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The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship was a clash between two powerhouse teams, Ohio State and Notre Dame. Played on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, this game delivered excitement, drama, and a redemption story for the Buckeyes. Ohio State secured a 34-23 victory, earning their sixth national championship title. Here’s a complete recap of the game, including the key moments, standout players, and the significance of this historic matchup.
Game Overview
- Date and Time: Monday, January 20, 2025 | 7:30 p.m. ET
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
- Final Score: Ohio State 34, Notre Dame 23
- Attendance: 77,660
- Game Duration: 3 hours and 20 minutes
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
First Quarter: Notre Dame Starts Strong
Notre Dame opened the game with confidence, scoring the first touchdown of the night. Their defence held Ohio State scoreless, leaving the Buckeyes searching for momentum.
Second Quarter: Ohio State Takes Control
Ohio State found their rhythm in the second quarter. Will Howard, the Buckeyes’ quarterback, orchestrated three touchdown drives, showcasing his precision and poise. By halftime, Ohio State led 21-7.
Third Quarter: Building the Lead
The Buckeyes extended their lead in the third quarter with a combination of a field goal and a rushing touchdown by Quinshon Judkins. Notre Dame managed a touchdown and a two-point conversion, but Ohio State still held a commanding 31-15 lead heading into the final quarter.
Fourth Quarter: Late Drama
Notre Dame mounted a spirited comeback, scoring a touchdown and another two-point conversion to narrow the gap. However, Ohio State’s Will Howard sealed the game with a 56-yard pass to Jeremiah Smith, setting up a final field goal. The Buckeyes’ defence held firm, and the game ended 34-23 in their favour.
Key Players and Performances
Will Howard (Ohio State)
- Stats: 231 passing yards, 2 touchdowns
- Highlight Moment: A 56-yard pass to Jeremiah Smith in the fourth quarter secured the victory.
Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State)
- Stats: 5 catches, 88 yards
- Impact: Delivered a game-changing play when it mattered most.
Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State)
- Stats: 100 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns
- Notable Play: A 70-yard run that set up a critical touchdown in the third quarter.
Notre Dame’s Efforts
Despite the loss, Notre Dame showed resilience, with their late-game surge keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Their coach, Marcus Freeman, demonstrated bold decision-making, though some choices, like the failed fake punt, proved costly.
Turning Points in the Game
- Ohio State’s Explosive Second Quarter: Scoring 21 points in the second quarter shifted the momentum decisively in favour of the Buckeyes.
- Judkins’ 70-Yard Run: This play showcased Ohio State’s offensive dominance and extended their lead to 28-7.
- Failed Fake Punt by Notre Dame: A gamble that backfired, allowing Ohio State to capitalize and increase their lead.
- Howard’s Late-Game Pass to Smith: A perfectly executed play that dashed Notre Dame’s comeback hopes.
Statistics and Insights
- Total Yards: Ohio State 445, Notre Dame 308
- Ohio State’s Efficiency: Scored on their first four possessions and punted only once.
- Notre Dame’s Comeback Attempts: Scored two touchdowns with successful two-point conversions in the fourth quarter but fell short.
Ohio State’s Road to the Title
Ohio State’s journey to the championship was marked by resilience and redemption. After a shocking loss to Michigan in November, they bounced back to dominate the new 12-team playoff format. Their combined score across four playoff games was an impressive 145-85, underscoring their offensive prowess.
The Impact of the Transfer Portal
Ohio State’s success highlighted their strategic use of the transfer portal:
- Will Howard: Transferred from Kansas State and emerged as a clutch performer.
- Quinshon Judkins: A former Mississippi player who became a cornerstone of Ohio State’s offence.
Historical Context and Significance
- Ohio State’s Sixth National Title: This victory marked their first championship since 2014.
- Back-to-Back Big Ten Titles: Following Michigan’s win last year, this was the first time since 1942 that the Big Ten claimed consecutive championships.
- Coaching Legacy: Ryan Day joined the ranks of legendary Ohio State coaches like Urban Meyer and Woody Hayes.
Challenges for Notre Dame
Notre Dame’s coach, Marcus Freeman, faced tough questions about:
- Strategic Decisions: The failed fake punt and opting for a field goal instead of attempting a touchdown late in the game.
- Offensive Struggles: Notre Dame’s inability to consistently move the ball against Ohio State’s defence.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The game generated significant excitement on social media, with hashtags like #CFPChampionship, #OhioState, and #NotreDame trending. Fans celebrated Ohio State’s redemption story and debated the key moments that defined the game.
FAQs
- Who won the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship?
Ohio State defeated Notre Dame 34-23. - Where was the 2025 CFP National Championship played?
The game was held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. - What was the final score?
Ohio State 34, Notre Dame 23. - Who was the standout player for Ohio State?
Will Howard, with 231 passing yards and two touchdowns. - How many national championships has Ohio State won?
This was Ohio State’s sixth title. - What was the attendance for the game?
77,660 fans attended the championship. - What was the duration of the game?
The game lasted 3 hours and 20 minutes. - What was the turning point of the game?
Will Howard’s 56-yard pass to Jeremiah Smith late in the fourth quarter. - How did Notre Dame perform?
Notre Dame showed resilience but fell short due to costly errors and Ohio State’s dominance. - What’s next for Ohio State and Notre Dame?
Ohio State looks to build on their success, while Notre Dame will regroup and aim for another shot at the title.
Conclusion
The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship was a showcase of talent, strategy, and resilience. Ohio State’s victory highlighted their determination and the impact of key players like Will Howard and Quinshon Judkins. While Notre Dame’s comeback efforts fell short, their performance demonstrated grit and the potential for future success. This game will be remembered as a pivotal moment in college football history.
