Ohio State Triumphs Over Notre Dame to Capture 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship
In a thrilling and hard-fought battle that will go down in history, the Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 35-28 to secure the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship. The game, held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, was a showcase of elite talent, high stakes, and unforgettable moments, culminating in Ohio State’s first national title since 2014. The victory was not just a testament to the Buckeyes’ skill but also to their resilience and determination in one of the most anticipated title games in recent memory
The national championship clash between Ohio State and Notre Dame brought together two storied programs with rich football traditions and rabid fan bases. Both teams had enjoyed dominant seasons, with Ohio State entering the game with a 13-1 record, their only loss coming in a nail-biting defeat to Michigan during the regular season. Meanwhile, Notre Dame came in with an undefeated 14-0 record, led by a stingy defense and a potent offense.
This matchup was expected to be a closely contested one, and it certainly lived up to the hype. Ohio State, led by head coach Ryan Day, was looking to solidify their place as one of the elite programs of the decade, while Notre Dame, under head coach Marcus Freeman, was aiming to capture their first national championship since 1988.
The first half of the game saw Notre Dame take control early. The Fighting Irish’s defense, which had been a hallmark of their success all season, came out with a vengeance, shutting down Ohio State’s high-powered offense for much of the first two quarters. The Irish’s defensive line, led by standout edge rusher Junior Adams, consistently pressured Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord, forcing him into several errant throws.
Notre Dame’s offense, meanwhile, was methodical and efficient. Quarterback Sam Hartman, the veteran signal-caller who had been a revelation for the Irish this season, showcased his ability to read defenses and deliver pinpoint passes. Hartman connected with star wide receiver Lorenzo Styles on a 45-yard touchdown strike early in the second quarter, giving Notre Dame a 14-7 lead. The Irish extended their lead to 21-7 later in the half when running back Audric Estime powered through for a 4-yard touchdown run.
Ohio State struggled to find their rhythm in the first half. However, McCord, who had been inconsistent throughout the season, showed signs of life late in the second quarter. He led a quick drive down the field and capped it off with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Marvin Harrison Jr., cutting the lead to 21-14 before halftime.
The second half, however, would be a different story. The Buckeyes came out of the locker room with renewed energy and determination, led by McCord’s steady leadership and a well-balanced offensive attack. Ohio State’s offensive line, which had been overpowered at times in the first half, started to create running lanes for running back TreVeyon Henderson, who had struggled early in the game. Henderson’s explosive running played a pivotal role in Ohio State’s comeback.
Midway through the third quarter, McCord found tight end Cade Stover for a crucial 25-yard touchdown, tying the game at 21-21. With momentum shifting in their favor, the Buckeyes’ defense, which had been solid all season but had been under pressure in the first half, began to step up. They stifled Notre Dame’s run game and pressured Hartman into throwing two key interceptions, one of which was returned deep into Notre Dame territory, setting up a go-ahead touchdown by Henderson.
With the score now 28-21 in Ohio State’s favor, Notre Dame’s offense tried to respond. Hartman and the Irish drove deep into Buckeyes territory early in the fourth quarter, but the Ohio State defense came up with a huge stop on 4th-and-2, forcing a turnover on downs. That pivotal moment seemed to signal the end of Notre Dame’s hopes for a comeback.
Ohio State didn’t let up. With just under six minutes remaining in the game, McCord, who had thrown for over 300 yards in the contest, hit Harrison Jr. on a spectacular 40-yard touchdown pass to extend the Buckeyes’ lead to 35-21. Notre Dame managed to answer with a quick touchdown, making it 35-28, but there was simply not enough time left for the Irish to mount a final comeback.
Ohio State’s defense, led by standout linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, held firm in the final minutes, forcing Hartman to throw an incomplete pass on the last play of the game, sealing the victory for the Buckeyes.
The win gave Ohio State their ninth national championship in school history and cemented their place among the greatest college football programs of all time. Ryan Day, in his fifth year as head coach, solidified his legacy with the victory, proving that his leadership and ability to develop talent on both sides of the ball can guide the Buckeyes to the pinnacle of college football.
For Notre Dame, despite the loss, there was much to be proud of. Marcus Freeman’s team fought valiantly and showed that they are a force to be reckoned with in the college football landscape. Sam Hartman, who was playing in his final game as a college quarterback, gave everything he had in his pursuit of a title, and his performance will be remembered for years to come.
As Ohio State celebrates their 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship, their focus will soon turn to the future. With a strong recruiting class on the horizon and a talented roster set to return, the Buckeyes look primed for continued success. For Notre Dame, the loss serves as a reminder of the razor-thin margins that exist in the sport, but with a young and promising team, they will likely be a force to contend with for years to come.
In the end, the 2025 National Championship game will be remembered as a classic, one in which Ohio State’s resilience and offensive prowess triumphed over Notre Dame’s defensive dominance. It was a championship worthy of the sport’s rich traditions and a fitting conclusion to the College Football Playoff era.