A thrilling National Championship game between Ohio State and Notre Dame ended the 2024 college football season. Fans across the country eagerly awaited this high-stakes matchup, which took place on January 20th, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Ohio State came into the game with high expectations, and Notre Dame wanted to prove its resurgence on the national stage. The game was spectacular, culminating in Ohio State claiming its ninth National Championship title dramatically.

Ohio State’s Journey to the National Championship Game

Ohio State, a program with a strong football tradition, began the 2024 season with high expectations. The Buckeyes recovered from a season-ending loss to Michigan in the regular-season finale and secured their spot in the championship game. With dominant victories against tough opponents, including Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas, their path to the title was paved. Ohio State’s defensive line, led by Jack Sawyer, had an unforgettable impact in the Cotton Bowl.

A crucial strip-and-score play against Texas demonstrated their resilience and playmaking ability. Ohio State’s offense was balanced, led by a dynamic quarterback and a solid running game, and they overcame some of the country’s most challenging competition.

Notre Dame’s Resurgence: From Underdog to National Title Contender

Notre Dame was striving to regain their glory after a prolonged absence from the National Championship picture. The Fighting Irish’s impressive season was fueled by the leadership of head coach Marcus Freeman, as they defeated tough teams like Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State in the Orange Bowl. Notre Dame had doubts among analysts about its ability to compete with a juggernaut like Ohio State.

Freeman’s team responded to those questions with determination and resilience. After being inconsistent at times, Notre Dame’s offense got into its groove just in time for the biggest stage of all. Their defense was often overlooked during the regular season, but it played a crucial role in their success.

The Battle of Titans: Ohio State vs Notre Dame

As the National Championship game progressed, it was evident that the two teams had distinct styles. Ohio State, renowned for its explosive offense and suffocating defense, was predicted to be dominant. However, Notre Dame’s unrelenting spirit and ability to adapt in high-pressure moments kept them in the game.

Ohio State’s Early Lead

Ohio State started strong, and their offense looked unstoppable in the first half. At halftime, the Buckeyes had a 21-7 lead, thanks to their fast-paced offensive attack that capitalized on Notre Dame’s defensive lapses. The offense was orchestrated with precision by Ohio State’s talented quarterback, Will Howard, who threw for multiple touchdowns and spread the ball across the field. Jack Sawyer and the Buckeyes’ defense, led by standout players, put pressure on Notre Dame’s quarterback and slowed their running game.

Notre Dame’s Comeback Attempt

Despite being down 21-7 at halftime, Notre Dame was unprepared to give up. The Fighting Irish emerged from halftime determined to make a comeback. They adjusted their game plan, emphasizing short, quick passes and running the ball more efficiently. This strategy kept Ohio State’s defense on guard, and Notre Dame was able to reduce the lead slowly.

In the third quarter, Notre Dame’s quarterback, Riley Leonard, connected on a crucial touchdown pass, narrowing the score to 21-14. The momentum changed, and it seemed like Notre Dame had enough left to make a comeback. Ohio State’s defense was unyielding in the face of this surge, forcing crucial stops when they were vital.

The Final Quarter: A Thriller Until the End

The final quarter of the game was genuinely captivating. With just a few minutes left, Notre Dame narrowed Ohio State’s lead with a valiant fight to close the gap. The stadium was tense as fans on both sides prepared for an epic conclusion.

Ohio State’s experience and poise made the difference during the game. Will Howard’s clutch performance sealed the victory for the Buckeyes, scoring another touchdown to put the game out of reach. The final score read Ohio State 34, Notre Dame 23, as the Buckeyes secured their ninth National Championship in school history.

“It’s humbling,” Howard said Tuesday morning after the Monday night game and celebration. “Coming to Ohio State, obviously the expectation and the goal is in the end to win a National Championship. The fact that we’re sitting here today as national champions, it’s surreal, man. You’ve got to really just take it in and thank God for the opportunity to be here and for the opportunity to be on this stage with these guys that I love. We’re going to be brothers for the rest of our lives because of this. We are bonded for life.

“It’s more than blood now, man. We’ve got rings to show for it, and we’re going to be able to get together and tell this story of this team for years to come. I’m just so blessed that I was able to come here and be a part of something like this.”

The Legacy of Ohio State’s Ninth National Title

Ohio State’s triumph was a landmark moment for the program. Under the leadership of former head coach Urban Meyer, they won their first National Championship since 2014, which was their first since then. Ohio State’s place among the elite programs in college football history was confirmed with the victory. Coach Ryan Day will always be remembered for his ability to lead the team to the top of college football.

Their success was attributed to the Buckeyes’ balanced offense, which had both an explosive passing attack and a powerful running game. The defense, led by standout players like Jack Sawyer, was what really differentiated them in this title run. The defensive unit consistently made timely plays, which resulted in turnovers and kept opposing offenses off-balance.

Looking Ahead: The Future of College Football

The future of college football is bright as the dust settles from the 2024 college football season. Ohio State’s victory demonstrates the continued dominance of Big Ten football, while Notre Dame’s near miss shows they are back in the conversation as a contender for years to come. Teams like these will open the National Championship race in the seasons ahead. Fans can expect another exciting year of college football with the 2025 season right around the corner. The future of Ohio State’s success or Notre Dame’s return to the title game is still in the air. Undoubtedly, college football’s most revered programs are once again setting the stage for a new age of competition and excitement.