartman and forcing him out of his comfort zone, Ohio State disrupted Notre Dame’s entire offensive strategy.

Ryan Day also demonstrated excellent in-game management, making critical decisions when it mattered most. He knew when to push the tempo and when to slow things down, always making sure his team was in the best position to succeed. His ability to adapt on the fly and make adjustments during key moments showed just how much Ohio State has grown under his leadership.

Special Teams: Ohio State’s Hidden Edge

In addition to their offensive and defensive dominance, Ohio State’s special teams unit also played a critical role in the game. Noah Ruggles, the Buckeyes’ reliable kicker, was perfect on the night, hitting field goals when called upon and ensuring that Ohio State kept the scoreboard ticking. Additionally, the punt and kick return units provided solid field position, giving the offense a favorable starting point throughout the game.

On the flip side, Notre Dame struggled to execute in the special teams phase. Whether it was a botched punt, a missed field goal, or a lack of field position, the Fighting Irish were unable to capitalize on special teams opportunities, which only added to their mounting frustrations.