The Ohio State Buckeyes have claimed the College Football Playoff National Title for the first time since 2014 after defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 34-23. The 2025 CFP National Championship occurred on January 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. This game marked Ohio State’s first appearance as a finalist since 2014 and Notre Dame’s first since 2012. In each of their most recent appearances, both teams were able to claim the title.
The game started well for Notre Dame, starting with possession and scoring a touchdown with the most plays for a starting drive in CFP Final history, but this would be the only time they had the lead. During the second quarter, Ohio State scored three touchdowns, taking the lead and bringing the score to 21-7. The Buckeyes scored one touchdown and a field goal during the third quarter, extending their lead to 31-7. The Fighting Irish were able to fight back, getting a touchdown and two-point conversion, catching up to 31-15. Notre Dame continued to close the gap during the fourth quarter, scoring another touchdown and two-point conversion, bringing their deficit to only eight points. But alas, it was not enough to take down the Buckeyes. Ohio State scored a field goal with less than 30 seconds left in the game, bringing the final score to 34-23 and clinching the CFP National Championship Title. Senior Luke Fazio said, “Ohio State is really good. I didn’t think it was going to be close and it wasn’t.”
Despite this loss, the future looks bright for Notre Dame. Social Studies teacher Steve Peters said, “Very few teams make a National Championship after just three years. I’m very proud of Notre Dame and Marcus Freeman.” This was the first championship appearance for Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman after assuming the position in late 2021.
Ohio State’s victory marked the first of the 12-team College Football Playoff era. The head coach of Ohio State, Ryan Day said, “This win cements this team as one of the best in Ohio State history. Over the last 50 years, this is just the third team that’s won the National Championship. And I think that gives some pause to be like ‘Wow, that’s a great team and great accomplishment in the new era.’”