Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Brian Kelly Shares His Selection

Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Brian Kelly Shares His Selection

The rivalry between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish is one of the most storied matchups in college football history. These two powerhouse programs have long been staples of excellence, with a rich history of championships, iconic players, and legendary coaches. The 2025 season sees a highly anticipated clash between these two teams, with both squads looking to solidify their status as national championship contenders. In the midst of this high-stakes showdown, Brian Kelly, the former Notre Dame head coach now at LSU, has been asked to weigh in on the upcoming game between the Buckeyes and the Fighting Irish. As one of the most respected coaches in college football, Kelly’s opinion on this matchup carries significant weight, and his insights offer a unique perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of both teams.

In this article, we will break down the key aspects of this rivalry, analyze Brian Kelly’s thoughts on the game, and delve into the factors that could determine the outcome of this thrilling contest. From Ohio State’s dynamic offense to Notre Dame’s strong defense, the stage is set for an unforgettable battle. Kelly’s experience coaching both teams provides valuable insight into what to expect from the game and how each squad stacks up against one another.

The History of the Ohio State vs. Notre Dame Rivalry

Before diving into the 2025 matchup, it is essential to understand the historical significance of this rivalry. Ohio State and Notre Dame are two of the most prestigious programs in college football. Ohio State, with its tradition of excellence in the Big Ten Conference, has produced numerous national championships, Heisman Trophy winners, and NFL stars. The Buckeyes are known for their powerful running game, relentless defense, and exceptional coaching.

On the other hand, Notre Dame is a program with a legacy that spans decades, known for its rich history and national appeal. The Fighting Irish are one of the most famous and recognizable teams in college football, with a fanbase that stretches across the country. Notre Dame has won multiple national championships, and its storied tradition includes legendary coaches like Knute Rockne and Ara Parseghian. The Fighting Irish’s blend of strong academics, passionate fan support, and commitment to football excellence has made them a unique and revered program.

While the rivalry between Ohio State and Notre Dame is not as frequent as some other matchups in college football, each meeting carries immense weight. When these two teams meet, it is always a clash of titans, and fans from both sides anticipate a battle filled with intensity, pageantry, and emotion. As both programs have been successful in different eras, their matchups provide an opportunity for both fanbases to assert their dominance and prove their place among college football’s elite.

Ohio State Buckeyes: A National Powerhouse

Under the leadership of head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State has continued to solidify its reputation as one of the premier teams in college football. The Buckeyes consistently compete for national championships, with their explosive offense and suffocating defense making them one of the most balanced and dangerous teams in the country.

At the core of Ohio State’s success is their high-powered offense. Quarterback Kyle McCord has been a key player in the Buckeyes’ offensive attack, known for his strong arm and ability to make plays both inside and outside the pocket. With a talented receiving corps, including top-tier players like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, McCord has a wealth of weapons at his disposal. Ohio State’s ability to stretch the field with their passing game is complemented by a solid running attack that can control the tempo of the game. The offensive line, always a point of strength for Ohio State, provides McCord with the protection needed to execute the Buckeyes’ fast-paced, high-scoring offense.

Defensively, Ohio State has consistently ranked among the top teams in the nation. The Buckeyes’ defense is known for its ability to pressure the quarterback, disrupt opposing offenses, and create turnovers. Under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, Ohio State has maintained a strong defensive front, with a deep and talented linebacker corps and a secondary capable of shutting down passing attacks. This well-rounded defense is one of the key reasons Ohio State remains a perennial contender for the College Football Playoff.

Heading into the 2025 season, Ohio State is once again positioned to make a deep run for the national title. The Buckeyes’ balanced offense and stingy defense make them a formidable opponent, and they will look to prove themselves on the national stage against a program like Notre Dame.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish: A Resilient and Balanced Team

Notre Dame, under head coach Marcus Freeman, has emerged as one of the top programs in college football. Freeman, a former defensive coordinator, has transformed the Fighting Irish into a well-rounded team with a strong defensive identity and an offense that can match the best in the country. While Freeman is still relatively new to the head coaching role, he has already made a significant impact on the program’s success, taking Notre Dame to the College Football Playoff and securing key wins against top-tier competition.

One of the key aspects of Notre Dame’s success is its defensive unit. The Fighting Irish have long been known for their tough, physical defense, and Freeman has built on this tradition. Notre Dame’s defensive line is dominant, with players who can disrupt the run game and put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The linebacker corps is among the best in the country, and the secondary is known for its ability to lock down opposing receivers. With an emphasis on speed, strength, and discipline, Notre Dame’s defense is one of the most difficult units to break down in college football.

Offensively, Notre Dame has found its stride under Freeman. The Fighting Irish have developed a potent running game that can grind down defenses, with a stable of talented running backs capable of breaking off long runs. The quarterback position, led by Sam Hartman, is in good hands. Hartman, a transfer from Wake Forest, brings experience and leadership to the offense, and his ability to make accurate throws downfield gives Notre Dame a balanced attack. With playmakers at wide receiver and tight end, Notre Dame’s offense has the weapons needed to keep defenses honest.

In 2025, Notre Dame is primed for another strong season. With a combination of a stout defense, a capable offense, and strong leadership from Freeman, the Fighting Irish are set to challenge for a playoff spot and potentially compete for a national championship.

Brian Kelly’s Perspective: Insight into the Ohio State vs. Notre Dame Showdown

As the former head coach at Notre Dame and the current head coach of LSU, Brian Kelly has a unique perspective on the matchup between Ohio State and Notre Dame. Kelly’s experience coaching both programs provides him with valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each team.

When asked to weigh in on the Ohio State vs. Notre Dame game, Kelly shared his thoughts on what makes each team dangerous and how the game could unfold. According to Kelly, the key to Ohio State’s success lies in their ability to execute a high-powered offense, led by McCord and their dynamic receiving corps. Kelly noted that Ohio State’s ability to stretch the field with their passing game puts significant pressure on opposing defenses, forcing them to defend every inch of the field. He also emphasized the importance of Ohio State’s offensive line in controlling the game’s tempo and keeping McCord upright.

On the other hand, Kelly highlighted Notre Dame’s defense as one of the most formidable units in the country. He noted that Freeman’s defensive system is built around speed and discipline, and the Fighting Irish are capable of shutting down high-powered offenses with their ability to generate pressure and force turnovers. Kelly also pointed out that Notre Dame’s offense, led by Hartman, has the ability to control the clock and wear down opposing defenses with a balanced attack. By mixing the run game with timely passing, Kelly believes Notre Dame has the tools to keep Ohio State’s offense off the field and limit its scoring opportunities.

In terms of keys to the game, Kelly emphasized the importance of controlling the line of scrimmage. Both teams are known for their offensive firepower, but the team that can establish dominance in the trenches will have a significant advantage. He also noted that turnovers will be a critical factor—if either team can force mistakes and capitalize on them, it could be the difference between victory and defeat.

What to Expect in the 2025 Ohio State vs. Notre Dame Game

The 2025 matchup between Ohio State and Notre Dame promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams bringing their best to the table. Ohio State’s explosive offense will look to overwhelm Notre Dame’s defense, while the Fighting Irish’s physical play and defensive prowess will aim to slow down the Buckeyes’ high-flying attack.

For Ohio State, the key will be getting the ball into the hands of their playmakers, particularly Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, and allowing McCord to make timely throws. If the Buckeyes’ offensive line can protect McCord and create lanes in the running game, Ohio State will be able to establish its offensive rhythm and put up points. Defensively, Ohio State will need to contain Notre Dame’s running game and pressure Hartman, forcing him into uncomfortable situations.

For Notre Dame, the focus will be on winning the battle in the trenches and controlling the clock. If the Fighting Irish can establish their running game early and keep McCord off the field, they will be in a strong position to compete. Defensively, Notre Dame will need to put pressure on Ohio State’s offense and limit big plays. If they can disrupt McCord’s timing and make key stops, the Fighting Irish will have a chance to pull off the upset.