Ohio State (14-2) claimed the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship, defeating Notre Dame (14-2) with a 34-23 victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The win secured the Buckeyes’ first national title since 2014, marking their ninth championship in program history.
The game, which started with high anticipation, saw Ohio State take control in the second quarter, scoring 21 consecutive points after trailing early. Notre Dame took an early 7-0 lead after a methodical 10-minute opening drive, capped by a one-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Riley Leonard. Despite a slow start, Ohio State’s defense quickly adjusted, stifling the Fighting Irish’s offensive momentum.
A Stellar Second Quarter for Ohio State
Ohio State’s response came swiftly. Quarterback Will Howard, who finished the game as the MVP, threw for 231 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Buckeyes’ offense with precision. The Buckeyes scored 21 points in the second quarter alone, with Howard completing 14 of 15 passes in the half, including a six-yard touchdown pass to running back Quinshon Judkins. Howard also connected with freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith for a key touchdown, helping Ohio State take a 21-7 lead at halftime.
Judkins, who would go on to score three touchdowns in the game, was a driving force for Ohio State, carrying the ball for 88 yards. His quick bursts and hard-nosed running helped Ohio State build a commanding lead after halftime, including a 70-yard run to set up a touchdown in the third quarter.
Notre Dame Battles Back
The Fighting Irish refused to go quietly into the night. After a scoreless third quarter, Notre Dame found a spark in the final minutes of the game. Leonard threw a brilliant 34-yard touchdown pass to Jaden Greathouse, who made a stunning one-handed grab while being tightly covered. Greathouse’s second touchdown of the game, coupled with a successful two-point conversion, narrowed Ohio State’s lead to 31-23 with just under five minutes remaining.
However, despite the momentum shift, Ohio State maintained its composure. On a crucial third-and-11 play, Howard connected with Smith on a 57-yard bomb, putting the Buckeyes deep in Notre Dame territory and effectively sealing the game. Ohio State kicker Jaden Fielding then added a 46-yard field goal to push the lead to 34-23, dousing Notre Dame’s hopes for a late comeback.
Key Turnovers and Missed Opportunities
Notre Dame had opportunities to capitalize but couldn’t convert. A missed 27-yard field goal by kicker Mitch Jeter in the fourth quarter, following a fumble by Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka, kept the Fighting Irish from cutting the deficit further. Jeter’s miss marked the third time this season that Ohio State’s defense had forced an opponent to come away empty-handed in the red zone, a statistic that played a significant role in the Buckeyes’ defensive prowess throughout the game.
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Ohio State’s Road to Glory
Ohio State’s journey to the national championship was not an easy one. They had to overcome formidable teams such as No. 7 Tennessee, No. 1 Oregon, and No. 3 Texas. The Buckeyes proved their mettle in each of these matchups, showing resilience and an ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
Coach Ryan Day, now a member of an elite group of coaches who have won a national title at Ohio State, was jubilant after the game. “This team worked so hard, and I’m just so proud of the way they responded today,” Day said. “This is a special group, and they’ve earned every bit of this championship.”
A Bright Future for Both Programs
While Ohio State celebrated their victory, Notre Dame’s effort was not without merit. The Fighting Irish, led by coach Marcus Freeman, displayed grit and determination, especially in the second half. Leonard, despite being under pressure for most of the game, demonstrated poise and skill, while Greathouse’s spectacular catches were a highlight in the Irish’s late rally.
With both teams returning talented rosters next season, the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship could be the first of many more thrilling encounters between these two storied programs.
As the confetti fell in Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Buckeyes celebrated their long-awaited national championship, Ohio State proved they were the better team on the night, holding off a spirited Notre Dame comeback to capture college football’s ultimate prize.