The 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship game is set to feature the Ohio State Buckeyes against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Monday, January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).
– **Television Broadcast:** The game will be nationally televised on ESPN.
– **Streaming Options:** For viewers preferring to stream the game, ESPN+ will provide live coverage.
**Team Overviews:**
– **Ohio State Buckeyes:** Entering the championship with a 10–2 regular-season record, the Buckeyes secured their spot by defeating Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas in the playoff rounds. This marks their first national championship appearance since the 2020 season.
– **Notre Dame Fighting Irish:** The Fighting Irish boast a 14–1 record, with their sole loss to Northern Illinois. They advanced to the championship after victories over Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State. This is their first national championship appearance since the 2013 BCS National Championship Game.
**Historical Context:**
Ohio State and Notre Dame have met eight times previously, with Ohio State leading the series 6–2. Their most recent encounter was in 2023, where Ohio State won 17–14 at Notre Dame Stadium.
**Game Preview:**
Ohio State’s offense is led by quarterback Will Howard, complemented by a strong receiving corps, including Emeka Egbuka and Jeremiah Smith. Their defense, highlighted by defensive end Jack Sawyer, has been formidable throughout the season.
Notre Dame’s offense relies on a potent rushing attack, featuring running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, along with dual-threat quarterback Riley Leonard. Their defense, anchored by safety Xavier Watts, has been effective against both the pass and run.
**Betting Odds:**
As of January 11, 2025, Ohio State opened as a 9.5-point favorite over Notre Dame.
**Additional Information:**
For fans interested in attending the game, tickets are available through various platforms, with prices starting at $1,381 before fees.
This championship game concludes the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, marking a significant evolution in the postseason format.
