Title: Buckeyes Triumph Over Fighting Irish to Claim National Championship after a Decade-Long Drought
While the Notre Dame Fighting Irish started off strong with a nearly 10-minute opening drive, culminating in their first touchdown of the game, the Ohio State Buckeyes responded with blistering offensive efficiency in the 2025 College Football Playoff title game. They went on to snatch the victory, claiming their first national championship since 2015 by defeating the Fighting Irish 34-23 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Buckeyes' second quarter saw three consecutive touchdown drives, enabling them to build a commanding lead. Senior quarterback Will Howard completed 17 of 21 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns, with junior running back Quinshon Judkins adding 100 rushing yards and three total scores. Ohio State's offense displayed an impressive balance, contributing 214 yards and two touchdowns on the ground while averaging 5.2 yards per carry.
Notre Dame managed a comeback, trimming the lead to eight with under three minutes left in the fourth quarter. However, a crucial third-and-11 catch by freshman wideout Jeremiah Smith sealed their fate, effectively ending their comeback chances.

The Buckeyes' victory marked a significant milestone as they became the inaugural winners of the modified 12-team College Football Playoff. With Ohio State and their archrival Michigan Wolverines succesfully claiming the FBS national championship titles for the second consecutive season, the Big Ten Conference displayed its dominance in college football.
Ohio State's balanced offense proved vital in their mostly dominant showing, converting nine of 12 third downs and surviving the match's only turnover. The team's impact transfers and elite high school recruit played a critical role in their championship run, including Will Howard, an All-American quarterback, and Quinshon Judkins, a former All-SEC running back.

Enrichment insights suggest that Ohio State's victory was as much a testament to their team performance and strategy as it was to individual contributions. Their offensive efficiency, defensive resilience, and late-game plays were the deciding factors in their triumph.
Despite Notre Dame's comeback attempt in the fourth quarter, Ohio State's victory over the Fighting Irish in the 2025 College Football Playoff title game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was secured by Will Howard's crucial third-down completion to Jeremiah Smith. In contrast, Ohio State's win marked a first for the school since 2015, while Notre Dame had to settle for their loss, despite having alumni like Howard in their ranks.