Ohio State’s Offensive Power Overwhelms Notre Dame in National Title Game

Ohio State’s Offensive Power Overwhelms Notre Dame in National Title Game

ATLANTA — In a thrilling display of offensive prowess, Ohio State’s high-powered offense proved to be too much for Notre Dame, securing a 34-23 victory in Monday’s national title game. This win marks a significant milestone for the Buckeyes, as they captured their first national title in a decade and the first under the leadership of coach Ryan Day. This victory also adds to the school’s impressive tally, making it their seventh national championship overall.

Despite the anticipation of several Ohio State players moving on to the NFL draft in April, the Buckeyes are already looking ahead with optimism. They have been ranked No. 1 in ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2025, a testament to their strong foundation and promising future. The Buckeyes will continue to showcase star players like receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs, while also filling gaps with a top-tier recruiting class and a group of talented transfers.

Ohio State will face the challenge of finding a new quarterback, a task that is not unique to them. Other potential College Football Playoff (CFP) contenders, including Notre Dame, Texas, Georgia, and Oregon, are also in the process of developing new signal-callers. This shared challenge adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming season, as teams work to maintain their competitive edge.

2025 ESPN Way-Too-Early Top 25

Here’s a look at the 2025 ESPN Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings:

• 1. Ohio State Buckeyes
• 2024 record: 14-2, 7-2 Big Ten
• Key returning players: WR Jeremiah Smith, WR Carnell Tate, S Caleb Downs
• Key losses: RB TreVeyon Henderson, WR Emeka Egbuka, QB Will Howard, G Donovan Jackson, LB Cody Simon, S Lathan Ransom, DE Jack Sawyer, DE JT Tuimoloau, CB Denzel Burke
• 2025 outlook: After winning the program’s third national championship since 2002, the Buckeyes are set for a bit of a makeover, much like other Big Ten contenders. The core group of seniors who returned in 2024, including Sawyer, Henderson, and Egbuka, will be missed. However, Julian Sayin, a five-star prospect who transferred from Alabama, is likely to step in as QB1 after Devin Brown and Air Noland entered the transfer portal. Sayin will have the advantage of throwing to Smith, the best receiver in the FBS, and the Buckeyes have bolstered their offense with tailback CJ Donaldson (West Virginia) and tight end Max Klare (Purdue) from the portal. The offense could be even more formidable if RB Quinshon Judkins decides to return. While some younger players will need to step up on the defensive line and in the secondary, the return of Downs is a positive sign.

As we look forward to the 2025 season, the landscape of college football is set to be as dynamic and unpredictable as ever. With teams like Ohio State leading the charge, fans can expect a thrilling season filled with intense competition and standout performances. The anticipation is palpable, and the journey to the next national championship promises to be an exciting one.