Ohio State Football Returns to Columbus Following Their Victory Over Notre Dame in the CFP National Championship
The Ohio State Buckeyes football team has long been a powerhouse in college football, consistently ranking among the nation’s elite programs. After an intense and thrilling campaign that captivated fans across the country, Ohio State has once again etched its name into the annals of college football history. The Buckeyes return to Columbus as the newly crowned champions of the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship, after an electrifying 38-31 victory over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. This victory marked a significant moment for Ohio State, signaling not only the team’s return to glory but also reaffirming the legacy of one of college football’s most storied programs.
Setting the Stage: A Classic Showdown
The 2025 CFP National Championship was the culmination of an unforgettable season of college football. As the teams emerged from a postseason filled with upsets, dramatic finishes, and thrilling individual performances, the final showdown between Ohio State and Notre Dame was set to be a battle of elite talent, coaching brilliance, and college football tradition.
The Buckeyes had entered the championship game with an impressive 13-1 record, their lone loss coming in a hard-fought game against Michigan earlier in the season. Despite this setback, Ohio State’s offense had been explosive, with a potent combination of a high-powered passing attack and a bruising running game. Head coach Ryan Day had once again molded the team into a national title contender, with standout players like quarterback Kyle McCord, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., and running back TreVeyon Henderson leading the charge.
Notre Dame, on the other hand, was no slouch. Under head coach Marcus Freeman, the Fighting Irish had experienced a remarkable season, going 12-2 and dominating the ACC Championship Game against Florida State. Notre Dame’s defense was one of the most formidable in the country, and their offense, powered by quarterback Sam Hartman, was balanced and efficient. This was a matchup between two programs with a rich history, and the stage was set for a classic.
First Half: A Defensive Battle with Big Plays
As the game kicked off inside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, the energy in the stadium was palpable. Both teams knew what was at stake—Ohio State was looking to add another national title to their illustrious history, while Notre Dame was determined to secure their first national championship in over three decades. From the first whistle, it was clear that both teams were prepared for a battle of willpower and skill.
The first half was marked by tight defenses, as both teams struggled to sustain drives early on. Ohio State’s offense was stifled by Notre Dame’s defense, which used a mix of blitzes and coverage schemes to pressure McCord and limit the big plays that had been their trademark all season. However, McCord and the Buckeyes weren’t discouraged.
Midway through the second quarter, Ohio State broke the game open with a spectacular 72-yard touchdown pass from McCord to Harrison Jr. The play was a thing of beauty, as McCord dropped back into the pocket, eluded a rusher, and then delivered a perfect spiral to Harrison Jr., who made a breathtaking catch in stride and raced into the end zone. The Buckeyes’ explosive offense had found its rhythm, and the stadium erupted as Ohio State took a 14-7 lead.
However, Notre Dame wasn’t fazed. Sam Hartman responded with a brilliant drive, capping it off with a 15-yard touchdown pass to tight end Michael Mayer to tie the game at 14-14. Both teams continued to exchange blows, with the defenses making timely stops, but the offenses were able to produce when it mattered most.
As the first half drew to a close, Ohio State was able to put together a field-goal drive, giving them a 17-14 lead at the break. The Buckeyes’ defense, led by linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, had been effective in stymying Notre Dame’s offense, but they knew that the second half would be a completely different challenge.
Second Half: A Wild Finish and the Turning Point
The second half began with both teams coming out of the locker room fired up and determined to seize the moment. Notre Dame’s defense was relentless, forcing Ohio State into a quick three-and-out to start the third quarter. On their next possession, the Fighting Irish took advantage of a short field after a Buckeye punt, driving down the field and scoring on a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Audric Estime to take a 21-17 lead.
The Buckeyes responded with their own scoring drive, showcasing their balanced attack as McCord connected with receiver Emeka Egbuka for a 23-yard gain. Henderson, who had been quiet for much of the game, found his groove as the drive progressed, picking up crucial yards and eventually finding the end zone on a 3-yard touchdown run to give Ohio State a 24-21 lead.
At this point in the game, the momentum began to shift back and forth. Notre Dame had opportunities to retake the lead, but Ohio State’s defense was opportunistic. The Buckeyes’ defensive line pressured Hartman throughout the second half, and cornerback Denzel Burke intercepted a pass late in the third quarter to set up a crucial touchdown.
With the game on the line, McCord and Harrison Jr. connected again, this time for a 45-yard touchdown, as McCord’s deep throw landed perfectly in Harrison’s hands. The play was the turning point in the game, as Ohio State extended its lead to 31-21 heading into the final quarter.
Despite trailing, Notre Dame refused to go down without a fight. Hartman orchestrated a methodical 75-yard drive that ended with a touchdown pass to wide receiver Tobias Merriweather, cutting Ohio State’s lead to 31-28. The Fighting Irish were back in it, and the game was poised for a dramatic finish.
The Final Moments: A Championship Earned
With just under five minutes left in the game, Notre Dame had the ball and the chance to take the lead. But Ohio State’s defense, which had been bending but not breaking all night, dug deep one last time. The Buckeyes’ front seven put consistent pressure on Hartman, forcing him to make hurried throws. On a critical third-and-8 with just over two minutes remaining, Hartman’s pass was deflected at the line of scrimmage by defensive lineman Tyleik Williams, and the ball fell harmlessly to the ground.
Now, with the game on the line, Notre Dame faced a fourth-and-8 from their own 47-yard line. Hartman dropped back to pass, looking for an open receiver, but Ohio State’s secondary held firm. With nowhere to throw, Hartman attempted to scramble, but Eichenberg and Tuimoloau were right on his heels. Hartman was brought down short of the first-down marker, and the Buckeyes’ defense had made its stand.
With just over a minute left, Ohio State took over possession of the ball, and McCord was tasked with managing the clock and securing the victory. Henderson, who had been running hard all game, took over. The Buckeyes’ offensive line, which had been dominant throughout the game, paved the way for Henderson to break free on a 21-yard run that put the game out of reach. Ohio State’s lead was now 38-28.
Notre Dame’s last-ditch effort fell short, and when the clock struck zero, Ohio State had secured the 2025 CFP National Championship with a 38-31 victory. The Buckeyes stormed the field, celebrating with their fans, as confetti rained down from the rafters. The victory was sweet redemption for Ohio State after their narrow loss to Michigan earlier in the season, and it cemented their place as one of the nation’s premier football programs.
A Legacy Renewed
For Ohio State, this national championship victory was a testament to the hard work, resilience, and talent that defines the program. Ryan Day’s leadership, McCord’s poise under pressure, and the playmaking ability of Harrison Jr., Henderson, and others were critical to the team’s success. But equally important was the defense, which had to withstand the explosive plays from Notre Dame and come through in the clutch when it mattered most.
The Buckeyes’ victory also marked a turning point for the program. After several seasons of near-misses and heartbreak, Ohio State had finally returned to the pinnacle of college football. The title was a reminder of the program’s rich history, with past legends like Woody Hayes, Archie Griffin, and Eddie George, who helped build the foundation that the current Buckeyes continue to build upon.
As the team returned to Columbus, the city was alive with excitement. Thousands of fans flooded the streets to celebrate the championship win, and a parade was held to honor the team’s historic achievement. The players, coaches, and fans shared in the joy of a season that had come to a thrilling conclusion. Ohio State football had once again reached the top of the mountain, and the future looked incredibly bright.
In the weeks following the championship win, speculation began to swirl around the future of key players, especially McCord and Harrison Jr., both of whom were poised to enter the NFL Draft. However, for now, the focus was on celebrating this victory, one that would go down as one of the greatest in Ohio State’s storied history. The 2025 national championship was more than just a win—it was a reaffirmation that the Buckeyes are back on top of the college football world.