In the College Football Playoff National Championship game, Ohio State is a double-digit favorite over Notre Dame.

As the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship game draws near, the Ohio State Buckeyes find themselves entering the matchup as heavy favorites against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The Buckeyes, led by head coach Ryan Day and a roster loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, have been a dominant force all season. Their high-powered offense, complemented by a fast and aggressive defense, has made them one of the most formidable teams in college football. In contrast, Notre Dame, while highly respected and well-coached under Marcus Freeman, has a more balanced team, with an emphasis on discipline, physicality, and efficiency. Despite their strong season, however, the Fighting Irish are facing an uphill battle against the mighty Buckeyes, who are currently favored by double digits in the upcoming showdown.

As both teams prepare for the biggest stage in college football, the national spotlight has shone brightly on Ohio State’s powerful offensive attack, while Notre Dame’s defensive prowess and strategic game plan are being examined as their key to pulling off the upset. In this feature, we take an in-depth look at why Ohio State is considered such a heavy favorite and what Notre Dame must do to challenge the Buckeyes in this historic championship matchup.

Ohio State’s Road to the National Championship

Ohio State’s 2025 season has been nothing short of spectacular. The Buckeyes entered the College Football Playoff as the No. 1 seed after an impressive 13-0 regular season, which included wins over Big Ten rivals such as Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin. Their only challenge during the season came in a tightly contested victory over a tough Michigan squad, which showcased Ohio State’s ability to come from behind and perform under pressure.

On offense, Ohio State has been nearly unstoppable, averaging over 40 points per game. Quarterback Kyle McCord, who has grown into one of the top quarterbacks in the country, has been masterful in leading the Buckeyes’ high-flying passing attack. McCord’s ability to stretch the field with precise throws, combined with his deep connection with standout wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, has made Ohio State one of the most feared offenses in college football. Their ground game, led by running backs Trevyon Henderson and Miyan Williams, has also been highly effective, with Henderson breaking off explosive runs all season long. The combination of a potent passing game and a powerful rushing attack makes Ohio State’s offense virtually impossible to stop when it’s firing on all cylinders.

Defensively, Ohio State has been equally impressive. The Buckeyes have a fast and aggressive defense that is anchored by a deep defensive line, led by pass-rushers Jack Sawyer and Zach Harrison, and a secondary that features the ball-hawking Jahad Carter and Denzel Burke. Ohio State’s defense has proven to be versatile, able to shut down both the run and pass with ease. This balance allows the Buckeyes to dictate the tempo of games, putting constant pressure on opposing offenses. In their semifinal victory over Texas, Ohio State’s defense came up with a game-changing scoop-and-score by Jack Sawyer, a play that secured their spot in the National Championship game and proved the defense’s ability to seize opportunities in critical moments.

Notre Dame’s Road to the National Championship

While Ohio State’s dominance has been well-documented, Notre Dame has also had a remarkable season. The Fighting Irish, under head coach Marcus Freeman, finished with an 11-2 record, earning a spot in the College Football Playoff as the No. 4 seed. Their only losses came against top-ranked teams: a narrow defeat to Ohio State in the regular season and a hard-fought battle against Michigan. Despite these setbacks, Notre Dame has been a consistently dangerous team all year, with a well-balanced approach that combines strong defense with an efficient offense.

At the helm of the Fighting Irish offense is Sam Hartman, a veteran quarterback who has proven himself as one of the best in the country. Hartman has been efficient in both the passing game and on the ground, showing remarkable poise and leadership throughout the season. His ability to make quick decisions and read defenses has allowed Notre Dame’s offense to stay on schedule, even against some of the toughest defenses in the country. Hartman’s ability to spread the ball to multiple weapons, including wide receivers Jaden Greathouse and Braylon James, and running backs Audric Estime and Gi’Bran Payne, has kept opposing defenses guessing.

Defensively, Notre Dame has excelled in limiting explosive plays and controlling the line of scrimmage. Their defensive front, anchored by defensive linemen Riley Mills and Jack Kiser, has been able to stop the run and put pressure on quarterbacks. The secondary, led by safeties Xavier Watts and Benjamin Morrison, has been effective in keeping opposing receivers in check. One of Notre Dame’s trademarks has been their ability to adjust to their opponents, allowing them to stifle high-powered offenses when needed. In the CFP semifinal, Notre Dame faced a potent Alabama offense and used its defense to contain the Crimson Tide’s passing attack, securing a 30-23 win that earned them a shot at Ohio State.

Why Ohio State Is a Double-Digit Favorite

Despite Notre Dame’s impressive season, Ohio State enters the National Championship game as a double-digit favorite for several key reasons. The Buckeyes’ dominance in both the Big Ten and the College Football Playoff has been a testament to their depth, talent, and ability to execute in all facets of the game.

1. Ohio State’s Offensive Firepower: The Buckeyes’ offense has been nearly unstoppable all season, and the matchup against Notre Dame’s defense poses significant challenges. Ohio State’s ability to stretch the field with McCord’s passing and the downfield playmaking of Harrison Jr. and Egbuka gives them a distinct advantage. The Fighting Irish’s secondary will need to play out of its mind to limit these playmakers, especially given McCord’s ability to make pinpoint throws from the pocket. While Notre Dame’s defense has been excellent all year, it will have to face the most dynamic offense it has seen this season.
2. Ohio State’s Defensive Pressure: On the other side of the ball, Ohio State’s defense is one of the best in the country. The Buckeyes’ defensive line, led by Sawyer and Harrison, has been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. With Hartman under center for Notre Dame, Ohio State’s pass rush will likely play a major role in disrupting the Fighting Irish’s offensive rhythm. If Ohio State can force Hartman into uncomfortable situations, such as with pressure in his face and tight coverage on his receivers, it could be a long day for Notre Dame’s offense. The Buckeyes’ secondary, which has been outstanding this season, will also need to contain Notre Dame’s playmakers in the passing game.
3. Special Teams and Depth: Ohio State’s depth across all positions gives them a distinct advantage. From skill players to linemen to defensive backs, the Buckeyes have an abundance of talent that will help them wear down Notre Dame over the course of the game. Additionally, Ohio State’s special teams play has been efficient all season, and the ability to win the field position battle could be key in this championship game.
4. Big-Game Experience: Ohio State has been to the National Championship multiple times in the past decade, and the team’s experience in high-stakes games is invaluable. McCord and his teammates know what it takes to play at the highest level, and that poise will be critical against a Notre Dame squad that hasn’t been in this position as frequently. While Notre Dame has had a solid season and reached the championship game, Ohio State’s pedigree and experience in big games give them a psychological advantage heading into the contest.

What Notre Dame Must Do to Pull Off the Upset

Despite the odds stacked against them, Notre Dame is a team that cannot be underestimated. Freeman’s team has shown resilience all season, and the Fighting Irish have the tools to make this a competitive game. For Notre Dame to pull off the upset, they will need to execute a game plan that maximizes their strengths while minimizing Ohio State’s explosive plays.

1. Control the Clock and Keep McCord Off the Field: One of the keys to Notre Dame’s success will be to control the tempo of the game. By establishing a strong running game with Estime and Payne, Notre Dame can eat up clock and limit Ohio State’s offensive possessions. Keeping McCord off the field and reducing the number of opportunities for Ohio State’s offense to score could be a game-changer. Additionally, short, quick passes from Hartman will help neutralize Ohio State’s pass rush and keep the Buckeyes’ defense honest.
2. Limit Big Plays in the Passing Game: Ohio State’s offense thrives on explosive plays, particularly through the air. Notre Dame’s secondary must find ways to contain Harrison Jr., Egbuka, and the rest of Ohio State’s receiving corps. While it’s impossible to completely shut down such a potent passing attack, Notre Dame must make McCord work for every yard and prevent any long, game-breaking touchdowns.
3. Pressure McCord and Force Mistakes: Ohio State’s offense is explosive, but McCord has been known to make occasional mistakes, especially when pressured. Notre Dame’s defense will need to get after McCord and create opportunities for turnovers. By keeping McCord under duress, Notre Dame could force bad throws, tip passes, or even create interceptions, which could swing the momentum in their favor.
4. Win the Special Teams Battle: Special teams often play a pivotal role in championship games, and Notre Dame must find ways to win this phase. Whether it’s a key punt return, a clutch field goal, or a long kickoff return, Notre Dame must capitalize on any special teams opportunity to swing the game in their favor.