The Time Has come: first preview of the College Football National Championship Game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Ohio State Buckeyes👇👇

The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship is set to feature a compelling matchup between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Scheduled for January 20, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET, the game will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

Team Profiles

• Ohio State Buckeyes: Entering the championship with a 13–2 record, Ohio State secured their spot by defeating Texas 28–14 in the Cotton Bowl semifinal. The Buckeyes boast a formidable defense and a potent offense led by quarterback Will Howard. Head coach Ryan Day, in his sixth year, has a 69–10 record with the Buckeyes.
• Notre Dame Fighting Irish: With a 14–1 record, Notre Dame earned their place in the championship by overcoming Penn State 27–24 in the Orange Bowl semifinal. The Fighting Irish feature a strong defense and a dynamic offense led by quarterback Riley Leonard. Third-year head coach Marcus Freeman has a 33–9 record at Notre Dame.

Historical Context

This championship game marks the ninth meeting between Ohio State and Notre Dame. Ohio State leads the all-time series 6–2, with their most recent victories in 2022 and 2023. The teams have previously met in postseason play, including the 2006 and 2016 Fiesta Bowls, both won by Ohio State.

Game Preview

Ohio State enters the game as a 9.5-point favorite, with a total points over/under of 45.5. The Buckeyes’ defense, considered one of the nation’s best, will face a significant challenge against Notre Dame’s offense, which has been effective throughout the season. Conversely, Notre Dame’s defense will need to contain Ohio State’s high-powered offense to keep the game competitive.

Key Players to Watch

• Will Howard (QB, Ohio State): A transfer from Kansas State, Howard has been instrumental in Ohio State’s offensive success this season.
• Riley Leonard (QB, Notre Dame): A transfer from Duke, Leonard has provided stability and leadership to Notre Dame’s offense.

Viewing Information

The game will be broadcast on ESPN, with coverage beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET. Fans can also stream the game live on the ESPN app.

For a detailed analysis and preview of the matchup, you can watch the following video: