1. Notre Dame Football Overview
Notre Dame has long been a powerhouse in college football, though their path to the national championship in recent years has been a bit more circuitous. The Fighting Irish have made several major bowl games and College Football Playoff appearances but have not been able to capture a national title since 1988. They’ve consistently had talented rosters, but their ultimate hurdle has been either the talent gap in the playoff or coming up short in high-pressure moments.
Quarterback Play:
Notre Dame’s quarterback situation has been solid in recent seasons but without the “elite” presence that some other championship contenders have had. Players like Ian Book (2016–2019) and Jack Coan (2021) led the team in recent years to significant success, but neither were able to carry the Irish to the ultimate prize.
Currently, if we’re looking at Notre Dame’s quarterback situation in the 2024 or 2025 seasons, the most likely starter is Sam Hartman, a transfer from Wake Forest. Hartman is a proven leader with a strong arm and excellent decision-making skills, but he hasn’t been on a team that has consistently played at the level of a national champion contender in the past. That could change with the right system, talent around him, and leadership from head coach Marcus Freeman, who has quickly established a solid foundation.
However, Hartman will have to elevate his game and perform well against some of the best defenses in the country, especially in big games. Notre Dame’s challenges often come in the form of finishing in high-stakes games, as they have struggled to overcome elite teams in major matchups.
Team Strengths:
- Offensive Line: Historically, Notre Dame has one of the most physical offensive lines in college football. The Irish’s offensive line is consistently ranked among the nation’s best, which is a huge advantage in controlling the line of scrimmage.
- Defense: Notre Dame’s defense has been strong, with a focus on linebacker play and physicality, typically able to keep them in any game.
Challenges:
- Consistency on Offense: For Notre Dame to compete for a national title, they’ll need to see sustained growth from their offense, especially in big moments. Their running game will need to complement Hartman’s passing, and the receiving corps will need to rise to the occasion.
- Schedule Strength: Notre Dame’s independent scheduling can work against them, as they sometimes lack the depth of a conference schedule like the SEC or Big Ten, making it harder to gauge their consistency against top-tier competition.
2. Ohio State Football Overview
Ohio State is a perennial contender for the national championship, with an elite football program, incredible recruiting success, and a recent history of consistently competing at the highest level. The Buckeyes have won multiple national championships and have been a fixture in the College Football Playoff picture for years.
Quarterback Play:
Ohio State’s quarterback position is a major strength for them. They’ve produced top-tier quarterbacks, and the 2024 or 2025 season looks no different, with the Buckeyes having Kyle McCord, a former five-star recruit, or possibly a freshman phenom ready to step in.
Ohio State quarterbacks have had the ability to elevate the team to another level, especially with the offense they run under head coach Ryan Day. McCord, or whichever quarterback gets the starting job, will have some of the best weapons around him in the country. The Buckeyes have been known for their high-flying passing attacks and explosive offenses, and the quarterback position is crucial in executing that game plan.
In recent seasons, Ohio State has had a tendency to produce elite quarterbacks like Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and C.J. Stroud, all of whom were excellent at leading Ohio State to big games. If the Buckeyes continue to develop their quarterbacks with the same success, the team will have an edge over many other contenders in the postseason.
Team Strengths:
- Offensive Firepower: Ohio State is known for their dynamic offense. They have a talented wide receiver corps and some of the best skill-position players in college football.
- Recruiting and Depth: Ohio State has one of the deepest rosters in the country. They consistently bring in top-tier talent on both sides of the ball, and their recruiting success has given them a roster capable of competing for national titles year after year.
Challenges:
- Defense: While Ohio State’s defense has improved in recent years under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, it has been a weak spot at times. In order for the Buckeyes to win a national championship, they’ll need their defense to step up in big games, particularly against the elite offenses they’ll face in the postseason.
- Big-Game Performance: Ohio State has been prone to some stumbles in high-pressure situations, especially in the College Football Playoff or against top-ranked teams in the regular season. They’ll need to improve their consistency and find ways to close out games in clutch moments.
3. Comparing the Two Teams
Quarterback Comparison:
- Sam Hartman (Notre Dame): Hartman is a steady presence and a great game manager. He has experience and the tools to be a top quarterback, but he hasn’t yet proven he can lead a team to a national championship in the toughest of moments.
- Ohio State’s Quarterback (likely McCord or a Freshman): Ohio State typically has an elite-level quarterback with a proven track record of success. In terms of raw talent and potential, Ohio State’s quarterbacks have the edge in terms of both experience and ability to carry the team in big moments.
Offensive Talent:
- Ohio State has one of the best offensive systems in the country, producing tons of points, explosive plays, and great skill-position players. Their receivers and running backs are often among the best in the country.
- Notre Dame has a solid offense, but it often lacks the same level of elite playmakers, especially on the perimeter. Their offensive line is one of the best, which helps them control the game, but they may need to find more balance and explosive plays through the air.
Defensive Strength:
- Notre Dame has a consistently strong defense, with physical linebackers and a disciplined secondary. Their ability to shut down the run game and limit big plays gives them a solid chance in any game.
- Ohio State has a fast, aggressive defense, but its consistency against high-powered offenses has been an issue in the past. If their defense can stay sharp and execute in key moments, they’ll be a tough out for any opponent.
Coaching:
- Marcus Freeman (Notre Dame) is a promising young coach, and although he’s still building his legacy, he has shown the ability to compete at the highest level. His leadership and ability to motivate his team will be key in a potential run for a title.
- Ryan Day (Ohio State) has already established himself as one of the top coaches in college football, consistently getting Ohio State into playoff contention. His play-calling and ability to adjust in big games is a major strength.
4. Road to the National Championship:
- Notre Dame’s Path: Notre Dame will likely need to be perfect in their regular season, especially considering their independent status. Their schedule will include some tough teams, but they must avoid slipping up against lesser opponents. If they get into the College Football Playoff, they’ll need their offense to step up against the big dogs.
- Ohio State’s Path: Ohio State will likely have a tougher road, especially with the strength of the Big Ten, but they also benefit from playing in a more competitive environment. Their chances of making the playoff are high, but they will need to win key games against other elite teams, particularly in the postseason.
Who Wins the National Championship?
While Notre Dame has a talented team and a capable quarterback in Sam Hartman, Ohio State is better positioned to win the national championship. The combination of elite quarterback play, offensive firepower, and overall talent depth gives Ohio State the edge. Their experience in big games and playoff scenarios, along with their strong recruiting and coaching under Ryan Day, makes them the favorites in this matchup.
Ohio State’s road to the national title is clearer, and they are more likely to get to the playoff and then be able to compete for the title against other elite teams. That being said, anything can happen in college football, and if Notre Dame gets hot at the right time with Hartman leading the way, they could surprise. However, if we had to bet, Ohio State’s program, quarterback advantage, and overall talent make them the stronger contender.