Ohio State vs. Notre Dame: 2025 CFP National Championship Game Recap and Analysis

Irish Upset Buckeyes for National Title

In a stunning upset, the seventh-seeded Notre Dame Fighting Irish defeated the second-seeded Ohio State Buckeyes 27-24 to claim the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship on January 20th at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This improbable victory capped off a remarkable season for the Irish, who overcame early struggles, including a loss to Northern Illinois and numerous injuries, to reach the pinnacle of college football.

The Game: A Back-and-Forth Thriller

The first half was a high-scoring affair, with both offenses trading blows. Ohio State’s star receiver, Jeremiah Smith, lived up to the hype with several spectacular catches, while Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love showcased his electrifying speed and agility. However, the second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum. Notre Dame’s defense, led by Xavier Watts and Jack Kiser, tightened up, consistently pressuring Ohio State quarterback Devin Brown and disrupting the Buckeyes’ rhythm.

Key Plays and Turning Points

Several key plays shaped the outcome of this thrilling contest. Jaden Greathouse’s acrobatic touchdown catch in double coverage late in the third quarter gave Notre Dame a crucial lead. Riley Leonard’s gutsy fourth-down conversion in the fourth quarter extended a critical scoring drive, putting immense pressure on the Buckeyes. Finally, Howard Cross III’s game-sealing sack on Ohio State’s final drive extinguished any hopes of a comeback.

Notre Dame’s Offensive Prowess

Notre Dame’s offensive success against a formidable Ohio State defense was a key factor in the upset. Leonard showcased his poise and decision-making, effectively distributing the ball to Greathouse, Love, and other playmakers. The Irish offensive line, despite facing a tough Ohio State pass rush led by Jack Sawyer, provided Leonard with enough time to make crucial plays.

Ohio State’s Struggles and Missed Opportunities

Despite flashes of brilliance from Smith and Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State’s offense struggled to maintain consistency. The Buckeyes’ usually dominant running game, featuring TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, was largely contained by the Irish defense. While Ohio State’s defense, anchored by Denzel Burke and Davison Igbinosun, made some key stops, they ultimately couldn’t overcome Notre Dame’s offensive firepower.

Coaching Impact: Freeman’s Masterclass

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, a former Ohio State assistant, orchestrated a masterful game plan. His familiarity with the Buckeyes’ personnel and tendencies likely played a significant role in the Irish’s success. Freeman’s strategic adjustments in the second half, particularly on defense, proved decisive. On the other hand, Ohio State coach Ryan Day appeared to be outmaneuvered, unable to counter Notre Dame’s adjustments effectively.

Player Spotlights

• Notre Dame: Riley Leonard’s leadership and composure under pressure were instrumental in the victory. Jaden Greathouse’s spectacular catches and Jeremiyah Love’s dynamic playmaking ability provided the offensive spark. Defensively, Xavier Watts and Jack Kiser delivered game-changing performances.

• Ohio State: Jeremiah Smith’s exceptional talent was on full display, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Notre Dame’s collective effort. Emeka Egbuka also made several impressive plays, but the Buckeyes’ offense ultimately fell short.

The Road to the Championship

Team	Bowl Game	Opponent	Score
Notre Dame	Orange Bowl	Penn State	27-24
Ohio State	Cotton Bowl	Texas	28-14

The Bigger Picture

Notre Dame’s victory marks a triumphant return to national prominence for the program. It’s a testament to their resilience and the impact of strong coaching. For Ohio State, the loss is a bitter disappointment, but it also highlights the unpredictable nature of college football, especially in the era of the expanded 12-team playoff.

This hypothetical scenario underscores the exciting possibilities of the new playoff format. A 7-seed vs. 2-seed matchup in the National Championship game, while unlikely, becomes a possibility in a 12-team bracket. This thought experiment allows us to explore the “what ifs” and appreciate the potential for dramatic upsets and Cinderella stories in the future of college football. Further analysis might involve statistical modeling to assess the probability of such an outcome in a real-world scenario. However, it serves as a reminder that in the world of sports, anything is possible.