Who will prevail in the national championship match between Ohio State and Notre Dame? Our professional forecasts

The anticipation for the national championship match between Ohio State and Notre Dame promises to be an exciting clash of two of college football’s most storied programs. As both teams have demonstrated impressive performances throughout the season, this matchup will bring together powerhouse programs with rich histories, passionate fan bases, and elite rosters. The question on the minds of college football fans and analysts is: Who will prevail in the 2025 national championship game between Ohio State and Notre Dame? To answer this, we must examine various factors including team performance, individual player contributions, coaching strategies, and overall intangibles that will shape the outcome of this high-stakes contest.

Team Overview

Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State University, known for its dominance in college football, has established itself as one of the premier programs in the country. The Buckeyes are led by one of the nation’s most talented and deep rosters, with an offense and defense capable of going toe-to-toe with any opponent.

The Buckeyes’ offensive strength lies primarily in their potent passing game and offensive line. Quarterback Kyle McCord has emerged as a future NFL prospect, with a strong arm and impressive decision-making. Ohio State’s wide receiver corps, which includes dynamic playmakers like Marvin Harrison Jr., has been one of the most prolific units in the nation. Harrison, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, has consistently been one of the most productive wide receivers in college football and is expected to be a top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

The Ohio State offensive line has also been outstanding, providing McCord with the time he needs to make plays while also creating holes for the running game. Ohio State’s ground attack, led by running back Travon Henderson, has consistently been a force, though it has been somewhat overshadowed by the explosive passing game.

On defense, Ohio State has been equally formidable. Their front seven, led by defensive linemen like JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, is capable of dominating in the trenches and pressuring opposing quarterbacks. The Buckeyes’ secondary has also been elite, with cornerbacks and safeties that can match up against any receiving corps in the nation. Coach Ryan Day has instilled a balanced and aggressive defensive scheme, allowing the Buckeyes to stifle opponents’ offenses.

Ohio State’s special teams, with their outstanding kicking game and return units, are also among the best in the country, often providing key field position advantages.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame, traditionally one of college football’s most respected programs, has undergone a resurgence under head coach Marcus Freeman. While the Fighting Irish have not had the same level of sustained dominance as Ohio State in recent years, they are a perennial contender, and their 2025 team is no exception. Notre Dame boasts an impressive mix of talent on both sides of the ball, with a solid defense, efficient offense, and a winning mentality.

On offense, Notre Dame has been led by Sam Hartman, a veteran quarterback who transferred from Wake Forest and has provided stability and leadership at the most critical position. Hartman is a skilled passer with an ability to execute both short and long-range throws, and his poise in high-pressure situations makes him an invaluable asset to the team.

Notre Dame’s running game has also been highly effective, with Audric Estime providing a power-running element that helps control the clock and balance the offense. While the Irish do not have a wide receiver corps quite as deep or explosive as Ohio State’s, players like Jaden Greathouse and Chris Tyree have made big plays throughout the season and are capable of stepping up in big moments.

Defensively, Notre Dame has been one of the most stout units in the country, led by a front seven that is physical, fast, and relentless. The Irish defensive line, anchored by star defensive linemen like Isaiah Foskey, has wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks, while the linebacker corps has consistently made plays in both the run game and in pass coverage.

Notre Dame’s secondary is also among the best in the country, with Benjamin Morrison and DJ Brown providing excellent coverage and playmaking ability. The Irish defense, which has been able to both pressure quarterbacks and stifle opposing offenses, will face one of its toughest challenges in Ohio State’s high-powered offense.

Special teams for Notre Dame have been solid as well, with their punting and kicking units providing reliability in critical situations.

Key Matchup Factors

Quarterback Play

The battle between Ohio State’s Kyle McCord and Notre Dame’s Sam Hartman will be one of the key determinants of this game. McCord has demonstrated exceptional growth as a leader of the Ohio State offense, and his connection with wide receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr. has been one of the highlights of the season. However, Hartman’s experience and ability to perform in clutch situations give Notre Dame an edge in terms of leadership and poise.

Both quarterbacks will be asked to make plays under pressure, and their ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and maintain composure will be critical. McCord will need to use his weapons effectively, taking advantage of Ohio State’s explosive playmakers, while Hartman will rely on his experience and ability to control the tempo of the game to keep Notre Dame in the contest.

Offensive Line Play

Both teams boast impressive offensive lines, but Ohio State’s line has been particularly dominant, allowing McCord ample time to work his magic in the passing game. The Buckeyes’ line will need to protect McCord against Notre Dame’s ferocious pass rush led by their defensive line, including stars like Foskey and linebacker JD Bertrand. Conversely, Notre Dame’s offensive line will face a stiff challenge from Ohio State’s defensive line, which features elite pass-rushers like Tuimoloau and Sawyer.

The team that wins in the trenches will likely gain a significant advantage, as the line of scrimmage will dictate the flow of both the running and passing games. Ohio State’s offensive line has been more consistent throughout the season, but Notre Dame’s line is more than capable of holding its own against the Buckeyes’ defensive front.

Defensive Schemes and Game Plans

Ohio State’s defense has been impressive at times, but it has shown vulnerabilities, especially against mobile quarterbacks and dynamic offenses. Notre Dame will look to exploit these weaknesses by mixing in running plays with Hartman’s short-to-intermediate passing game. The Irish will need to maintain possession and keep McCord and the high-powered Ohio State offense off the field.

Ohio State’s defense, on the other hand, will look to disrupt Hartman’s rhythm, forcing him to make mistakes under pressure. The Buckeyes’ defensive line, in particular, will have to get pressure on Hartman without allowing him to get comfortable in the pocket.

Both teams have strong defenses, but Ohio State’s ability to shut down opposing offenses with a balanced attack will be a significant factor. Notre Dame will need to take calculated risks on offense to create explosive plays while managing the clock and protecting the ball.

Special Teams and Field Position

In a game as high-stakes as the national championship, special teams can make a huge difference. Ohio State has a history of strong special teams play, with their return units and kicking game often providing key advantages. Notre Dame’s special teams have also been solid, and they will need to execute perfectly to avoid giving Ohio State any momentum-shifting plays.

Field position battles will be critical, especially when both teams are likely to be competitive in all phases of the game. Punting, kick returns, and timely field goals could be the difference between victory and defeat.

Intangibles

Coaching

Coaching will play a pivotal role in this matchup. Ryan Day has been a successful head coach at Ohio State, guiding the Buckeyes to multiple College Football Playoff appearances. His ability to adjust in-game, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, will be key to Ohio State’s success. However, Marcus Freeman’s ability to instill a sense of toughness and resilience into Notre Dame’s squad should not be underestimated. Freeman has brought a fresh perspective to Notre Dame football, and his leadership will be tested on the biggest stage.

The ability to make halftime adjustments, especially in the face of a high-pressure game, will be critical for both coaches. Their decision-making in terms of game strategy, clock management, and player substitutions will have lasting consequences.

Fan Support

Both Ohio State and Notre Dame have passionate fan bases, but Ohio State’s larger and more widespread following may give them a slight advantage in terms of fan support and energy at the game. Ohio State’s fans are known for their unwavering loyalty and can provide a significant home-field advantage, particularly in a neutral-site game that might see a sea of red in the stands.

Pressure and Mental Toughness

The mental toughness of both teams will be tested in a championship environment. Ohio State’s history of competing in high-stakes games may provide them with an edge in terms of handling pressure, but Notre Dame has a tradition of excelling on big stages as well. The ability to execute under pressure and avoid mistakes will be paramount.