In a stunning and electric finish to an unforgettable season, the Ohio State Buckeyes have emerged victorious in the College Football Playoff National Championship after defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a thrilling game that captured the essence of what college football is all about. For the Buckeyes, this national championship marks a historic achievement in the program’s storied legacy and a fitting culmination to a season that will be remembered for its resilience, talent, and determination.
Under the leadership of head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State reached the pinnacle of college football, earning the ultimate reward for their dedication and hard work. The win not only solidified Ohio State as one of the elite programs in the nation but also confirmed that they are a force to be reckoned with in the modern era of college football.
In this article, we will break down the historic victory, the key moments that defined the game, the contributions from standout players, and what this win means for the Ohio State football program going forward. As the Buckeyes bask in the glory of their national championship, we also take a look at how they overcame adversity throughout the season and the impact of this title on the college football landscape.
The Road to the National Championship
Ohio State’s journey to the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship was anything but easy, but it showcased the team’s depth, resilience, and talent. The Buckeyes entered the season with high expectations, following a dominant 2024 campaign where they fell just short of the national title. With a roster stacked with talent and an experienced coaching staff, Ohio State’s road to the CFP in 2025 was paved with a mix of high-powered offense, a suffocating defense, and thrilling victories.
Regular Season Highlights:
- A Statement Win Over Michigan: One of the pivotal moments of Ohio State’s season came early on when they dominated their arch-rival, the Michigan Wolverines, in a game that many expected to be close. Instead, the Buckeyes steamrolled Michigan in front of a raucous home crowd, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive dominance.
- Key Victories in the Big Ten: Ohio State navigated through a tough Big Ten schedule with ease, taking down formidable opponents such as Penn State, Wisconsin, and Iowa. The offense, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, was firing on all cylinders, while the defense, led by defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, was as stingy as ever, limiting opposing teams’ ability to score.
- The Big Ten Championship Game: Ohio State’s most dominant performance came in the Big Ten Championship, where they dismantled the Northwestern Wildcats in a convincing 45-14 victory. The Buckeyes’ offense was a well-oiled machine, and their defense was impenetrable. This victory not only secured Ohio State’s place in the CFP but also sent a message to the nation that they were one of the teams to beat.
The College Football Playoff:
In the College Football Playoff, Ohio State entered the semifinals as the No. 2 seed, facing off against a tough Clemson squad that had been a perennial CFP contender in recent years. The Buckeyes proved their mettle in a tightly contested semifinal, with C.J. Stroud playing lights-out football, throwing for 350 yards and 4 touchdowns. Ohio State’s defense, led by Tuimoloau and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, shut down Clemson’s explosive offense in the second half to secure a 34-24 victory.
The win over Clemson earned the Buckeyes a spot in the national championship game, where they would face a Notre Dame team that had made an equally impressive run through the playoffs.
Ohio State vs. Notre Dame: A Championship Game for the Ages
The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship between Ohio State and Notre Dame was billed as a clash of titans, and the game did not disappoint. Both teams came into the game with elite defenses, high-powered offenses, and a desire to prove themselves as the best in college football.
First Half: Defensive Struggles and Offensive Adjustments
From the opening kickoff, it was clear that both teams were going to make every possession count. The defenses were fast, aggressive, and swarming to the ball. Ohio State’s defense, led by defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, came out firing on all cylinders, putting pressure on Notre Dame’s quarterback Sam Hartman from the start. The Buckeyes’ pass rush was relentless, with defensive ends Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer both recording sacks in the first quarter, disrupting Notre Dame’s rhythm.
On the other side of the ball, Ohio State’s offense was also facing significant challenges. Notre Dame’s defense, known for being stout and disciplined, limited the Buckeyes’ offensive production early on. C.J. Stroud, who had been virtually unstoppable all season, faced heavy pressure from the Irish defensive line. Ohio State’s offensive line, however, proved its mettle, eventually providing Stroud with the time he needed to find his playmakers downfield.
Notre Dame struck first, scoring on a long drive in the second quarter that culminated in a Sam Hartman touchdown pass to tight end Michael Mayer. The Irish capitalized on a rare misstep by Ohio State’s defense, taking a 7-0 lead.
Ohio State responded quickly, however, with C.J. Stroud leading a methodical drive that culminated in a short touchdown run by Miyan Williams. The Ohio State offense continued to settle into a rhythm as the first half progressed. Marvin Harrison Jr., the standout wide receiver for the Buckeyes, made a few incredible catches, including a 32-yard reception down the sideline that set up another score, giving Ohio State a 14-7 lead at halftime.
Second Half: Stroud Takes Over, Defense Shines
The second half of the game was a showcase of Ohio State’s championship-level talent. After a hard-fought first half, the Buckeyes turned up the heat on both sides of the ball.
Ohio State’s offense began to find its groove. C.J. Stroud, who had faced some struggles early on, began to look like the Heisman-caliber quarterback that Buckeye fans had come to expect. Stroud’s deep ball accuracy was on full display as he connected with Marvin Harrison Jr. on a 45-yard touchdown strike to make it 21-7. The Buckeyes’ offensive line, which had been stalwart in the face of Notre Dame’s pressure, gave Stroud ample time to find his receivers. The offense continued to hum along, with TreVeyon Henderson adding a rushing touchdown to extend Ohio State’s lead to 28-10.
Despite a late push by Notre Dame, Ohio State’s defense proved too much. The Irish were forced to abandon the run game, and Sam Hartman found himself under constant pressure from Ohio State’s front seven. Tuimoloau, who had been a disruptive force all game, recorded another sack in the fourth quarter, forcing a key Notre Dame turnover on downs. Tommy Eichenberg, who had been all over the field throughout the game, sealed the win with an interception in the final minutes.
In the end, Ohio State triumphed 31-17, securing their first national championship since 2014. The Buckeyes’ ability to make adjustments and execute in critical moments proved to be the difference in a game that featured a heavyweight matchup between two elite teams.
Key Players and Contributions
While the entire Ohio State team contributed to the victory, certain players stood out in the championship game.
- C.J. Stroud: Stroud, who had been outstanding all season, lived up to the moment in the national championship. Despite facing a tough Notre Dame defense, he threw for over 350 yards and 3 touchdowns, including several critical throws in the second half that helped Ohio State pull away. Stroud’s leadership and poise were on full display, and he was named the game’s MVP.
- Marvin Harrison Jr.: The standout wide receiver once again showed why he is one of the best in college football. Harrison finished the game with 8 receptions for 120 yards and 1 touchdown. His ability to make difficult catches in tight spaces and his deep-ball threat were crucial in Ohio State’s offensive success.
- J.T. Tuimoloau: The defensive end had a monster game, with 2 sacks and several tackles for loss. His pressure on Sam Hartman was relentless, and he played a key role in Ohio State’s ability to stifle Notre Dame’s passing attack.
- Tommy Eichenberg: Ohio State’s linebacker was all over the field, registering 10 tackles, 1 interception, and several key stops in critical moments. Eichenberg’s leadership and ability to make plays when it mattered most were invaluable in securing the championship.
What the Championship Means for Ohio State
Ohio State’s victory in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship has immense significance for the program. It solidifies Ryan Day’s status as one of the top coaches in college football and further cements Ohio State as one of the premier programs in the sport. The championship also showcases the talent and depth of Ohio State’s roster, which has been built through elite recruiting, player development, and strong leadership.
For the Buckeyes, this win represents a culmination of hard work, perseverance, and a relentless drive to succeed. It also gives Ohio State their eighth national championship in football, tying them with some of the sport’s most storied programs. With an incredibly talented team returning for next season, Ohio State is poised to remain at the top of college football for years to come.