Ohio State vs Notre Dame Championship Preview: Buckeyes Favored in Epic CFP Showdown

The stage is set for an epic college football showdown as Ohio State and Notre Dame prepare to battle for national supremacy in the 2025 CFP National Championship on Monday night at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Both powerhouse programs have overcome significant obstacles en route to this historic matchup. Notre Dame (15-1) bounced back from a shocking early-season loss to Northern Illinois, riding their elite defense to playoff victories over Georgia and Penn State. The Fighting Irish, led by dynamic quarterback Riley Leonard and potential first-round NFL prospect Xavier Watts, seek to end their 36-year championship drought.

The Buckeyes (15-1) survived their own midseason crisis after a devastating home loss to Michigan. Head coach Ryan Day silenced critics with dominant playoff performances against Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas. Ohio State's star-studded roster features NFL-bound talents like receiver Emeka Egbuka and defensive standouts JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer.

The matchup promises to be a defensive slugfest, with oddsmakers favoring Ohio State by 8.5 points. Notre Dame's nation-leading takeaway defense will clash with the Buckeyes' explosive offense, which has averaged 35 points in their playoff run.

Key injuries could impact the outcome, with Notre Dame missing cornerback Benjamin Morrison and left tackle Anthonie Knapp, while Ohio State expects cornerback Denzel Burke to return from an upper-body injury.

The battle in the trenches could decide the game, as Ohio State's fierce pass rush faces Notre Dame's potentially vulnerable offensive line. The Fighting Irish must protect Leonard, who has struggled under pressure this season, completing just 45% of his passes when rushed.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, as these storied programs vie to add another championship to their legendary histories.

"This will be a heavyweight fight," said Day. "Two of college football's most iconic programs battling for the ultimate prize. It doesn't get bigger than this."

Ohio State 27, Notre Dame 21