CFP National Championship predictions for Ohio State vs. Notre Dame

The College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship is one of the most anticipated events in the sports calendar, a culmination of months of thrilling competition and dramatic outcomes. In the 2025 season, two traditional football powerhouses—Ohio State and Notre Dame—will face off for the ultimate prize in college football. Both programs have a rich history, an illustrious tradition of success, and a passionate fan base that stretches far beyond their respective campuses. As they square off in the final game of the season, fans are eagerly awaiting a contest filled with excitement, intensity, and high stakes.

The Ohio State Buckeyes, under head coach Ryan Day, have been perennial contenders in the CFP, consistently ranking among the top teams in the nation. With a deep roster, a powerful offense, and a defense that continues to improve, Ohio State has been on a mission to win their second national title in less than a decade. The Buckeyes’ offense, led by standout players such as quarterback Kyle McCord and a stable of dynamic playmakers, will look to overwhelm opponents, including the Notre Dame defense, which has proven resilient all season.

On the other side, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, under the leadership of Marcus Freeman, have made their return to prominence after a few years of retooling. Freeman, a former defensive coordinator for the Irish, has built a team that is tough, disciplined, and capable of competing with the best teams in the nation. With a solid mix of veteran players and young talent, Notre Dame’s defense, spearheaded by standout linebacker JD Bertrand and defensive lineman Riley Mills, will provide a formidable challenge for Ohio State’s explosive offense. On offense, quarterback Sam Hartman will need to continue his stellar play to ensure the Fighting Irish remain competitive.

The 2025 National Championship promises to be a battle of contrasting styles: Ohio State’s high-powered, up-tempo offense against Notre Dame’s methodical, defense-first approach. In this article, we will break down the key matchups, predict the outcome, and provide insight into what each team needs to do to emerge victorious in this epic showdown.

Offensive Breakdown: Ohio State’s High-Powered Attack vs. Notre Dame’s Resilient Defense

Ohio State Offense

The Ohio State Buckeyes boast one of the most potent offenses in the nation, which is the hallmark of their success in recent years. Under Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have developed a reputation for producing explosive plays, with an emphasis on passing the ball effectively and efficiently. The offense revolves around quarterback Kyle McCord, who has been a revelation in his first full season as the starting quarterback for Ohio State. McCord has developed a rapport with his playmakers and has the ability to stretch the field with his arm strength and accuracy.

In the passing game, McCord’s top targets are Marvin Harrison Jr., the consensus top wide receiver in college football, and Emeka Egbuka, another dynamic pass catcher. Both of these players have the size, speed, and route-running skills to create mismatches for opposing defenses. Harrison, in particular, is a future NFL first-round pick and has the ability to take over games with his athleticism and hands. This duo will be critical in Ohio State’s attempt to score quickly and put pressure on Notre Dame’s defense.

Beyond the passing game, Ohio State’s running game, led by Miyan Williams and Treyveon Henderson, has also been effective. The running back committee provides a one-two punch that keeps defenses honest and can wear them down throughout the game. The offensive line, anchored by Paris Johnson Jr., has been effective in both pass protection and creating running lanes. Ohio State’s offense, with its balance between the pass and run game, has been one of the most difficult units to stop in the country.

Notre Dame Defense

While Ohio State’s offense has been electric, Notre Dame’s defense has proven to be its strength all season long. The Irish pride themselves on a physical, disciplined defense that can stifle high-powered offenses. Led by defensive coordinator Al Golden, the Irish defense plays with a level of intensity and toughness that reflects the values of the program.

The Notre Dame defensive line, featuring stars like Riley Mills and Howard Cross, will need to create pressure on McCord to prevent him from settling in the pocket and taking shots downfield. The pass rush, though not the most statistically dominant, has been opportunistic and effective in big moments. If the Irish can disrupt McCord’s rhythm, they will have a chance to limit Ohio State’s scoring opportunities.

In the secondary, Benjamin Morrison and Clarence Lewis have been excellent in coverage, but they will have their hands full with Ohio State’s explosive wide receivers. The key for Notre Dame will be to limit the big plays and force McCord to make accurate throws under pressure. The Irish secondary will need to stay disciplined and avoid getting beat deep.

At linebacker, JD Bertrand is the heart and soul of the defense. As a tackling machine, Bertrand’s ability to read plays and react quickly will be crucial in trying to slow down Ohio State’s multifaceted attack. Notre Dame’s linebackers will also play a critical role in containing Ohio State’s run game, which can break off big gains if not properly managed.

The Key Offensive Battle

Ohio State’s high-powered offense will look to score quickly and force Notre Dame into a high-scoring game. McCord, Harrison Jr., and Egbuka will be key in creating explosive plays. However, if Notre Dame’s defense can limit the big plays and slow down the tempo, they will force Ohio State into more sustained drives, which will test their consistency.

The matchup between Ohio State’s offensive line and Notre Dame’s defensive line will be crucial. If Ohio State can give McCord time in the pocket, he will be able to exploit the Irish secondary. Conversely, if the Notre Dame defensive front can generate pressure and disrupt McCord’s timing, it will go a long way in neutralizing the Buckeyes’ offensive attack.

Defensive Breakdown: Notre Dame’s Tough Defense vs. Ohio State’s Physicality

Notre Dame Offense

On the flip side, the Notre Dame offense will have its work cut out against Ohio State’s defense. The Buckeyes have a strong defensive unit that has been particularly effective against the run, with defensive players like J.T. Tuimoloau and Zach Harrison leading the way up front. Ohio State’s defense has the talent to shut down running games and force teams to become one-dimensional, which will put a lot of pressure on Notre Dame’s quarterback, Sam Hartman.

Hartman, a seasoned veteran who transferred from Wake Forest, has been the key to Notre Dame’s offensive success. As an experienced leader, Hartman has the ability to read defenses and deliver accurate passes, particularly in short and intermediate situations. While he may not have the elite arm strength of some of Ohio State’s quarterbacks, Hartman has the poise and decision-making ability to lead his team in tough situations.

The Notre Dame offensive line, which has been a consistent strength for the team, will need to provide Hartman with time to operate and open up running lanes for Audric Estime. Estime has been a workhorse for the Irish this season, providing physicality and balance in the backfield. His ability to control the clock and keep Ohio State’s offense off the field will be critical for Notre Dame’s success.

The Irish will also need to establish a rhythm in the passing game. With weapons like Lorenzo Styles Jr. and Tobias Merriweather on the outside, Hartman has the tools to stretch the field. However, he will need to avoid forcing passes into Ohio State’s secondary, which has shown the ability to create turnovers throughout the season.

Ohio State Defense

Ohio State’s defense, under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, has improved significantly since his arrival. The Buckeyes have been more aggressive, showing better ability to stop the run and limit big plays in the passing game. The defensive front, anchored by Tuimoloau, has been one of the nation’s best at generating pressure on the quarterback. Their ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt Hartman’s rhythm will be a key factor in the outcome of this game.

The Buckeyes’ secondary, with players like Denzel Burke and Cam Brown, has been solid in coverage but will need to be on their toes against a versatile Notre Dame passing game. The key for Ohio State will be to prevent the big plays from Hartman and force Notre Dame into long, difficult drives. The Buckeyes’ defense excels when they can create turnovers and set up their offense with short fields.

The Key Defensive Battle

Ohio State’s defense will need to shut down Notre Dame’s run game and make Hartman one-dimensional. If they can force the Irish into passing situations, they can bring pressure and disrupt Hartman’s timing. The secondary’s ability to prevent explosive plays will also be vital in keeping the Notre Dame offense from gaining confidence and building momentum.

On the flip side, Notre Dame’s defense will need to prevent Ohio State from getting into an up-tempo rhythm. The Irish will focus on limiting the big plays and slowing down Ohio State’s passing attack. If they can force McCord into difficult situations and limit his ability to throw downfield, they will have a chance to disrupt the Buckeyes’ offensive flow.

Prediction: Ohio State 31, Notre Dame 21

The matchup between Ohio State and Notre Dame in the 2025 CFP National Championship is a fascinating one, with each team bringing distinct strengths to the table. Ohio State’s high-powered offense, led by McCord and Harrison Jr., is the key to their success. The Buckeyes’ ability to stretch the field and score quickly will be crucial to overwhelming Notre Dame’s defense.

However, Notre Dame’s defense will put up a strong fight, with players like Bertrand and Morrison trying to slow down the Buckeyes’ attack. If Notre Dame can limit Ohio State’s big plays and force them into long, sustained drives, they will have a chance to pull off an upset.

Ultimately, Ohio State’s offense will prove to be too much for Notre Dame’s defense, and McCord’s ability to make big throws in critical moments will lead the Buckeyes to a hard-fought victory. Expect a thrilling contest, but Ohio State’s firepower will be the difference in the end.

Final Score Prediction: Ohio State 31, Notre Dame 21