Key Storylines for the 2025 National Championship Game
Notre Dame Versus Ohio State: The 2025 National Championship game between Notre Dame and Ohio State is set to be a thrilling matchup, with several intriguing storylines shaping the narrative. Notre Dame enters as an 8.5-point underdog, but their remarkable 13-game winning streak, which includes impressive victories over Georgia and Penn State, has shown they are a team of resilience and grit. After an unexpected early-season loss to Northern Illinois, the Fighting Irish have proven they can bounce back and are not intimidated by heavily favored opponents.
A key aspect of the game will be Notre Dame’s ability to run the ball effectively against Ohio State’s elite run defense. Notre Dame excels in ground control, averaging 210.8 yards per game, but Ohio State is ranked third nationally in run defense, limiting opponents to just 89.9 yards per game. The outcome of this battle in the trenches will play a significant role in determining the game’s flow.
Another major storyline is the battle of first-year quarterbacks. Riley Leonard (Notre Dame) and Will Howard (Ohio State) have both transferred from smaller programs and made a significant impact, leading their teams to the national championship game. Both quarterbacks have been key to their teams’ playoff success, making for an exciting duel under center.
Additionally, the matchup features freshman standout talents—Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith and Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore—who could prove to be game-changers. Finally, Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman faces his alma mater, Ohio State, in a historic moment, adding further emotional intensity to this already compelling game.
Can Notre Dame Overcome Ohio State’s Elite Run Defense in the National Championship?
One of the most crucial aspects of the 2025 National Championship between Notre Dame and Ohio State will be Notre Dame’s ability to run the football against Ohio State’s elite run defense. Notre Dame has built its offensive identity around a powerful ground game, averaging 210.8 yards per game, ranking 14th in the nation. The Fighting Irish rely on multiple ball carriers, including quarterback Riley Leonard and running backs Jeremiah Love and Jadarian Price, who have each contributed significantly to the team’s rushing attack.
However, Ohio State presents a major challenge. The Buckeyes boast one of the nation’s top run defenses, ranked third in the country by allowing just 89.9 rushing yards per game. Ohio State has shut down formidable rushing attacks in playoff games against Oregon, Texas, and Tennessee, showing they can stop even the most potent ground games.
This clash of styles—Notre Dame’s rushing offense versus Ohio State’s stingy run defense—will be a key factor in determining the outcome of the game. If Notre Dame can establish the run early, it will help control the clock and set up their play-action passing game, which has been effective throughout the season. On the other hand, if Ohio State can stifle Notre Dame’s running game and force them to rely on the pass, it will put pressure on quarterback Riley Leonard and disrupt the Irish’s offensive flow.
Ultimately, this battle in the trenches will likely have a significant impact on the game’s outcome, as whichever team can dominate the run game will gain a crucial advantage in the National Championship.
Riley Leonard vs. Will Howard: The Battle of First-Year Quarterbacks
The 2025 National Championship between Notre Dame and Ohio State will feature an intriguing quarterback matchup between two first-year transfer quarterbacks: Riley Leonard of Notre Dame and Will Howard of Ohio State. Both quarterbacks have been crucial to their teams’ playoff success, making this an exciting showdown under center.
Riley Leonard, a transfer from Duke, joined Notre Dame with high expectations and has exceeded them. He has displayed poise, leadership, and big-play ability, helping Notre Dame reach the national championship after overcoming a shocking early-season loss. Leonard has been key in orchestrating Notre Dame’s offense, combining his passing and running skills to lead his team to victory over top opponents like Georgia and Penn State.
On the other side, Will Howard, who transferred from Kansas State to Ohio State, has proven to be equally impactful. Howard’s ability to make clutch throws and manage Ohio State’s potent offense has helped propel the Buckeyes to this point. His performance has drawn comparisons to past Ohio State quarterbacks who have thrived in big moments, and he’ll be tasked with leading his team to the championship.
Both quarterbacks have faced doubts and setbacks along the way but have risen to the occasion, leading their respective teams with confidence. Leonard and Howard’s performances in the National Championship game could ultimately determine the outcome, as both teams rely heavily on their quarterbacks’ ability to execute under pressure. Their battles could play a defining role in one of the most anticipated games of the season.
Jeremiah Smith vs. Leonard Moore: Freshman Showdown in Notre Dame Versus Ohio State
The 2025 National Championship between Notre Dame and Ohio State will feature a thrilling battle between two standout freshmen: Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith and Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore. Both players have been dominant forces for their respective teams and could play pivotal roles in the game’s outcome.
Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State’s freshman wide receiver, has been nothing short of spectacular this season. He set Buckeyes freshman records with 71 catches for 1,227 yards and 14 touchdowns. Smith has been especially impactful in the playoffs, catching 13 passes for 290 yards and four touchdowns in Ohio State’s victories over Tennessee and Oregon. His ability to stretch the field and make big plays could be a game-changer for the Buckeyes’ offense.
On the other side, Notre Dame’s Leonard Moore, the National Freshman Defensive Player of the Year, has been a lockdown cornerback for the Irish. Moore has been a key piece of Notre Dame’s defense, registering 43 tackles, two interceptions, and 10 pass breakups. His ability to shut down top receivers will be crucial, as he could be tasked with covering Smith for much of the game. Moore’s physicality and playmaking ability could challenge Smith’s explosive game.
This freshman showdown could be one of the most exciting individual matchups of the championship. Smith’s explosive receiving ability against Moore’s tenacious coverage will likely be a key focal point for both teams. As two of the brightest young stars in college football, their performances could ultimately sway the outcome of what promises to be a thrilling and tightly contested battle.
Marcus Freeman Faces His Old School: What’s at Stake in Notre Dame Versus Ohio State
The 2025 National Championship game between Notre Dame and Ohio State carries significant emotional weight for Notre Dame’s head coach, Marcus Freeman. At just 39 years old, Freeman is facing his alma mater, Ohio State, where he played from 2004 to 2008. This unique storyline adds an extra layer of intrigue and intensity to what is already a highly anticipated game.
Freeman’s journey to this point has been remarkable. Despite a rocky start to his coaching career with a surprising early-season loss to Northern Illinois, Freeman has navigated Notre Dame to a 13-game winning streak and a spot in the national championship. Along the way, he’s led the Irish to key victories over teams like SEC champion Georgia and Big Ten runner-up Penn State. His ability to rally his team after setbacks and keep them focused on the bigger picture has been a hallmark of his tenure at Notre Dame.
Facing Ohio State, the school where he once played, is a monumental moment for Freeman. He has already made his mark as one of the youngest and most promising coaches in college football, signing a four-year contract extension through the 2030 season. However, defeating his former team to capture Notre Dame’s first national title since 1988 would cement Freeman’s legacy and further elevate his status in the coaching ranks.
The emotional stakes are high for Freeman, but so are the professional ones. He has already accumulated 14 victories over top-25 teams in just three seasons, showcasing his ability to lead at the highest level. However, with a national title on the line, Freeman’s leadership and ability to manage the big moment will be tested like never before.
This game is not just about Notre Dame’s quest for its first national championship in nearly four decades—it’s also about Freeman’s journey. Leading his team to victory against Ohio State, a program that helped shape his football career, would be a monumental achievement and a defining moment in his coaching legacy.
