In a dramatic showdown during the College Football Playoff National Championship, Ohio State secured a hard-fought victory against Notre Dame, clinching the title with a final score of 35-31. This championship marks Ohio State’s first in the expanded 12-team playoff format. The game was played on January 20, 2025, and featured a thrilling back-and-forth contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord was named the game’s MVP after throwing for 320 yards and three touchdowns. Notably, his late-game heroics included a 55-yard touchdown pass to Emeka Egbuka, which proved to be the game-winner in the final minutes of play. Notre Dame had led for a substantial portion of the game, with quarterback Sam Hartman throwing for 275 yards and two touchdowns, keeping the Fighting Irish in strong contention. Notre Dame’s coach, Marcus Freeman, expressed pride in his team’s performance: ‘We played valiantly, but Ohio State just made those crucial plays when it counted the most.’ This victory not only heightened Ohio State’s storied football legacy but also solidified their position as a powerhouse in the newly structured College Football Playoff, which moved to a 12-team format for the first time this season, enabling more teams to participate in postseason glory. Fans celebrated this significant achievement with the Buckeyes’ victory parade scheduled for January 22 in Columbus, marking a joyous end to an exhilarating season.
Ohio State Claims College Football Playoff Title in Thrilling Finale Against Notre Dame
