As it happened, Ohio State defeated Notre Dame 34–23 in the College Football Playoff National Championship game.

In one of the most anticipated College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship games of the past decade, Ohio State emerged victorious over Notre Dame with a 34–23 win. The matchup was set to be an intense battle between two of college football’s most storied programs, and it did not disappoint. With NFL-bound stars, high expectations, and a season filled with twists and turns, the final chapter of the 2025 college football season brought about a defining moment for Ohio State—a well-earned national championship victory.

For Ohio State, the victory marked the culmination of a dominant season, one in which they had overcome significant challenges to prove themselves as the best team in college football. The Buckeyes’ victory not only solidified their place as the kings of college football for the 2025 season, but it also cemented their legacy under head coach Ryan Day and set the stage for the future of the program.

Setting the Stage: A National Championship Clash

The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship featured two heavyweights—Ohio State, led by quarterback CJ Stroud and a high-powered offense, and Notre Dame, with a defense that had been relentless all season. Both teams entered the game with impressive resumes, but there was one significant difference: Ohio State’s offense was a juggernaut, averaging over 40 points per game, while Notre Dame’s defense had stifled some of the best teams in the country. The clash of Ohio State’s offensive firepower and Notre Dame’s defensive prowess promised to be a thrilling contest.

For Ohio State, their road to the national championship had been one of dominance. The Buckeyes entered the CFP with an undefeated record, having steamrolled their opponents throughout the season. Led by Stroud, who was in the midst of a Heisman-worthy campaign, Ohio State’s offense had been nearly unstoppable. The running game, spearheaded by TreVeyon Henderson, complemented the dynamic passing attack, while their defense, anchored by J.T. Tuimoloau and Zach Harrison, had consistently been a force to reckon with.

Notre Dame, meanwhile, had earned their spot in the national championship game by overcoming tough challenges in the regular season and the Playoff. The Fighting Irish had shown resilience and grit, with quarterback Tyler Buchner leading the offense and a defense that had found ways to shut down potent offenses. Notre Dame had made a statement by defeating several top-ranked teams and was ready to face the formidable Buckeyes in what would be a historic showdown.

The First Half: Ohio State’s Offensive Dominance

As the game kicked off, it was clear that Ohio State’s offense came out firing on all cylinders. The Buckeyes wasted no time establishing their dominance, with Stroud quickly finding his rhythm. His ability to read the defense and make precise throws kept Notre Dame’s defense on its heels. Early in the first quarter, Stroud connected with wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who made an incredible leaping grab over the Notre Dame defenders to set the tone for the game. The strike was one of many impressive plays that demonstrated why Harrison was considered one of the best wide receivers in the nation.

Ohio State’s offensive line, which had been stellar all season, provided Stroud with ample protection, allowing him to survey the field and make confident throws. As the first quarter wore on, the Buckeyes methodically moved down the field, using a balanced attack of running and passing plays to wear down Notre Dame’s defense. Henderson had several impressive runs, breaking tackles and showing off his explosiveness, which kept the Fighting Irish defense guessing.

Despite some early flashes of brilliance from Notre Dame’s defense, Ohio State’s offense was relentless. In the second quarter, Stroud orchestrated a drive that was nothing short of spectacular, converting multiple third downs and showcasing his ability to keep plays alive with his arm. The drive culminated in a beautiful touchdown pass to tight end Cade Stover, who made a contested catch in the back of the end zone, giving Ohio State a 14-point lead.

But Notre Dame wasn’t going to go down without a fight. Their defense, which had been known for its ability to stifle high-powered offenses, did make some key stops to slow Ohio State down. However, Ohio State’s sheer talent and depth on offense proved too much to handle. Notre Dame’s defense could not consistently stop the Buckeyes, who had perfected the art of balancing their attack.

Ohio State’s lead grew to 20–7 midway through the second quarter when Stroud connected again with Harrison on a perfectly timed pass that split the coverage. The two-point conversion attempt failed, but the momentum had firmly shifted in Ohio State’s favor. Notre Dame’s offense had a difficult time keeping pace, especially with the pressure that the Buckeyes’ defense placed on Buchner.

Despite Ohio State’s offensive dominance, Notre Dame wasn’t finished yet. With just under two minutes remaining in the first half, Buchner led the Fighting Irish on a gutsy drive, connecting with his wide receivers on several key plays. The drive was capped off by a 15-yard touchdown pass to Michael Mayer, one of Notre Dame’s top playmakers. The touchdown narrowed Ohio State’s lead to 20–14, providing a spark of hope for the Irish heading into halftime.

The Second Half: Notre Dame’s Fight and Ohio State’s Resilience

The second half of the game proved to be an emotional rollercoaster, with both teams battling back and forth. Notre Dame came out with renewed energy after their late touchdown in the first half and showed that they were far from finished. Buchner, who had struggled to find consistency throughout the game, began to settle in and connected with Mayer on several crucial completions. The Fighting Irish were able to keep the game close, and with a field goal early in the third quarter, they narrowed the gap to 20–17.

However, Ohio State’s response was immediate. Stroud, now fully in command of the game, led the Buckeyes on an efficient drive that culminated in a touchdown run by Henderson, who found the end zone with a powerful burst up the middle. The run, which extended Ohio State’s lead to 27–17, was a testament to the offensive line’s dominance and Henderson’s vision and speed. The Buckeyes’ running game had been effective throughout the night, and it gave them a much-needed cushion as the game entered its final stages.

Notre Dame, though, was not ready to concede. The Fighting Irish answered back with a touchdown drive of their own, as Buchner threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Lorenzo Styles Jr., cutting the lead to 27–23 with just over six minutes remaining in the game. It was clear that the game would come down to the wire, and Ohio State needed to make a play to put it out of reach.

The Buckeyes’ defense, which had been opportunistic all season, stepped up when it mattered most. With Notre Dame threatening to take the lead, Ohio State’s defensive line put relentless pressure on Buchner, forcing him into an uncomfortable throw. J.T. Tuimoloau—who had been disruptive throughout the game—sacked Buchner on a critical third-and-long, forcing a punt with under four minutes to play.

With a narrow lead, Ohio State’s offense took over and looked to seal the victory. Stroud, calm and composed under pressure, led the Buckeyes down the field with precise passing and smart clock management. On a crucial third-and-short, Stroud connected with Harrison again, this time for a 22-yard gain that put Ohio State inside the 10-yard line. The Fighting Irish defense, having been on the field for most of the second half, was gassed and unable to stop the Buckeyes’ march toward the end zone.

With just under a minute remaining, Stroud completed a short touchdown pass to Emeka Egbuka, sealing the game at 34–23. The Ohio State fans erupted in celebration as the Buckeyes finally captured their much-awaited national championship, their first since 2014.

Post-Game Reflections: A Historic Victory for Ohio State

As the final whistle blew, Ohio State’s players and coaching staff celebrated their hard-fought victory. For Ryan Day, this win solidified his place among the top coaches in college football. In just his fifth season as head coach, Day had led the Buckeyes to their second national title, proving that his program was built for sustained success.

For CJ Stroud, who had played his final game for Ohio State, the victory was the perfect capstone to an incredible college career. Stroud’s performance in the national championship game, where he passed for over 300 yards and threw three touchdown passes, was one for the history books. Stroud’s leadership, poise, and execution had been the difference-maker throughout the season, and he left a legacy that would be remembered for years to come.

Ohio State’s defense also played a pivotal role in the win, particularly in the second half when they were able to stifle Notre Dame’s offense and make crucial stops. Tuimoloau and Harrison were especially impactful, providing the pressure that forced mistakes from Buchner in key moments.

As for Notre Dame, despite the loss, they had much to be proud of. Their defense had kept them in the game, and their offense had fought back admirably. However, in the end, Ohio State’s sheer talent, depth, and execution proved too much.