2025 CFP National Championship: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame - Key Players, Predictions, and Historical Context

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The 2025 CFP National Championship game between Ohio State and Notre Dame is generating significant buzz, with major figures in college football expressing their expectations and anticipations for the game.

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Key Players and Coaches:

Will Howard (Ohio State QB): Howard has been a standout performer in the playoffs, throwing for at least 289 yards in each of his three playoff games and completing over 70% of his passes. His performance will be crucial for Ohio State's offensive strategy, which has been heavily reliant on his passing game.

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Riley Leonard (Notre Dame QB): Leonard, known for his dual-threat capabilities, has been vital both as a passer and a rusher. His ability to make key plays on the ground has been a significant factor in Notre Dame's playoff success.
J.T. Tuimoloau (Ohio State DE): Tuimoloau, along with linebacker Jack Sawyer, forms one of the best defensive end tandems in college football. Their performance will be key in containing Notre Dame's rushing attack.
Christian Gray and Leonard Moore (Notre Dame CBs): These cornerbacks have been integral to Notre Dame's secondary, which has faced and held strong against various receivers. Their challenge will be to cover Ohio State's formidable receiving duo of Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka.

Game Predictions:

General Consensus: Ohio State is the favorite, with betting odds heavily favoring them. The Buckeyes have been dominant in their playoff games, showcasing a robust defense and a potent offense.
Key Factors for Ohio State: Ohio State's success will depend on their ability to maintain their current form, particularly in the passing game. The defense will need to continue its strong performance, especially in containing Notre Dame's dual-threat quarterback.
Key Factors for Notre Dame: Notre Dame will need to capitalize on their momentum and continue improving each week. Their defense, particularly the secondary, will need to perform at a high level to counter Ohio State's aerial attack.

Historical Context:

Ohio State: The Buckeyes are looking to become the first 12-team CFP champion, having navigated a challenging path through the playoffs. Their journey has been marked by significant victories and resilience, especially after an early-season loss to Michigan.
Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish are seeking to end their title drought, which dates back to 1988. Their playoff run has been impressive, with a perfect record since their Week 2 loss to Northern Illinois, which is seen as a potential turning point in their season.

Additional Storylines:

Unionization Talks: Players from both teams are discussing the possibility of unionizing, highlighting ongoing discussions about player rights and compensation in college football.
Player Prop Bets: Various player prop bets are available, with significant focus on individual player performances, especially Howard and Leonard, reflecting the high expectations for their contributions to the game.

The 2025 CFP National Championship game is set to be a thrilling matchup, with both teams bringing strong rosters and strategic depth to the field. The outcome will depend on which team can best execute their game plan and capitalize on their key players' performances.

2025 CFP National Championship: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame - Key Players, Predictions, and Historical Context

Preview

Key Players and Coaches:

Will Howard (Ohio State QB): Howard has been a standout performer in the playoffs, throwing for at least 289 yards in each of his three playoff games and completing over 70% of his passes. His performance will be crucial for Ohio State's offensive strategy, which has been heavily reliant on his passing game.

Preview

Riley Leonard (Notre Dame QB): Leonard, known for his dual-threat capabilities, has been vital both as a passer and a rusher. His ability to make key plays on the ground has been a significant factor in Notre Dame's playoff success.
J.T. Tuimoloau (Ohio State DE): Tuimoloau, along with linebacker Jack Sawyer, forms one of the best defensive end tandems in college football. Their performance will be key in containing Notre Dame's rushing attack.
Christian Gray and Leonard Moore (Notre Dame CBs): These cornerbacks have been integral to Notre Dame's secondary, which has faced and held strong against various receivers. Their challenge will be to cover Ohio State's formidable receiving duo of Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka.

Game Predictions:

General Consensus: Ohio State is the favorite, with betting odds heavily favoring them. The Buckeyes have been dominant in their playoff games, showcasing a robust defense and a potent offense.
Key Factors for Ohio State: Ohio State's success will depend on their ability to maintain their current form, particularly in the passing game. The defense will need to continue its strong performance, especially in containing Notre Dame's dual-threat quarterback.
Key Factors for Notre Dame: Notre Dame will need to capitalize on their momentum and continue improving each week. Their defense, particularly the secondary, will need to perform at a high level to counter Ohio State's aerial attack.

Historical Context:

Ohio State: The Buckeyes are looking to become the first 12-team CFP champion, having navigated a challenging path through the playoffs. Their journey has been marked by significant victories and resilience, especially after an early-season loss to Michigan.
Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish are seeking to end their title drought, which dates back to 1988. Their playoff run has been impressive, with a perfect record since their Week 2 loss to Northern Illinois, which is seen as a potential turning point in their season.

Additional Storylines:

Unionization Talks: Players from both teams are discussing the possibility of unionizing, highlighting ongoing discussions about player rights and compensation in college football.
Player Prop Bets: Various player prop bets are available, with significant focus on individual player performances, especially Howard and Leonard, reflecting the high expectations for their contributions to the game.