Ohio State opens as a double-digit favorite over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

Ohio State opens as a double-digit favorite over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

 

The College Football Playoff national championship game has been set. The Ohio State Buckeyes (13-2) will face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (14-1) on Monday, Jan. 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The Buckeyes were a -10 point favorite at Circa Sports Las Vegas. FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Fanatics all have Ohio State as a -9.5 point favorite, with the game total ranging from 45.5 to 47.5 points.

 

The SuperBook in Las Vegas also went -10 on Ohio State.

 

As the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship Game approaches, anticipation has reached a fever pitch. For college football fans, the postseason is the pinnacle of the sport, where the best of the best battle for supremacy. This year, the stage has been set for an exciting showdown between two of the sport’s most storied programs: Ohio State and Notre Dame. Both teams have had dominant seasons, but Ohio State has opened as a double-digit favorite in this highly anticipated championship matchup.

 

shutting down both the run and pass. Defensive end Jack Sawyer has been a dominant force on the edge, consistently pressuring the quarterback, while linebacker Tommy Eichenberg is a sideline-to-sideline playmaker who can disrupt any offensive scheme.

 

Notre Dame, while solid on offense, has not faced a defense as suffocating and versatile as Ohio State’s. The Buckeyes’ ability to create turnovers, get to the quarterback, and shut down the run will be a significant advantage in this matchup. Notre Dame will need to find ways to move the ball against a defense that has been firing on all cylinders throughout the season.

 

3. Special Teams and Depth

In addition to their offensive and defensive prowess, Ohio State has one of the deepest rosters in college football. The Buckeyes boast an impressive collection of talent at every position, giving them the ability to rotate players and maintain a high level of play throughout the game. This depth is particularly important in a high-stakes matchup like the National Championship, where injuries and fatigue can take a toll.

 

Ohio State’s special teams have also been a strength, with solid kicking and punting units that provide a reliable foundation for the team. This balance across all phases of the game is another reason why the Buckeyes are favored to win by such a large margin.

 

4. Recent Performance in Big Games

Ohio State has consistently shown the ability to perform in big games, especially under Ryan Day’s leadership. The Buckeyes have a track record of success in high-pressure situations, including making it to the College Football Playoff in recent years and competing for national championships. This experience in big-game environments gives them an edge over Notre Dame, which has not been in the national spotlight as frequently in recent seasons.

 

What Notre Dame Needs to Do to Win

While Ohio State is the heavy favorite, Notre Dame has shown that it can compete with the best. To pull off the upset, the Fighting Irish will need to execute a near-perfect game plan. Here are a few key factors for Notre Dame’s success:

 

1. Control the Line of Scrimmage

Notre Dame’s offensive line will need to control the line of scrimmage and provide Sam Hartman with time to throw. The Fighting Irish must avoid allowing pressure from Ohio State’s defensive line, especially from pass-rushers like Jack Sawyer. Additionally, Notre Dame’s running backs will need to establish a consistent ground game to keep the Ohio State defense on its heels.

 

2. Limit Big Plays

The Buckeyes are known for their explosive offense, and Notre Dame must find ways to limit big plays. They will need to prevent Ohio State’s wide receivers from getting behind the secondary and force the Buckeyes to methodically move the ball down the field. A few key stops in critical situations could swing momentum in Notre Dame’s favor.

 

3. Take Advantage of Ohio State’s Weaknesses

While Ohio State is a complete team, no team is perfect. Notre Dame must identify Ohio State’s vulnerabilities—whether in the secondary or elsewhere—and exploit them. They’ll need to be creative on offense and find ways to stay ahead of the Buckeyes.