The 2025 College Football National Championship was nothing short of an instant classic. With the number 8 Ohio State Buckeyes matched up against the number 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, there was high-intensity, back-and-forth action the entire game, and fans were on the edge of their seat til the last whistle.

Source: https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2025-01-20/ohio-state-defeats-notre-dame-college-football-national-championship

To begin the game, Notre Dame received the ball and completed a methodical drive, taking 10 minutes and ending in 7 points, with Quarterback Riley Leonard punching it in using his legs. However, the Buckeyes struck back with a steady drive themself, as Quarterback Will Howard found freshman phenom Jerimiah Smith for 6. After a made extra point, the Buckeyes tie the game early in the second quarter. Notre Dame was then forced to punt, leading to another Ohio State drive capped off by a Quinshon Judkins rushing touchdown to put the pressure on the Irish. Shortly after, the Buckeyes forced an important stop, granting them great field position, followed by a 7-yard passing touchdown to Judkins again. As the game went to halftime, it was clear to see that Ohio State had all the momentum; however, everyone viewing knew there was much more in the tank for the Irish as they schemed for a second-half push.

Source: https://www.ibj.com/articles/ohio-state-outlasts-notre-dame-in-cfp-final-to-win-first-national-football-title-since-2014

To start the 3rd quarter, Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins broke out for a 70-yard run leading to a 1-yard touchdown run, making the game seem out of reach for the Irish. However, just when you thought it was slipping away for Notre Dame, Riley Leonard finds Jaden Greathouse for a 37-yard touchdown, followed by a fumble by standout Buckeye receiver Emeka Egbuka, which gave Notre Dame great field position. Notre Dame capitalizes with a 30-yard touchdown pass and a successful 2-point conversion, making the score a mere 31-23 Ohio State lead.

Deep into the fourth quarter, Ohio State had the ball and was looking to waste clock and put the game away. Facing a 3rd down and 11, the Buckeyes put their faith in wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, completing a 56-yard pass and putting the game away. The Buckeyes captured their first title since 2014 and capped off a great season and a strong College Football Playoff run that will be remembered for years to come.

Sources:

• https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/401677192