The 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship features a historic matchup between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Set to kick off on January 20, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, this game marks the culmination of the inaugural 12-team playoff format.
The Buckeyes enter the game as the favorite -8.5 and the Over/under has been set to 45.5 points.
• Date: Monday, Jan. 20th
• Time: 7:30 pm ET
• Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
• Broadcast: ESPN
Ohio State (13–2) enters the championship with a formidable defense, having outscored their playoff opponents 111-52. The Buckeyes’ offense is led by quarterback Will Howard, who has completed 72.6% of his passes for 3,779 yards and 33 touchdowns this season. Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has been a standout, contributing significantly to the team’s aerial attack.
On the ground, running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins have each surpassed 950 rushing yards, showcasing a balanced offensive approach.
Notre Dame (14–1) boasts a resilient squad on a 13-game winning streak since an early-season loss. The Fighting Irish offense is spearheaded by quarterback Riley Leonard, known for his dual-threat capabilities.
Running back Jeremiyah Love has been pivotal in the ground game, while the defense, led by safety Xavier Watts, has been adept at creating turnovers. Notably, offensive tackle Charles Jagusah made a remarkable comeback from a torn pectoral muscle to start in the championship game.
The betting line for the CFP National Championship between Ohio State and Notre Dame has Ohio State favored by 8.5 points, with the total points over/under set at 45.5. These odds reflect the Buckeyes’ dominance throughout the season and their ability to consistently outscore opponents while maintaining a strong defense. However, this matchup presents intriguing opportunities for bettors.
Ohio State’s offense is dynamic, led by quarterback Will Howard and a potent receiving corps, including standout freshman Jeremiah Smith. Their ability to stretch the field vertically has been a key to their success. Coupled with a well-balanced rushing attack featuring TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, the Buckeyes have the firepower to cover the 8.5-point spread. Ohio State’s defense, which ranks first nationally in points allowed, could further stifle Notre Dame’s offense and secure a comfortable margin.
Notre Dame, however, is not to be underestimated. The Fighting Irish come into this game on a 13-game winning streak, and their offense, led by dual-threat quarterback Riley Leonard, is capable of breaking down even the toughest defenses. Their ability to create turnovers — a specialty of their defensive unit led by Xavier Watts — could shift momentum in their favor and keep the game closer than the spread suggests.
The total points line of 45.5 is another intriguing element. Both teams boast top-tier defenses, and championship games often lean toward lower-scoring affairs due to cautious play-calling and nerves. Betting on the under may be a safer play, considering both defenses’ ability to limit explosive plays and force punts.
For those seeking value, Notre Dame covering the spread is an appealing option, given their resilience and opportunistic defense. A parlay combining the under and Notre Dame to cover could yield a strong payout for risk-tolerant bettors.
Pick 1 – Ohio State -8.5 (-115)
• Ohio State’s Defense: Ranks first nationally in opponent points per game and yards per game, allowing just 12.3 points and 254.3 yards on average.
• Notre Dame’s Offense: Averages 38.5 points per game, ranking third nationally, with a strong emphasis on the running game, averaging 212.4 rushing yards per contest.
• Turnover Margin: Notre Dame has been effective in creating turnovers, which could be a critical factor against Ohio State’s disciplined offense.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
