Buckeyes Aim for Ninth National Championship in High-Stakes Showdown Against Notre Dame
Nearly a decade after their last national championship triumph, the Ohio State Buckeyes find themselves on the precipice of football glory. On Monday night, they face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in Atlanta, seeking to claim their ninth championship title.
Why This Game Matters
Ohio State’s football legacy includes eight national championships, placing them eighth among NCAA schools. However, they’ve only managed two titles in the past 55 years, with their last victory in 2014. In contrast, Notre Dame boasts 13 championships but hasn’t hoisted the trophy since 1988.
This title clash is a chance for both storied programs to reaffirm their place among college football’s elite.
The Journey to the Championship
The Buckeyes’ season has been a rollercoaster ride. They began the year as favorites to win it all but stumbled early with a surprising loss to Oregon. A bitter defeat against Michigan in their final regular-season game seemed to dash their hopes. However, the newly expanded 12-team playoff system gave them a second chance.
Ohio State seized the opportunity, routing Tennessee at home and exacting revenge against Oregon in a decisive Rose Bowl victory. Their playoff run culminated in a gritty 28-14 win over Texas last week, securing their spot in the championship game.
Notre Dame, meanwhile, enters with a stellar 14-1 record. After an unexpected early-season loss to Northern Illinois, the Fighting Irish have been unstoppable, dominating Indiana and Georgia in the playoff’s early rounds before edging past Penn State to book their place in Atlanta.
The Intriguing Connections
Adding another layer of drama, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has deep ties to Ohio State. Born in Huber Heights near Dayton, Freeman played linebacker for the Buckeyes and served as a graduate assistant under former head coach Jim Tressel in 2010. His history with the program makes this championship matchup especially compelling.
The Bigger Picture
Ohio State’s playoff resurgence has not only reignited their championship hopes but also quieted calls for head coach Ryan Day’s dismissal. While Day’s 69-10 coaching record ranks as the third-best in Buckeyes history, his 1-4 record against Michigan had fueled criticism. Even ESPN commentator and former Buckeye Kirk Herbstreit criticized what he called the fanbase’s “lunatic fringe” for their impatience.
Now, with a potential championship within reach, Day’s legacy and leadership have been redeemed.
Players to Watch
Ohio State enters the title game with star power on both sides of the ball:
Jeremiah Smith: The standout freshman wide receiver has electrified the season, breaking records and solidifying his place as one of college football’s brightest stars.
Caleb Downs: The sophomore safety has been a defensive powerhouse, widely regarded as the best at his position in the nation.
Jack Sawyer: The senior defensive end delivered a game-clinching play against Texas and is poised to make a significant impact.
Notre Dame, however, won’t go down without a fight. Quarterback Riley Leonard brings mobility to their offense, while defensive standouts Xavier Watts and Howard Cross anchor a unit that has proven difficult to crack.
X-Factors and Fun Facts
The Buckeyes’ last championship in 2014 came in the inaugural College Football Playoff, and they now have the chance to win the first title in the expanded 12-team format.
Ohio State is the betting favorite, but Notre Dame’s gritty playstyle and strategic coaching could make this a tightly contested battle.
What’s at Stake
This championship isn’t just about a trophy. For Ohio State, it’s a chance to end a near-decade-long title drought and solidify Ryan Day’s place among the program’s coaching greats. For Notre Dame, it’s an opportunity to end their 36-year wait for a championship and reaffirm their status as one of college football’s historic powerhouses.
As the teams clash under the bright lights of Atlanta, one thing is certain: history will be made.
