OHIO STATE VS. NOTRE DAME INSTANT REACTION

Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show

The first team to hoist the trophy in the 12-team College Football Playoff era will be determined Monday night as Ohio State and Notre Dame face off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. It is a rematch of a 2023 regular-season thriller, which Ohio State won 17-14. This game could follow a similar low-scoring script in what promises to be a bruising battle between elite defenses. However, each offense also boasts an explosive potential that could bring a dynamic element missing from last year's slugfest. Ohio State boasts a trio of star receivers led by freshman Jeremiah Smith. Distributing the ball will be quarterback Will Howard, who has elevated his play in the postseason. Notre Dame counters with dual-threat quarterback Riley Leonard, who has scored 16 touchdowns rushing and thrown for 19 more. Leonard will look to lead the Fighting Irish to their first national championship since 1988. A win for Ohio State would mark its first title since 2014, when the Buckeyes became the inaugural champions of the four-team CFP format. How to watch national championship 2025 Game: 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship Date: Monday, Jan. 20 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium -- Atlanta, Georgia TV: ESPN | Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free) Ohio State vs. Notre Dame: Alternate viewing options Field Pass with Pat McAfee Show -- ESPN2, fuboTV (Try for free) Command Center -- ESPNU, fuboTV (Try for free) Skycast -- ESPNEWS, fuboTV (Try for free) Hometown radio (Georgia) -- SEC Network, fuboTV (Try for free) All-22, Ohio State hometown radio, Notre Dame hometown radio, halftime band performances and more available via ESPN's app Ohio State vs. Notre Dame storylines Ohio State: The outlook was bleak for Ohio State less than two months ago following a demoralizing home loss to archrival Michigan in its regular-season finale. That listless 13-10 defeat knocked the Buckeyes out of the Big Ten Championship Game and ratcheted up the pressure on sixth-year head coach Ryan Day. It appeared Day was on the verge of squandering the potential of a loaded roster buoyed by key transfer additions and the return of several draft-eligible stars.