Ohio State returns to the College Football Playoff National Championship for the first time since 2020. The Buckeyes successfully navigated the inaugural 12-team playoff format, defeating Tennessee 42-17 in the first round and dominating Oregon 41-21 in the Rose Bowl quarterfinals. Their journey to the title game culminated in a hard-fought 28-14 victory over Texas in the Cotton Bowl.
Despite entering the playoffs as the No. 8 seed, Ohio State’s presence in the championship is far from shocking. Coach Ryan Day’s squad boasts one of the most talented rosters in college football. Their No. 8 seeding came after a November 30 upset loss to Michigan, but the Buckeyes quickly rebounded, showcasing an elite defense and a potent offense led by standout freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith and quarterback Will Howard.
The 2024-25 college football season concludes on Monday, January 20, with the national championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. Why will Ohio State emerge victorious over Notre Dame to claim the title? Here are five reasons why the Buckeyes are poised to win it all.
1. Ohio State is Driven to Finish the Job
After a stunning 13-10 loss to rival Michigan on November 30, the biggest question surrounding Ohio State was how the team would respond. Instead of letting the defeat derail their season, the Buckeyes channeled it into fuel for an impressive playoff run. They dominated Tennessee 42-17 in the opening round, avenged a regular-season one-point loss to Oregon with a commanding 41-21 win in the Rose Bowl, and secured a 28-14 victory over Texas in the Cotton Bowl.
Now, with just 60 minutes standing between them and a national championship, Ohio State’s motivation and focus remain unwavering. Loaded with talent and performing at an elite level, this team is determined to complete its mission—and it won’t let up on January 20.
2. Ohio State’s Explosive Offense and Jeremiah Smith Are Ready to Shine
Notre Dame’s defense is one of the best in the country, posing a tough challenge for Ohio State’s offense. However, the Buckeyes bring a level of firepower the Fighting Irish haven’t faced in 2024. Entering the title game, Ohio State averages 6.93 yards per play and 35.8 points per game—making them the most dynamic offense Notre Dame has seen this season.
Veteran quarterback Will Howard has been the perfect leader for coordinator Chip Kelly’s attack, throwing for 3,779 yards and 33 touchdowns while adding 169 rushing yards and seven scores in 15 games. Supporting Howard is a rejuvenated offensive line, which adapted well after losing left tackle Josh Simmons and center Seth McLaughlin. The ground game features one of the nation’s top backfield duos in Quinshon Judkins (960 yards, 12 touchdowns) and TreVeyon Henderson (967 yards).
Notre Dame’s secondary has been dominant all season, ranking first nationally in defensive success rate against the pass. However, they’ll face their toughest test yet in Ohio State’s loaded receiving corps. Freshman Jeremiah Smith (71 catches, 1,227 yards), Emeka Egbuka (75 receptions), Carnell Tate (50), and tight end Gee Scott Jr. (26) form a unit that can challenge any defense. While Smith was limited to just one catch in the Cotton Bowl against Texas, Notre Dame may struggle to replicate that success. With Ryan Day and Kelly likely to adjust their schemes, Smith is primed for a bounce-back performance.
Notre Dame’s defense is impressive, but Ohio State’s offense has too many weapons and too much versatility for the Fighting Irish to contain.
3. Jack Sawyer and Ohio State’s Dominant Defensive Front
For Notre Dame to secure the national championship on Jan. 20, it must control the line of scrimmage on offense and establish a reliable running game. However, overcoming Ohio State’s defensive front will be a daunting challenge.
Defensive end Jack Sawyer has been a catalyst for the Buckeyes’ postseason success, using the Michigan loss as motivation for an impressive run that includes 4.5 sacks and a pivotal fumble recovery returned for a touchdown against Texas in the Cotton Bowl. His leadership anchors a defensive front that has been exceptional all season, holding opponents to just 2.7 yards per carry and 89.9 rushing yards per game.
Ohio State also leads the Big Ten in sacks (51), and only Michigan managed to surpass 160 rushing yards against them this year. While Sawyer is a game-changer on his own, he’s supported by a formidable group, including JT Tuimoloau (19.5 tackles for loss), Tyleik Williams, Ty Hamilton, Kenyatta Jackson Jr., and Caden Curry, all of whom play significant roles in the rotation.
With a unit capable of stifling the run and pressuring Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, Ohio State’s defensive front has all the tools to dominate the line of scrimmage and control the game on Jan. 20.
4. Notre Dame Faces an Uphill Battle Against Ohio State’s Secondary
In addition to contending with Ohio State’s dominant defensive front, Notre Dame’s passing attack will struggle to find success through the air against the Buckeyes’ elite secondary. Anchored by All-American safety Caleb Downs, Ohio State ranks fourth nationally in pass defense success rate and has allowed just eight passing touchdowns all season.
Notre Dame’s offensive scheme and personnel aren’t designed to consistently win through the air in 2024. While quarterback Riley Leonard has led an efficient passing game with a 66.3 percent completion rate and only eight interceptions on 413 attempts, the Irish lack explosiveness downfield. They’ve managed just five completions of 40 or more yards and have not surpassed 270 passing yards in a single game this season.
5. Ohio State Holds the Edge in This Matchup
After their victory over Texas in the Cotton Bowl, Ohio State has opened as nearly a 10-point favorite heading into the Jan. 20 showdown with Notre Dame. While upsets can always occur, everything about this matchup heavily favors the Buckeyes.
Notre Dame would need to keep the game low-scoring to have a shot, but Ohio State’s offensive firepower—led by quarterback Will Howard, running back TreVeyon Henderson, and wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka—makes that unlikely. The Buckeyes are capable of jumping out to an early lead, forcing the Irish to play catch-up early in the game.
Defensively, Ohio State is well-matched against Notre Dame’s offensive game plan. Coordinated by Mike Denbrock, the Fighting Irish aim to lean on their ground game and make timely plays through the air to keep the score low. However, Ohio State’s dominant defensive front, anchored by Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau, can control the line of scrimmage and limit Notre Dame’s rushing attack, forcing quarterback Riley Leonard into long-yardage passing situations.
While anything can happen in the national championship, Ohio State has the talent, game plan, and depth to neutralize every strength Notre Dame brings to the field.
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