The 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship game is set to be a historic clash between the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (14-1) and the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes (13-2). Scheduled for Monday, January 20, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET, the game will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
Notre Dame's path to the championship was marked by resilience and determination. After an unexpected early-season loss to Northern Illinois, the Fighting Irish rebounded with a 13-game winning streak. Their playoff victories included a 27-17 win over Indiana, a 23-10 triumph against Georgia, and a narrow 27-24 victory over Penn State in the semifinals. This impressive run has positioned Notre Dame for their first national title appearance since 1988.
Ohio State's season was characterized by overcoming adversity. Despite regular-season losses to Oregon and Michigan, the Buckeyes secured their playoff spot and showcased their prowess with decisive wins over Tennessee (42-17), Oregon (41-21), and Texas (28-14) to advance to the championship game. The Buckeyes aim to capture their first national title since 2014.
Historical Context
The upcoming matchup marks the ninth meeting between these storied programs. Notre Dame won the initial two encounters in 1935 and 1936, but Ohio State has dominated the series since, winning the last six games, including victories in 2022 and 2023.
Notre Dame:
- Xavier Watts: A dynamic player known for his versatility and playmaking abilities.
- Jack Kiser: A defensive stalwart instrumental in the Fighting Irish's success this season.
Ohio State:
- J.T. Tuimoloau: A formidable presence on the defensive line, disrupting opposing offenses.
- Jack Sawyer: Notable for his game-changing plays, including an 83-yard fumble return in the semifinals.
Coaching Dynamics
This game also highlights the coaching prowess of both teams. Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman, in his third year, has led the team to a remarkable 14-win season, the most in school history. Ohio State's Ryan Day, with a 69-10 record, seeks his first national championship as head coach.
Fans can tune in to ESPN at 7:30 p.m. ET on January 20, 2025, to watch the game live. Streaming options are available through ESPN+ and the ESPN app.
