Ohio State and Notre Dame are both attempting to complete their redemption arcs in the College Football Playoff National Championship.

As the 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship approaches, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating a highly anticipated clash between two of college football’s most storied programs: the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. While both teams have endured their share of struggles and disappointments in recent seasons, they find themselves on the brink of redemption, with the opportunity to secure a national title and silence doubters once and for all. The matchup represents more than just a contest of football prowess; it’s the culmination of years of hard work, heartache, and determination for both programs.

Ohio State and Notre Dame each have a compelling narrative heading into this showdown, marked by past disappointments and the relentless pursuit of championship glory. This national championship game is the opportunity for both teams to complete their redemption arcs, solidifying their place in college football history. Let’s dive into the journey of these two programs and explore how their respective paths to this title game represent their efforts to rewrite their legacies.

Ohio State: A Quest for Validation After Near-Misses

For Ohio State, the 2024 season has been a redemption story in many ways. The Buckeyes have been a perennial powerhouse in college football, yet recent seasons have seen them come up just short of winning the national title. After a heartbreaking loss in the 2023 College Football Playoff, when Ohio State fell to Georgia in a dramatic semifinal, the Buckeyes were left to pick up the pieces and begin their quest for redemption.

The 2023 CFP loss, which saw Ohio State fall 42-41 to Georgia in a game that was defined by missed opportunities and late-game drama, stung particularly hard for Ohio State fans and players alike. A last-second field goal attempt that fell short and a defense that couldn’t stop Georgia’s explosive offense left Ohio State with an unmistakable sense of unfinished business. The Buckeyes had been so close to securing a spot in the national championship game, but instead, they were forced to deal with the disappointment of another “what could have been” moment.

That loss motivated Ryan Day and the Buckeyes to retool and focus on addressing the areas where they had faltered in 2023. Day’s coaching staff made strategic changes in the offseason, with a particular emphasis on strengthening the defense and improving the consistency of the offense. The focus was on winning the games that mattered most, especially in the postseason.

The Buckeyes entered the 2024 season with a new sense of purpose. After winning the Big Ten Championship with a dominant victory over Michigan, Ohio State marched its way to the CFP with a perfect 12-0 record. However, even with that flawless regular-season record, doubts still lingered. Could Ohio State get over the hump in the big moments? Would they be able to avoid the late-game heartbreak that had plagued them in the past?

The 2024 CFP journey has been a statement of intent. Ohio State’s defense has shown remarkable improvement, with standout performances from key players such as defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau and cornerback Denzel Burke. Meanwhile, quarterback Kyle McCord, in his first season as the starter, has excelled in managing the offense and making crucial throws when needed. His connection with Marvin Harrison Jr., one of the best wide receivers in college football, has been a game-changer for the Buckeyes, allowing them to put up big plays and explosive drives.

Now, in the National Championship, Ohio State has the opportunity to finally complete its redemption arc. A win would validate the program’s continued excellence and show that they can finally achieve the ultimate goal—winning a national championship. For the Buckeyes, this isn’t just about overcoming the ghosts of previous seasons, but about proving that they can handle the pressure and claim a title that has eluded them in recent years. Ryan Day has already cemented himself as one of the top coaches in college football, but this national title would be the key to taking his legacy to the next level and silencing the doubters once and for all.

Notre Dame: A Legacy Rebuilt Through Resilience

On the other side of the equation stands Notre Dame, a program that has also been chasing redemption for years. Like Ohio State, the Fighting Irish are no strangers to high expectations and heartbreaking near-misses. Notre Dame’s path to this point in the 2024 CFP National Championship has been defined by resilience, as the program has fought its way back from several seasons of disappointment.

The Fighting Irish have long been considered one of the premier programs in college football. Under Brian Kelly, who coached Notre Dame from 2010 to 2021, the team experienced several successful seasons, including appearances in the CFP. However, despite the success in the regular season, Notre Dame’s playoff appearances were marred by underwhelming performances. Most notably, their loss to Alabama in the 2021 CFP semifinal was a humiliating 31-14 defeat that left the Irish feeling like they were far from being true national contenders.

Following Kelly’s departure, Marcus Freeman took over as head coach in 2022, inheriting a team that was in need of revitalization. Freeman, a former defensive coordinator and a beloved figure at Notre Dame, promised to restore the program to its former glory, but the road to success would not be easy. The Fighting Irish were coming off a disappointing 9-4 season in 2022, and Freeman’s leadership was put to the test in his first year as head coach.

Despite a rough start to his tenure, Freeman’s vision for the program began to take shape in 2023. Notre Dame won key games against rivals like USC and Clemson, signaling that the team was finally trending in the right direction. The Fighting Irish had a lot to prove, and Freeman’s commitment to building a tough, physical program resonated with players.

By 2024, Notre Dame had become a juggernaut. The Fighting Irish entered the CFP with an 11-1 record, losing only to Ohio State in a tough matchup during the regular season. Notre Dame’s defense, anchored by Benjamin Morrison and linebacker JD Bertrand, was one of the most dominant in the country. On offense, quarterback Sam Hartman, a transfer from Wake Forest, had proved to be the missing piece the Irish needed. Hartman’s leadership and poise in big moments helped Notre Dame become one of the most dangerous teams in college football.

Notre Dame’s road to the National Championship has been nothing short of redemption. After years of questions about their ability to win the big one, the Irish have overcome the doubts to earn a spot in the title game. For Freeman, a win would be the ultimate affirmation of his vision for the program and his ability to bring Notre Dame back to national prominence. But more than that, it would be a validation of the years of hard work, resilience, and determination that have defined this Notre Dame team.

The redemption arc for Notre Dame is also deeply personal. Many of the players on the roster have endured their own trials and setbacks, and for them, the chance to claim a national championship is about more than just football. It represents a culmination of years of growth, not just as athletes but as individuals who have persevered through adversity.

The National Championship: A Game of Redemption

The 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship between Ohio State and Notre Dame is not just about which team is the better football team. It is about two programs who have faced adversity, fallen short in the past, and now have an opportunity to achieve their ultimate goal. For both teams, this game represents the chance to rewrite their legacies and prove that they have what it takes to be the best.

For Ohio State, it’s about shaking off the disappointment of previous years and finally claiming the national title that has eluded them. For Notre Dame, it’s about completing a long and arduous journey of rebuilding, resilience, and redemption, and proving that they can once again stand atop college football.

In the end, the winner of this game will not just be crowned national champion—they will also complete their redemption arc, cementing their place in college football history. Whether it’s Ryan Day’s Ohio State Buckeyes or Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame Fighting Irish, one team will emerge victorious and fulfill the ultimate redemption story.