How to Watch the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship is set to be a thrilling clash between two of college football’s most storied programs: the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. With both teams having a rich history and passionate fan bases, this championship promises to deliver an exciting contest. Fans across the nation are eager to witness the showdown between these elite programs, and it’s essential to know how to watch the game. From TV channels and streaming services to game-day coverage and analysis, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to watch the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship game between Ohio State and Notre Dame.

1. Game Overview: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

Before diving into the logistics of watching the game, let’s take a quick look at the teams involved and what makes this matchup so special.

Ohio State Buckeyes:
Under the leadership of Head Coach Ryan Day, Ohio State has become a perennial powerhouse in college football. The Buckeyes have an impressive record of success, including numerous Big Ten titles and College Football Playoff appearances. Their explosive offense, led by a high-powered passing attack and a dynamic running game, makes them a dangerous opponent for any team. The defense, bolstered by elite recruits and top-tier coaching, rounds out Ohio State as one of the most complete teams in college football.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish:
The Fighting Irish, coached by Marcus Freeman, have been a mainstay in college football’s upper echelon. Known for their tough, physical play and a strong, balanced offensive and defensive game, Notre Dame has earned respect and admiration over the years. Despite their independent status, Notre Dame’s historic program has faced top teams from across the country, and they’ve proven time and time again that they can compete with the best.

With two programs of such high prestige, the 2025 National Championship game will be a battle of college football titans. Fans can expect a highly competitive, fast-paced game that showcases the best talent in the sport.

2. Date, Time, and Location

The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship will take place on January 13, 2025. The game will be held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. This venue has hosted several memorable college football matchups in the past, and it’s expected to provide a fantastic backdrop for the championship contest.

The game will be broadcast in prime time, with a scheduled kickoff time of 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). Fans on the West Coast will be able to tune in at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time (PT), while those in the Midwest will catch the action at 7:00 p.m. Central Time (CT). Make sure to set your alarms or adjust your schedules accordingly!

3. TV Coverage: Where to Watch the Game

For fans planning to watch the game on traditional television, the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship will be broadcast by ESPN, the primary broadcaster for the College Football Playoff series. ESPN has extensive coverage of the playoff games, and viewers can expect a highly professional, in-depth broadcast of the game with expert commentary, analysis, and pre-game and post-game coverage.

ESPN’s pre-game show typically begins well before the game, with coverage starting a few hours prior to kickoff. The pre-game show includes interviews with coaches and players, breakdowns of each team’s strengths and weaknesses, and predictions on the outcome of the game. For fans who want to get a closer look at the teams before the action kicks off, the pre-game show is an excellent way to prepare for the big game.

If you don’t have cable but still want to watch the game, there are several streaming options available. ESPN offers multiple ways for fans to watch the game online:

4. Streaming Options

a) ESPN+ (Subscription Required)

ESPN+ is a streaming service that provides access to a variety of live sports events, including college football games. While the College Football Playoff National Championship will be available on ESPN’s main channel, ESPN+ might offer additional coverage, such as behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and more in-depth analysis of the game. A subscription to ESPN+ will allow you to access this content and stay updated with the latest developments surrounding the game.

b) Hulu + Live TV (Subscription Required)

Hulu + Live TV offers live streaming of ESPN channels, including ESPN, which will broadcast the championship game. This service includes live streaming access to both the pre-game and game-day coverage, as well as post-game shows. Hulu + Live TV also allows for DVR capabilities, meaning fans can record the game if they are unable to watch it live and catch up later.

c) YouTube TV (Subscription Required)

Another popular streaming service, YouTube TV, provides access to ESPN and a variety of other sports channels. YouTube TV offers a free trial for new users, making it an ideal option for those who want to watch the game without committing to a long-term subscription. With YouTube TV, you can access live coverage of the game and replays, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the action.

d) FuboTV (Subscription Required)

FuboTV is another excellent streaming service that offers ESPN as part of its live TV package. It also provides comprehensive coverage of college football games, including the National Championship. FuboTV is known for its excellent streaming quality and extensive sports coverage, making it a solid option for fans who want to watch the game from the comfort of their homes.

e) Sling TV (Subscription Required)

Sling TV offers access to ESPN through its Sling Orange package. While Sling TV requires a subscription, it is generally more affordable than other streaming services, which can be a major benefit for fans looking to watch the championship game without breaking the bank. Sling TV also offers the flexibility to cancel or modify your subscription as needed.

5. Watch Parties and Bars

For fans who prefer to watch the game in a social setting, watch parties and sports bars are popular options. Many Ohio State and Notre Dame alumni associations host watch parties in cities across the country, where fans can come together to cheer on their teams. If you’re near a large city or a college town, check local event listings or reach out to your alumni chapter for details on watch parties.

Sports bars are another great option for fans looking to catch the game in a lively, energetic atmosphere. Popular chains such as Buffalo Wild Wings, Hooters, and local establishments often broadcast college football games on multiple screens, providing a great setting for game-day viewing. Be sure to arrive early to secure a good seat and enjoy the pre-game festivities.

6. Game-Day Coverage and Additional Content

Leading up to the 2025 National Championship, ESPN will provide extensive coverage, offering everything from player interviews to tactical breakdowns and predictions. College GameDay, ESPN’s flagship pre-game show, will likely be live from Miami, providing expert analysis on the two teams’ chances in the championship game.

Fans should tune in early to catch all the pre-game content, which typically includes:

• In-depth team previews: ESPN analysts break down the strengths and weaknesses of Ohio State and Notre Dame.
• Key matchups: Expert analysts highlight specific players or units (such as Ohio State’s wide receivers vs. Notre Dame’s secondary) to watch during the game.
• Coach interviews: Both teams’ head coaches typically offer insight into their preparations and game plans.
• Heisman Trophy winners and All-Americans: ESPN frequently features special guests, including past Heisman Trophy winners or other legends of college football, adding to the atmosphere of the championship game.

7. Social Media and Interactive Coverage

For fans who want to engage in real-time discussions and interact with other fans, social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook are essential. Hashtags like #CFPNationalChampionship or #GoBucks (Ohio State) and #GoIrish (Notre Dame) will be trending throughout the game, allowing fans to join the conversation, post highlights, and share their excitement.

Additionally, both Ohio State and Notre Dame will have their own social media channels, providing exclusive behind-the-scenes content, team updates, and fan interactions. These accounts will likely post pre-game hype videos, player interviews, and live updates during the game.

8. Post-Game Coverage and Highlights

After the final whistle blows, you’ll want to catch the post-game analysis and highlights. ESPN will provide coverage of the game’s aftermath, including interviews with key players, the head coaches’ reactions, and an analysis of how the game unfolded. For those unable to watch live, ESPN’s website and YouTube channels will provide highlights, allowing fans to relive the best moments from the championship game.