In a thrilling showdown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, the Ohio State Buckeyes emerged victorious, defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 34-23 to win the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship. This victory marks Ohio State’s ninth national title and their first since 2014, cementing their place as champions of the inaugural 12-team playoff format. The game, played on January 20, 2025, showcased the resilience and talent of the Buckeyes, who overcame a challenging season to claim college football’s ultimate prize.
A Season of Redemption for Ohio State
The road to the championship was anything but smooth for Ohio State. Entering the playoffs as the No. 8 seed with a 14-2 record, the Buckeyes faced skepticism after a stunning 13-10 loss to rival Michigan on November 30, 2024. That defeat, their fourth straight to the Wolverines, sparked questions about head coach Ryan Day’s future and the team’s ability to compete at the highest level. However, Ohio State silenced doubters with a dominant postseason run, defeating Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas before facing Notre Dame in the title game.
“This is a great story about a bunch of guys who have overcome some really tough situations,” Day said after the game. “There was a point where a lot of people counted us out, and we just kept swinging and kept fighting.”
The Buckeyes’ journey was fueled by strategic roster additions through the transfer portal, including quarterback Will Howard from Kansas State and running back Quinshon Judkins from Ole Miss. With offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, formerly of UCLA, calling plays, Ohio State’s offense found its rhythm at the right time, proving too much for Notre Dame’s stout defense.
Game Recap: A Tale of Two Halves
The championship game began with Notre Dame striking first, executing an impressive 18-play, 75-yard drive that consumed nearly 10 minutes of the clock. Quarterback Riley Leonard, a dual-threat standout, carried the ball nine times on the drive, capping it with a touchdown run to give the Irish a 7-0 lead. The opening possession showcased Notre Dame’s physicality and determination, but it would be their high point of the first half.
Ohio State responded swiftly, tying the game with a touchdown pass from Will Howard to freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith. From there, the Buckeyes took control, scoring 21 unanswered points in the second quarter to lead 21-7 at halftime. Running back Quinshon Judkins was the star of the first half, scoring two rushing touchdowns and adding a receiving touchdown on a 6-yard pass from Howard. Judkins’ 70-yard run in the third quarter further extended Ohio State’s lead to 28-7, showcasing the explosive potential of the Buckeyes’ ground game.
Notre Dame, however, refused to go quietly. The Fighting Irish mounted a furious comeback in the second half, led by Leonard and wide receiver Jaden Greathouse. Leonard connected with Greathouse for a 34-yard touchdown late in the third quarter, followed by a two-point conversion to running back Jeremiyah Love, cutting the deficit to 31-15. With 4:15 remaining, Greathouse struck again with a spectacular one-handed 30-yard touchdown catch, and a trick-play two-point conversion brought Notre Dame within one score at 31-23.
Just when it seemed Notre Dame might force a dramatic finish, Ohio State’s Will Howard delivered the game’s defining moment. On third-and-11 with under three minutes left, Howard launched a 56-yard pass to Jeremiah Smith, who beat cornerback Christian Gray to secure a first down at the Notre Dame 10-yard line. The play set up a 33-yard field goal by Jayden Fielding with 26 seconds remaining, sealing the 34-23 victory.
Standout Performances
Ohio State’s victory was a team effort, but several players stood out. Quinshon Judkins led the way with 100 rushing yards on 11 carries, scoring three touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving). Will Howard was nearly flawless, completing 17 of 21 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns while adding 57 yards on the ground. Jeremiah Smith, despite being quiet for much of the game, finished with five catches for 88 yards, including the game-clinching 56-yard reception.
For Notre Dame, Riley Leonard showed grit, throwing for 255 yards on 22-of-31 passing with two touchdowns and rushing for 40 yards, including the opening score. Jaden Greathouse was a bright spot, hauling in six catches for 128 yards and two touchdowns, nearly sparking a miraculous comeback. Despite the loss, Notre Dame’s performance underscored their resilience under head coach Marcus Freeman, who led the Irish to a 14-2 record in his third season.
A Historic Moment for the Big Ten
Ohio State’s win marked the first time the Big Ten has claimed back-to-back national titles since 1942, following Michigan’s championship in 2023. The victory was especially sweet for Buckeye fans, as it came in the heart of SEC country at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Ohio State outgained Notre Dame 445 yards to 308, punting just once and dominating possession with 32:25 on the clock.
The Buckeyes’ success in the expanded 12-team playoff format highlighted the unpredictability of the new system. As the No. 8 seed, Ohio State proved that seeding matters little when a team hits its stride. Their playoff run included blowout wins over Tennessee (42-17) and Oregon (41-21), as well as a hard-fought 28-14 victory over Texas in the Cotton Bowl semifinal.
What This Means for Ohio State
For head coach Ryan Day, the championship is a defining moment. With a career record of 70-10 and an .875 winning percentage, Day joins elite company alongside former Ohio State coaches Urban Meyer, Jim Tressel, and Woody Hayes as national title winners. The victory silences critics who questioned his job security after the Michigan loss and solidifies his legacy as one of college football’s top coaches.
Ohio State’s roster, loaded with NFL prospects like Jeremiah Smith, Jack Sawyer, and Caleb Downs, looks poised for continued success. With young talent and a proven coaching staff, the Buckeyes are well-positioned to remain a powerhouse in 2025 and beyond.
Notre Dame’s Bright Future
While the loss stings for Notre Dame, the future is promising under Marcus Freeman. As the first Black or Asian American head coach to reach a national championship game, Freeman has already made history. His leadership has transformed Notre Dame into a playoff contender, and their 13-game winning streak after an early-season loss to Northern Illinois showcased their potential. With players like Riley Leonard and Jaden Greathouse returning, the Irish are likely to remain in the national conversation.
Notre Dame’s defense, which ranked second in the nation in points allowed, showed its strength early but struggled to contain Ohio State’s rushing attack, which racked up 162 yards in the first half alone. The Irish will look to build on their playoff experience as they prepare for a challenging 2025 season opener against Miami.
A New Era for College Football
The 2025 CFP National Championship was a fitting end to the first 12-team playoff, delivering drama, star performances, and a clash between two of college football’s most storied programs. Ohio State’s victory underscores the depth and competitiveness of the expanded playoff format, where a two-loss team can rise to the top with determination and talent.
As Buckeye fans celebrate their ninth national title, the college football world looks ahead to 2025, where both Ohio State and Notre Dame are sure to be in the mix again. For now, the scarlet and gray confetti belongs to Columbus, and the Ohio State Buckeyes stand atop the sport as champions once more.
Sources:
- NCAA.com: Ohio State holds off Notre Dame to capture College Football Playoff title
- ESPN: Ohio State puts away Notre Dame to claim CFP championship
- NBC Sports: Ohio State Defeats Notre Dame 34-23
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