The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship is set to feature a historic showdown between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. This highly anticipated matchup will take place on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, marking the culmination of the first 12-team College Football Playoff.

Game Details:

• Date: Monday, January 20, 2025

• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

• Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

• Broadcast: ESPN

Team Profiles:

Ohio State Buckeyes:

• Record: 13–2

• Head Coach: Ryan Day

• CFP Seed: No. 8

• Path to Championship:

• Defeated Tennessee in the first round

• Overcame Oregon in the quarterfinals

• Triumphed over Texas in the semifinals

The Buckeyes are making their first national championship appearance since the 2020 season and are seeking their first title since 2014. Under Coach Ryan Day, Ohio State has showcased a potent offense and a resilient defense throughout the season.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish:

• Record: 14–1

• Head Coach: Marcus Freeman

• CFP Seed: No. 7

• Path to Championship:

• Defeated Indiana in the first round

• Beat Georgia in the quarterfinals

• Prevailed over Penn State in the semifinals

The Fighting Irish are making their first national championship game appearance since the 2013 BCS National Championship Game. Coach Marcus Freeman has led Notre Dame to an impressive season, with the team aiming for its first national title since 1988.

Key Matchups to Watch:

• Quarterback Battle:

• Ohio State: Will Howard has been instrumental in leading the Buckeyes’ offense, demonstrating poise and precision in high-pressure situations.

• Notre Dame: Riley Leonard has showcased exceptional dual-threat capabilities, posing challenges for opposing defenses with both his arm and legs.

• Defensive Fronts:

• Both teams boast formidable defensive lines known for applying relentless pressure on quarterbacks. The battle in the trenches will be crucial in determining the game’s outcome.

• Coaching Strategies:

• Ryan Day’s offensive ingenuity versus Marcus Freeman’s defensive acumen presents an intriguing chess match that could dictate the flow of the game.

Betting Odds:

• Spread: Ohio State favored by 8.5 points

• Over/Under: 45.5 points (FD)

• Moneyline:

• Ohio State: -400 (FD)

• Notre Dame: +310 (FD)

Odds are subject to change; please consult official betting sources for the latest information. 

Historical Context:

This championship game marks the ninth meeting between Ohio State and Notre Dame. The Buckeyes have dominated the series with six consecutive victories, including a 17–14 win in their last encounter in 2023. 

Additional Storylines:

• Coaching Speculations: Notre Dame’s head coach, Marcus Freeman, has attracted interest from the NFL, with reports indicating that the Chicago Bears are considering him for their head coaching position. This development adds an extra layer of intrigue as Freeman prepares his team for the national championship. 

• Political Intersection: Vice President-elect JD Vance, an Ohio State alumnus, humorously remarked about the scheduling conflict between the presidential inauguration and the national championship game, both set for January 20. Vance’s allegiance to the Buckeyes adds a unique twist to the day’s events. 

Conclusion:

The 2025 CFP National Championship between Ohio State and Notre Dame promises to be a thrilling contest, featuring storied programs with rich histories and passionate fan bases. As both teams vie for college football supremacy, fans can anticipate a game filled with strategic depth, standout performances, and memorable moments.