National Championship – Notre Dame VS Ohio State Buckeyes – Live Stream, Play-by-Play, Drive Chart

🏈 2025 College Football National Championship: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame – Epic Showdown Tonight! 🏆

The moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived! After an unforgettable season filled with dramatic comebacks, jaw-dropping plays, and unforgettable moments, the 2025 College Football National Championship kicks off tonight. The Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish, two of the most storied programs in college football, are set to clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

This marks the conclusion of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, and it’s a fitting finale to an incredible season. Will Ohio State cement its status as the most dominant team in the postseason, or can Notre Dame pull off one more upset to claim the title?

Game Details
📅 Date: Monday, January 20, 2025
⏰ Time: 7:30 PM ET
🏟️ Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
📺 TV: ESPN
📡 Streaming: ESPN App, ESPN+

Team Profiles: The Road to Atlanta
Ohio State Buckeyes
Coach: Ryan Day
Record: 13-2
Key Wins: Tennessee (42-17), Oregon (41-21), Texas (28-14)
Star Players:
Kyle McCord (QB): The sophomore quarterback has come into his own, throwing for 3,850 yards and 28 touchdowns this season. He’s been particularly sharp in the playoffs, showing poise under pressure.
TreVeyon Henderson (RB): Ohio State’s ground game is powered by Henderson, who has amassed 1,420 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. His explosive runs make him a constant threat.
Jeremiah Smith (WR): The freshman phenom has been the breakout star of the playoffs. Smith has racked up 187 receiving yards and two touchdowns in key games, showcasing his ability to dominate against top defenses.
Jack Sawyer (DE): The defensive end has been a force, with 12.5 sacks this season, including the iconic scoop-and-score that sealed the win against Texas in the semifinals.
The Buckeyes have been a juggernaut in the playoffs, outscoring their opponents by a combined 59 points. Their defense is ranked No. 1 in the country, allowing just 13.2 points per game, while the offense has been balanced and efficient.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Coach: Marcus Freeman
Record: 14-1
Key Wins: Indiana (27-17), Georgia (23-10), Penn State (27-24)
Star Players:
Riley Leonard (QB): A dual-threat quarterback who has thrown for 3,200 yards and 25 touchdowns while rushing for another 600 yards. Leonard’s ability to extend plays will be critical against Ohio State’s top-tier defense.
Audric Estime (RB): The bruising running back has been the heart of Notre Dame’s offense, with 1,350 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. His physicality sets the tone for the Irish.
Jayden Harrison (WR/KR): Harrison has been the definition of “big play,” with a 98-yard kickoff return touchdown against Georgia and a game-winning 54-yard reception against Penn State.
Benjamin Morrison (CB): Notre Dame’s secondary leader has six interceptions this season, including two pick-sixes. He’ll be tasked with slowing down Jeremiah Smith and Ohio State’s passing attack.
The Irish are on a 13-game winning streak after a stunning early-season loss to Northern Illinois. Coach Marcus Freeman, a former Ohio State linebacker, has instilled toughness and resilience in his team.

Key Matchups to Watch
Kyle McCord vs. Notre Dame’s Secondary
McCord has been lights out in the postseason, but Notre Dame’s secondary, led by Morrison, is one of the best in the nation. Can McCord stay accurate under pressure, or will the Irish force turnovers?

TreVeyon Henderson vs. Notre Dame’s Front Seven
Henderson’s big-play ability has carried Ohio State all season. If Notre Dame can contain him, they’ll force the Buckeyes to rely more on their passing game.

Betting Insights
Spread: Ohio State (-8.5)
Over/Under: 45.5 points
Moneyline: Ohio State (-375), Notre Dame (+300)
The odds favor Ohio State, but Notre Dame has thrived as the underdog in this playoff. If you’re betting, keep an eye on player props like Jeremiah Smith’s receiving yards or Audric Estime’s rushing total.

What’s at Stake
For Ohio State, it’s a chance to cement their legacy as one of the best programs in modern college football. For Notre Dame, it’s an opportunity to break through after years of near-misses and secure Marcus Freeman’s place in history as the first Black head coach to win an FBS national title.

Our Prediction
This game has all the ingredients for an instant classic. Ohio State’s combination of offensive firepower and defensive dominance gives them the edge, but Notre Dame’s knack for big plays and Freeman’s connection to his alma mater make this a fascinating chess match.

Kickoff is at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN. Don’t miss a second of the action as two legendary programs battle it out for the title of 2025 College Football National Champions! Grab your snacks, rally your crew, and let’s make history tonight.

🏈 Let us know your predictions in the comments below! Who are you rooting for: Go Buckeyes! or Go Irish!?

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