The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship was a thrilling showdown between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Ohio State claimed the title with a 34-23 victory, ending their championship drought since 2014 and cementing their dominance in college football.
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First Half: Buckeyes Build Momentum
Notre Dame started strong with a near-flawless 18-play drive that drained almost ten minutes off the clock. Quarterback Riley Leonard capped it off with a 1-yard touchdown run, giving the Irish an early 7-0 lead. However, Ohio State answered back in style.
Quarterback Will Howard was locked in from the start, completing his first 13 passes—a record for the championship game. His precise throws and smart play-calling drove the Buckeyes downfield. Howard connected with star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith for an 8-yard touchdown to tie the game at 7-7.
After forcing a Notre Dame punt, the Buckeyes took the lead with Howard’s 9-yard touchdown pass to running back Quinshon Judkins. As the half wound down, Judkins struck again with a 1-yard rushing touchdown. At halftime, Ohio State held a commanding 21-7 lead, dominating both the scoreboard and the flow of the game.
Second Half: Notre Dame Fights Back
The Buckeyes carried their momentum into the third quarter, and Judkins wasted no time making an impact. His electrifying 70-yard run set up his third touchdown of the night, extending Ohio State's lead to 28-7. Judkins, a transfer from Ole Miss, finished with 100 rushing yards and was the driving force behind the Buckeyes’ ground game.
Notre Dame, however, refused to back down. Riley Leonard reignited their offense with a 34-yard touchdown pass to Jaden Greathouse, cutting the deficit to 28-15 after a successful two-point conversion. The Irish defense then forced a fumble deep in Ohio State territory, but a missed field goal squandered the opportunity to close the gap further.
Notre Dame still had fight left in them. Leonard and Greathouse connected again for another touchdown, and with another two-point conversion, the Irish narrowed the score to 31-23 in the fourth quarter, making it a one-score game. The crowd was on edge, sensing a potential comeback.
Howard’s Heroics Seal the Win
With the pressure mounting, Will Howard delivered when it mattered most. Facing a crucial third-and-11, he launched a 56-yard pass to Jeremiah Smith, a play that crushed Notre Dame’s hopes of a rally. This clutch play set up a 33-yard field goal by Jayden Fielding, pushing the Buckeyes' lead to 34-23 and sealing the game.
Key Performances
- Will Howard (Ohio State): Howard showcased why he’s one of the best in college football, completing 17 of 21 passes for 231 yards, two touchdowns, and 58 rushing yards. His composure under pressure was key to the Buckeyes’ success.
- Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State): The versatile running back was unstoppable, with 100 rushing yards and three total touchdowns, proving to be a nightmare for Notre Dame’s defense.
- Jaden Greathouse (Notre Dame): The Irish receiver shone brightly, catching multiple touchdown passes and providing a spark during Notre Dame’s second-half comeback attempt.
Coaching and Strategy
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly masterfully balanced the Buckeyes' attack. They kept Notre Dame’s defense guessing, capitalizing on both the passing game and the run. Defensively, Ohio State limited Notre Dame to just 70 rushing yards, forcing the Irish to rely on their aerial attack.
Notre Dame’s head coach Marcus Freeman deserves credit for guiding his team to the championship game and keeping them competitive. Despite the loss, the Irish showed resilience and fight, setting a strong foundation for the future.
A Historic Victory
Ohio State’s victory marked their sixth national title and ended a decade-long drought. Their journey through the first 12-team playoff format was impressive, outscoring opponents 145-85 over four games. For Notre Dame, the loss extended their championship drought, which dates back to 1988. Still, their run to the title game under Freeman signals brighter days ahead for the Irish.
Conclusion
The 2025 National Championship was a showcase of Ohio State’s offensive brilliance and defensive discipline. While Notre Dame displayed grit and resilience, the Buckeyes’ dominance early on and Howard’s clutch plays down the stretch secured a well-deserved title. Ohio State once again reigns supreme in college football, and their fans couldn’t be prouder.
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