The 2025 CFP National Championship between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish was an electrifying contest that showcased the very best of college football. Held at the legendary Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, the game was a spectacle that captivated fans nationwide. Both teams had fought through tough schedules and made it to this grand stage, each with a powerful roster, but only one could walk away with the coveted title.
### Pre-game Expectations
Ohio State entered the game as one of the most formidable teams in the nation, boasting a high-powered offense led by star quarterback Kyle McCord and an explosive receiving corps that included Marvin Harrison Jr., one of the best wide receivers in the country. Their defense was no slouch either, with elite playmakers such as linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and defensive lineman J.T. Tuimoloau, who had been key to the team’s success throughout the season.
Notre Dame, meanwhile, had been a revelation under head coach Marcus Freeman. The Fighting Irish had balanced offensive and defensive units, with quarterback Sam Hartman at the helm, a seasoned veteran capable of leading an offense that could score from anywhere on the field. Notre Dame’s defense was stout, anchored by standout players like linebacker JD Bertrand and defensive end Isaiah Foskey, who could put pressure on any opposing quarterback.
The game promised to be a clash of styles: Ohio State’s high-octane offense versus Notre Dame’s disciplined, well-coached defense. The stakes were incredibly high, as this was not just a game for the championship, but also a showdown between two of college football’s most storied programs.
### First Half
The game began with a roar of excitement as Ohio State won the toss and opted to receive the ball first. The Buckeyes started fast, as McCord connected with Harrison on an early deep shot that set up a quick scoring opportunity. However, Notre Dame’s defense was ready, forcing a critical fourth down stop that forced Ohio State to settle for a field goal. The Buckeyes led early, 3-0, but it was clear that this would be a tightly contested game.
Notre Dame responded with their own methodical drive, as Hartman showcased his veteran presence, connecting with tight end Michael Mayer and running back Audric Estime to move the ball down the field. The Irish’s offensive line, one of the best in the nation, opened up running lanes for Estime, who capped off the drive with a powerful touchdown run to give Notre Dame a 7-3 lead.
Ohio State wasn’t going to let that last long. McCord and Harrison struck again, with a dazzling 40-yard touchdown pass that saw Harrison outrun the Notre Dame secondary, showcasing why he’s considered one of the top prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft. The Buckeyes regained the lead at 10-7.
But Notre Dame didn’t back down. Hartman continued to manage the game with precision, using his mobility to escape pressure and keep the chains moving. The Fighting Irish took advantage of an Ohio State misstep—a missed tackle in the secondary—to connect with wide receiver Tobias Merriweather for a 45-yard touchdown, giving Notre Dame a 14-10 advantage.
The remainder of the half saw both teams trade possessions without much success as the defenses started to tighten up. Ohio State’s defensive line, spearheaded by Tuimoloau, ramped up the pressure on Hartman, forcing him into a couple of hurried throws. Conversely, Notre Dame’s defense kept McCord in check, limiting the big plays that had been a hallmark of Ohio State’s offensive game.
At halftime, Notre Dame led 14-10, and the championship was still very much up for grabs.
### Second Half
Coming out of the break, Ohio State looked to establish more balance in its attack. McCord was more patient in the pocket, and running back TreVeyon Henderson began to find some success on the ground, breaking off several key runs. A 20-yard burst from Henderson set up a touchdown pass from McCord to tight end Cade Stover, giving Ohio State a 17-14 lead early in the third quarter.
The Fighting Irish, unfazed, immediately went back to their bread and butter—methodical, ground-and-pound football. Estime continued to punish the Buckeyes’ defensive front, picking up crucial first downs and wearing down Ohio State’s defense. The running game set up a play-action pass, where Hartman found wide receiver Chris Tyree for a 30-yard touchdown, putting Notre Dame back on top, 21-17.
Ohio State’s offense responded with urgency. McCord, who had struggled to find a rhythm early in the game, began to click on all cylinders, finding Harrison and Emeka Egbuka in the open field. A few well-timed runs from Henderson set up a crucial touchdown, this time a 15-yard strike to Egbuka. The Buckeyes regained the lead, 24-21, as the game entered the final frame.
### The Final Quarter
With the national title hanging in the balance, the game’s intensity reached another level in the fourth quarter. Notre Dame had the ball first and started to move with purpose. Hartman was in command, hitting his receivers in stride while Estime pounded the rock on the ground. The drive culminated in a 10-yard touchdown run from Estime, putting the Irish back ahead 28-24.
But Ohio State was not going to be outdone. McCord, under immense pressure from Notre Dame’s defense, remained calm and led the Buckeyes on a methodical, time-consuming drive. With under two minutes to go, the Buckeyes were at the Irish 10-yard line, needing a touchdown to win. The Irish defense stiffened, but McCord delivered a clutch 7-yard touchdown pass to Harrison, who made a leaping catch in the back corner of the end zone to give Ohio State a 31-28 lead.
Notre Dame had one final opportunity to retake the lead, but the Ohio State defense, led by Eichenberg and Tuimoloau, held strong. Hartman’s final pass attempt was intercepted by Buckeyes safety Josh Proctor, sealing Ohio State’s victory.
### Post-game
The final score of 31-28 in favor of Ohio State secured the Buckeyes their first national championship in nearly two decades. The game was a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable season, with both teams leaving everything on the field. McCord was named the game’s MVP after throwing for 300 yards and three touchdowns, with Harrison earning accolades for his game-winning catch.
Notre Dame, while heartbroken, had no reason to hang their heads. Hartman played brilliantly in his final college game, and Estime’s performance cemented his status as one of the nation’s top running backs. The Fighting Irish’s defense, despite the loss, proved they could hang with one of the most explosive offenses in the country.
For Ohio State, the victory was a testament to their resilience, star power, and ability to perform in clutch moments. The Buckeyes were the 2025 CFP National Champions, and their win would be remembered as one of the most thrilling championship games in recent history.
Leave a Reply