A battle between two of the unexpected powerhouses of college football, of grit and strategy with exceptional players and unknown outcome. The Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish faced off for their spot in history in the 2025 National Championship game, played in Atlanta, Georgia. Both teams hold many great stories; two outstanding quarterbacks with many great stories, talented young wide receivers, powerhouse runningbacks, and notable defenses that have fought their way to earn a spot in college football history. 

The first quarter seemed pretty evenly matched, with Notre Dame’s offense mounting an 18 play, 10 minute drive that resulted in a quarterback run for a touchdown, putting Notre Dame up 7-0. Yet, Ohio State almost immediately responded, pushing their drive to the end of the first.

By the start of the second quarter, Ohio State had mounted their scoring drives, scoring a touchdown and tying it 7-7. The second quarter also marked the early turning point of the game, with Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins popping off this game. Two of his three touchdowns were scored in this quarter, putting the Buckeyes up 21-7 by the end of the first half. 

Returning from the half, with Ohio State already up big and returning the second half kickoff, the expectations were all in favor of Ohio State. This became even more increasingly obvious, as they scored on their first drive, putting the score up 28-7. It looked slim for the Fighting Irish, who were down three touchdowns and had no real defensive stands to prove their effectiveness. Even with a touchdown and a successful two-point conversion, Notre Dame was still down 28-15. Adding insult to injury, Ohio State kicked a field goal to go up 31-15. 

Fourth quarter. The final quarter of the entire college football season and Notre Dame was two touchdowns and two 2-point conversions from tying, but this would have to result in their defense stepping up to contain Ohio State’s quarterback and stop their on fire runningback. Notre Dame held a firm lock down on the explosive Buckeyes, even allowing them to score a touchdown and convert another successful 2-point conversion, making it 31-23. With the hope and promise put forth by Notre Dame’s offense, and the sliver of hope for a comeback, the Buckeyes defense was as stellar, not allowing another touchdown. By the end of the game, Ohio State added another field goal to make the final score 34-23. 

With another Big Ten conference team hoisting the championship trophy, Ohio State has cemented themselves forever in college football history. For Notre Dame, they look to come back and avenge themselves and place themselves in history as well.