Two teams. One trophy. All the glory.
The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are set to clash in the 2024-25 College Football Playoff National Championship. In the old four-team format, both squads would’ve been left on the outside looking in. But with the 12-team expansion, they’re meeting for the third straight year—this time with the ultimate prize at stake.
Ohio State vs. Notre Dame College Football Playoff National Championship Betting Preview
All Ohio State vs. Notre Dame odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. The CFN spread comes from College Football Network’s Football Playoff Meter.
- CFN FPM Spread
Ohio State -4.5 - Spread
Ohio State -8.5 - Moneyline
Ohio State -380, Notre Dame +300 - Over/Under
45.5 points - Game Time
7:30 p.m. ET, Monday, Jan. 20 - Location
Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta - Predicted Weather at Kick
27 degrees, 8 mph winds, clear - How To Watch
ESPN
The Buckeyes blew through the playoff field, going 3-0 straight up and against the spread. But the Irish have done that all year, owning a 13-2 ATS record.
MORE: CFN Betting Parlay Calculator
While Ohio State has been favored in every game this season, Notre Dame won both of its contests as an underdog (+3 vs. Texas A&M and +1.5 vs. Penn State).
In terms of the total, there’s no real edge
When it comes to the total, neither team has an obvious trend to follow, with both hitting the over in three of their last five bouts.
Ohio State’s Winning Probability
After regular-season losses to Oregon and Michigan, head coach Ryan Day faced immense pressure to deliver in the College Football Playoff—and he’s done just that.
The Buckeyes tore through the postseason, dominating Tennessee (42-17), Oregon (41-21), and Texas (28-14) to punch their ticket to the national championship. Ohio State is the hottest team in the country, and the Fighting Irish likely aren’t thrilled about facing them.
- at Notre Dame: 63.1%
Notre Dame’s Winning Probability
Under Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame has hit its stride. The Irish have progressed from a 9-4 record to 10-3 and capped off 2024 with an impressive 14-1 campaign. They’ve now secured five straight postseason wins, including College Football Playoff victories over Indiana (27-17), Georgia (23-10), and Penn State (27-24).
Freeman’s success earned him a lucrative four-year extension worth $9 million annually and has even led fans to turn on former head coach Brian Kelly. However, the job isn’t finished, and Ohio State will be their toughest test yet.
- vs. Ohio State: 36.9%
Prediction for Ohio State vs. Notre Dame
This is it—the grand finale of the 2024-25 season. It doesn’t get much bigger than this.
The Buckeyes hold a six-game winning streak against the Fighting Irish, including victories in 2022 (21-10) and 2023 (17-14). Expect another physical, defensive battle—one likely decided in the final possessions. Spoiler alert: I’m leaning toward the under.
KEEP READING: Top 10 Players To Watch in the National Championship Game
It’s safe to say neither starting QB is coming off their best outing…
- Riley Leonard vs. Penn State: 15 of 23, 223 yards, one TD, two INTs, and an 18-35-1 rushing line
- Will Howard vs. Texas: 24 of 33, 289 yards, one TD, and one INT
While Leonard has the edge on the ground, Howard’s superior passing ability could prove decisive—especially with a better supporting cast. His receiving trio of Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, and Carnell Tate presents a challenge Notre Dame’s secondary hasn’t faced in this postseason.
Additionally, Ohio State is poised to control the trenches. EDGEs Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau are capable of making life miserable for Leonard, and if the Buckeyes can force him to throw from the pocket, as Penn State did, their defense can capitalize.
Notre Dame’s defense excels against the pass, ranking No. 1 in EPA and success rate, but it’s less stout against the run (No. 5 in EPA, No. 53 in success rate). Missing Rylie Mills on the interior only complicates matters against Ohio State’s backfield tandem of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins.
Last week, Penn State’s Nick Singleton (15-84-3) and Kaytron Allen (19-82-0) were able to carve up Notre Dame’s defense, and Buckeyes OC Chip Kelly knows how to exploit those weaknesses.
Will this be a blowout? Unlikely. Marcus Freeman has his team well-prepared, and the Irish won’t go quietly. But Ohio State has the edge in key areas and should claim its first national championship since 2014, reestablishing its place atop the college football world.
Prediction: Ohio State 24, Notre Dame 20
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