Final predictions for College Football Playoff National Championship between Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The College Football Playoff National Championship is finally here. The first ever 12-team format to the playoff is almost complete as the Ohio State Buckeyes face off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Head coaches Ryan Day and Marcus Freeman are both seeking their first national title, but only one can emerge victorious. Who will win this epic final battle?

Both of these monstrous college football brands boast top three defenses in the nation. Ohio State’s offense has been putting opposing defenses in a blender as they’ve scored 111 points in the last three games. Notre Dame’s offensive balance between run and pass is emerging at just the right time. This should be a special championship game to remember.

Heading into this incredible championship matchup between the Buckeyes and the Fighting Irish, beat writers from A to Z Sports who cover both teams decided to weigh in, sharing their predictions for this phenomenal national championship game.

Ohio State 27, Notre Dame 17

Ohio State has the talent edge up and down their roster with nearly 20 potential prospects likely headed to the 2025 NFL Draft.

Star wide receivers Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, and Carnell Tate should be able to overcome Notre Dame’s tough man defense. The running back tandem of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins for Ohio State should be able to break off a few big plays against Notre Dame’s run defense that ranked outside the Top 100 in explosive run plays allowed this year.

The Buckeyes defense full of seniors and top tier talents like edge rusher Jack Sawyer and safety Caleb Downs should be able to contain the Fighting Irish offense that has struggled against their toughest opponents.

Yes, the dynamic rushing ability of Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love and quarterback Riley Leonard may stress the Buckeyes defense a few times here and there. However, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish’s complete lack of receiving weapons will come back to bite them as the Buckeyes win by 10. – Travis May

Ohio State 30, Notre Dame 20

The Buckeyes didn’t come this far to not finish the job. This run that Ohio State is on is something special in the first year of the expanded format. Facing a defense like Texas limited the Buckeyes at times, but it was a good primer ahead of facing Notre Dame’s defense for it all. Ohio State’s ability to stop the quarterback run will be crucial in this one.

It will be interesting to see which linebacker they have as a spy against Riley Leonard. Ohio State hitting explosive plays in this one will be big, as the Fighting Irish don’t necessarily hit a ton of them themselves. In the end, I think Ryan Day grabs his first national championship and quiets his doubters. – Brandon Little