The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship is set to feature a showdown between the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes and the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish on January 20. The game will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Ohio State has demonstrated its prowess throughout the playoffs, defeating Tennessee and Oregon before clinching a 28-14 victory over Texas. A standout moment from the semifinal was defensive end Jack Sawyer’s remarkable 83-yard fumble return for a touchdown, which played a crucial role in the Buckeyes’ progression to the finals. Conversely, Notre Dame has relied heavily on its strong defense coupled with timely offensive plays to overcome formidable opponents, including Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State along the path to the championship.
As for the betting lines, the Buckeyes are currently favored by 9.5 points. The total points line is set at 45.5. Notably, Ohio State has been consistent in covering the spread throughout the playoffs, entering the championship with a combined score advantage of 111-52 in its playoff campaign. Meanwhile, Notre Dame has shown resilience, with an 11-1-1 record against the spread in its last 13 games and a rock-solid defense that ranks second nationally, allowing only 14.3 points per game.
Key players for Ohio State include quarterback Will Howard and standout receiver Jeremiah Smith. For Notre Dame, the offensive efforts are spearheaded by a powerful rushing attack led by running back Jeremiyah Love, who has been a key player despite battling a knee injury. Quarterback Riley Leonard has also been instrumental, contributing significantly both through the air and on the ground.
With both teams showcasing their strengths, the national championship game promises to be an exciting matchup that could have thrilling implications for the future of college football. For those interested in making picks, analysis from various betting models indicates potential outcomes that could sway toward Ohio State’s favor based on their playoff performance.
As this historic playoff comes to a close, fans can look forward to a captivating encounter that showcases the resilience and skill of both programs—something to celebrate whether you’re a Buckeyes supporter, a Fighting Irish fan, or simply a follower of college football.