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The first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) is down to its final two contenders: Notre Dame and Ohio State. On January 20, these two powerhouse programs will meet at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for the CFP National Championship Presented by AT&T. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN.
Both teams are eager to end championship droughts. For Notre Dame, it’s their first chance at a title since 1988, while Ohio State, although they won the first CFP championship a decade ago, is looking for another taste of glory after a decade of near-misses. The stakes are high, and the matchup promises to be thrilling.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (14-1)
What we learned in the semifinal:
Notre Dame has proven itself to be a resilient and well-coached team throughout the season. The Fighting Irish demonstrated remarkable situational awareness and execution in their semifinal win over Penn State, erasing two deficits and dominating the critical “middle eight” — the final four minutes of the first half and the first four minutes of the second half. On third downs, they were exceptional, converting 11 of 17 on offense while limiting Penn State to just 3 of 11 on defense.
The Irish have been hit by injuries, but they’ve managed to overcome adversity with contributions from key players like quarterback Riley Leonard, running back Jeremiyah Love, and linebacker Jack Kiser. The team also benefits from strong backups like quarterback Steve Angeli, wide receiver Jaden Greathouse, and kicker Mitch Jeter. Notre Dame’s ability to remain competitive despite their challenges makes them a tough opponent.
X factor:
Jaden Greathouse could play a crucial role in the championship game. After relatively modest performances earlier in the CFP, Greathouse stepped up with career highs of 7 receptions and 105 yards, including a clutch 54-yard touchdown to tie the game late. His ability to stretch the field could be key for the Irish, especially as they look to add more downfield passing to their offense.
How Notre Dame wins:
The Irish won’t have the talent edge in this game, but their grit and resilience make them a dangerous team. Notre Dame must continue to excel in all three phases of the game and find a way to keep the offense balanced, mixing in successful downfield passes. They will also need to win the turnover battle and replicate their outstanding third-down efficiency from the Penn State win to have a shot at the title.
Ohio State Buckeyes (13-2)
What we learned in the semifinal:
Ohio State’s defense delivered when it mattered most in their dramatic victory over Texas in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. Senior defensive end Jack Sawyer delivered a game-changing play, sacking Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers on fourth-and-goal with just over two minutes left, forcing a fumble and returning it 83 yards for a touchdown to seal the win. While Ohio State’s offense struggled for much of the game, its defense, led by players like Sawyer and safety Lathan Ransom, showed championship-level mettle.
X factor:
Lathan Ransom’s impact in the Cotton Bowl was pivotal. With Texas threatening near the goal line, Ransom’s stop on second-and-goal forced a loss of 7 yards, setting the stage for Sawyer’s game-clinching fumble recovery. Ransom, alongside All-American safety Caleb Downs, provides Ohio State with a veteran secondary capable of making game-changing plays when needed.
How Ohio State wins:
Ohio State’s offense struggled when Texas managed to shut down their star wide receiver, true freshman Jeremiah Smith. Smith had only one reception for 3 yards in the semifinal, and Notre Dame will likely try to replicate that strategy. To counter, offensive coordinator Chip Kelly must find creative ways to get Smith the ball early and often, exploiting matchups and ensuring the Buckeyes’ offense runs through their top playmaker.
What to Expect in Atlanta
This matchup between Notre Dame and Ohio State will be a tactical battle between two programs with elite coaching and deep talent pools. Notre Dame’s physical, balanced style will clash with Ohio State’s high-powered offense and championship-caliber defense. The Fighting Irish will look to exploit Ohio State’s defensive weaknesses, while the Buckeyes aim to reassert their offensive dominance.
For Notre Dame, the keys to victory will be continuing their third-down success, minimizing mistakes, and keeping their offense dynamic with both the run and pass. For Ohio State, their defense will be critical to slowing down Notre Dame’s offense, while their offense must find a way to get the ball into Jeremiah Smith’s hands and create big plays.
Both teams are hungry for a title, and while they both have a history of success, they each have something to prove. This national championship will be one for the history books, as either Marcus Freeman or Ryan Day will secure their first title as head coach, and either Notre Dame or Ohio State will reclaim the ultimate prize.
CFP National Championship Presented by AT&T
No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 8 Ohio State
When: January 20, 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
