2025 College Football Playoff Predictions: Expert Odds and Insights for Notre Dame vs. Ohio State National Championship Showdown!

The longest college football season ever is about to wrap up with just one game left. It all kicked off on August 24, 2024, when Georgia Tech shocked then-No. 10 Florida State in Ireland. That game set the stage for a thrilling season that fans will remember for years to come.

Fast forward five months, and we have (7) Notre Dame facing (8) Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship in Atlanta. Both teams have fought hard to reach this point. Notre Dame overcame Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State, while Ohio State defeated Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas along the way.

Despite each team having an unexpected loss this season, they have shown their strength and skill. The odds lean heavily toward Ohio State, but let’s look deeper at the matchup and see what could happen on the field.

CBS Sports will offer live updates Monday night for Ohio State vs. Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship.

National Championship Preview

Injury Impact

Injuries have played a big role in this season. With more games than ever, it’s no surprise that teams find themselves short-handed. Notre Dame has faced tough luck with injuries compared to Ohio State. While both squads dealt with some injuries during the regular season, Notre Dame’s issues have continued into the playoffs.

They lost key players like defensive tackle Rylie Mills and left tackle Anthonie Knapp, who has been ruled out for the title game. Surprisingly, Charles Jagusah, who lost his starting job early in the season due to injury, may play in his place!

This string of injuries makes it hard for Notre Dame to compete. Ohio State has been dominant this season aside from their loss to Michigan. Their defense has excelled in the playoffs, overpowering strong teams like Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas.

With Notre Dame’s offensive line in disarray, it’s questionable whether they can withstand Ohio State’s fierce front. The Irish’s defense has been solid, but they haven’t faced an offense like what Ohio State brings to the table.

Ohio State’s defense has held high-scoring opponents to just 52 points in the playoffs. Notre Dame’s offense, which has been strong all year, relies heavily on the run game. Given their injuries, it’s tough to see them outperforming Ohio State’s top-notch defense. If betting on this game, it’s hard to back Notre Dame right now. Pick: Ohio State -8

Game Total

While I have my pick for the spread, I feel even stronger about the total. The key question is how many points Notre Dame can realistically score. They might need to rely on special teams or defense to find scoring chances since their offense may struggle.

Ohio State’s offense is no walk in the park either. Though Notre Dame has some injuries on defense, they have been effective at causing turnovers and slowing down powerful offenses.

Comparing them to Texas’ defense, we saw that unit manage to contain Ohio State to an extent. If you’re hoping for a high-scoring game, you might be disappointed. Pick: Under 46.5

Player Props

Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard (37.5 yards rushing): Leonard’s speed is key to Notre Dame’s strategy. However, with an injured offensive line facing a formidable Ohio State defense, it’s uncertain if he’ll get the yardage needed. He’s struggled in recent games, staying under this total multiple times. Pick: Under

Ohio State TE Gee Scott (17.5 yards receiving): Scott has been more involved in Ohio State’s offense lately, consistently catching passes. With other top targets drawing attention from the Notre Dame defense, he has a good chance to exceed his yardage total. Pick: Over