2025 College Football National Championship: Notre Dame vs. Ohio State – Odds, Best Bets, Trends, and Statistics

The 2025 College Football National Championship game between Notre Dame and Ohio State is shaping up to be a highly anticipated clash, bringing together two of the most storied programs in college football history. Fans of both teams are eagerly awaiting what promises to be an exciting and competitive matchup for the title. As the teams prepare to battle for the championship, sports analysts and betting enthusiasts alike are keenly watching the odds, trends, and statistics that could determine the outcome of this monumental game.

In this article, we will break down the odds, best bets, and key trends surrounding the 2025 College Football National Championship game between Notre Dame and Ohio State, offering insights into how each team stacks up statistically and where bettors might find value. Whether you’re a diehard fan, a casual viewer, or someone looking to place a bet on the game, this guide will provide a thorough analysis of what to expect when the Fighting Irish take on the Buckeyes for college football’s ultimate prize.

1. Team Overview: Notre Dame vs. Ohio State

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame enters the 2025 National Championship game after a spectacular season that saw them rise to prominence on both sides of the ball. The Fighting Irish have always been a force to be reckoned with in college football, but this year, they’ve reached new heights, largely due to their balanced roster and coaching staff led by head coach Marcus Freeman.

• Record: 12-1 (as of the National Championship)
• Key Players: Quarterback Sam Hartman, running back Audric Estime, and linebacker Jack Kiser have been standout performers throughout the season.
• Strengths: Notre Dame’s defense has been one of its strongest assets, ranking among the top in college football in total yards allowed and points per game. Offensively, the team has been powered by Hartman’s arm and Estime’s hard-running style, which makes them dangerous both in the air and on the ground.
• Weaknesses: Notre Dame’s biggest concern coming into this matchup has been consistency in the passing game. While Hartman has been solid, his receivers have sometimes struggled to make big plays, which could be problematic against a high-powered Ohio State defense.

Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State, coached by Ryan Day, has been one of the most dominant programs in recent years, and their success this season has further cemented their position as one of the elite teams in the nation. The Buckeyes boast a talented roster with a strong mix of offensive firepower and defensive prowess, making them a formidable opponent for any team.

• Record: 13-0 (undefeated heading into the National Championship)
• Key Players: Quarterback Kyle McCord, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., and defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau are some of Ohio State’s biggest stars.
• Strengths: Ohio State’s offense is one of the most explosive in the country, with McCord orchestrating an offense that averages over 40 points per game. The combination of McCord’s passing accuracy and Harrison’s playmaking ability makes them a deadly duo. Defensively, the Buckeyes are among the top teams in the country, particularly in terms of pass rush and overall defensive line play.
• Weaknesses: While Ohio State has been dominant, they’ve occasionally shown vulnerability against teams with strong running games. If Notre Dame can establish a solid ground attack with Estime and control the clock, it might be able to keep Ohio State’s offense off the field.

2. Key Statistics to Watch

Notre Dame’s Defensive Strength

One of the key statistics that could shape the outcome of this game is Notre Dame’s defensive capabilities. The Fighting Irish have been outstanding in limiting opponents’ yards and scoring, ranking in the top 10 in several key defensive categories, including total defense and scoring defense. In particular, Notre Dame has been adept at defending the pass, which will be crucial against Ohio State’s potent aerial attack.

• Total Defense (Notre Dame): 276.3 yards per game (Top 10 in the nation)
• Scoring Defense (Notre Dame): 18.4 points per game (Top 10 in the nation)
• Sacks and Tackles for Loss: 45 sacks (Top 15 in the nation)

Ohio State’s Offensive Firepower

Ohio State’s offense has been among the best in college football this season, with a balanced attack that can beat teams in a variety of ways. The Buckeyes rank in the top 5 in total offense, largely thanks to the combination of McCord’s arm and Harrison’s elite receiving ability. The key for Ohio State will be the ability to exploit Notre Dame’s secondary, which, while strong, may struggle to contain a player like Harrison, who is widely regarded as one of the best wide receivers in college football.

• Total Offense (Ohio State): 485.2 yards per game (Top 5 in the nation)
• Scoring Offense (Ohio State): 41.2 points per game (Top 5 in the nation)
• Passing Yards per Game (Ohio State): 295.5 yards (Top 10 in the nation)

Turnovers and Ball Control

In any championship game, the ability to protect the ball and capitalize on turnovers can be the difference between winning and losing. Both Notre Dame and Ohio State have excelled in creating turnovers this season, with strong defensive units capable of forcing interceptions and fumbles.

• Turnover Margin (Notre Dame): +7 (Top 20 in the nation)
• Turnover Margin (Ohio State): +5 (Top 25 in the nation)

Both teams have been disciplined in terms of avoiding costly turnovers, but with the national title on the line, expect to see intense pressure from both defenses, leading to potential mistakes. If either team can force multiple turnovers, it could shift the momentum and tilt the game in their favor.

3. Odds and Betting Trends

As the National Championship game draws closer, sportsbooks and oddsmakers have started to release odds for this monumental matchup. Let’s take a look at the latest odds and how they may impact the betting landscape for this game.

Current Odds:

• Ohio State: -7.5 (Favorites)
• Notre Dame: +7.5 (Underdogs)

The odds currently favor Ohio State by 7.5 points, which reflects their undefeated season and high-powered offense. However, the spread is relatively narrow, indicating that oddsmakers believe this will be a tightly contested game. The total points over/under for the game is set at 54.5, which suggests a moderately high-scoring affair but one where both teams may also rely on their defenses to make key stops.

Moneyline:

• Ohio State: -325
• Notre Dame: +270

Ohio State is the clear favorite to win outright, with a moneyline of -325. This means that a $325 bet on Ohio State would return $100 in profit if they win the game. Notre Dame, as the underdog, comes in at +270, meaning a $100 bet on the Fighting Irish would yield a $270 profit if they were to pull off the upset.

Over/Under (Total Points):

• Over 54.5 Points: -110
• Under 54.5 Points: -110

The over/under line is set at 54.5 points, reflecting the expectations for a moderately high-scoring game. With both teams having explosive offenses and capable defenses, betting on the total points may be a difficult but intriguing proposition.

4. Best Bets and Predictions

Based on the analysis of team strengths, trends, and statistics, here are some of the best bets to consider for the 2025 College Football National Championship game:

1. Ohio State to Cover the Spread (-7.5):

Given Ohio State’s potent offense and strong defensive play, they are the favorites for a reason. The Buckeyes have been nearly unstoppable this season, and their ability to score quickly could overwhelm Notre Dame’s defense. While Notre Dame has had a strong season and a solid defense, Ohio State’s explosive offense may ultimately be too much to handle. Betting on Ohio State to cover the spread is a reasonable wager.

2. Over 54.5 Total Points:

Both teams are capable of putting up points, and while Notre Dame’s defense is strong, they will face a significant challenge in slowing down Ohio State’s offense. Additionally, the Fighting Irish’s offense is capable of putting together sustained drives, particularly if they can establish a ground game with Audric Estime. With two teams capable of explosive plays, betting the over on total points could be a solid choice.

3. Ohio State Moneyline (-325):

Ohio State’s dominance throughout the season, combined with their high-powered offense, makes them the likely winner of the national championship. Although the odds aren’t in your favor for a huge payout, betting on Ohio State to win outright is a safe option, especially if you’re looking to place a larger bet on the game.

4. Notre Dame to Cover the Spread (+7.5):

While Ohio State is favored to win, Notre Dame has proven themselves capable of competing with elite teams. With a strong defense and a well-rounded offense, Notre Dame might be able to keep the game close and cover the spread. This could be a good bet for those who believe the Fighting Irish will hang tough until the final whistle.