Atlanta, GA – The city of Atlanta is buzzing, and rightfully so. College football’s biggest showdown is just around the corner, and the two teams fighting for the crown have officially landed. The stage is set at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship will take place Monday night.
The question now: Who will reign supreme?
The Irish Touch Down
Notre Dame was the first to arrive in Atlanta, landing early Friday afternoon with an unmistakable air of confidence. Fresh off an Orange Bowl triumph over Penn State, the Irish’s journey to the title game has been nothing short of monumental.
It all began with a historic moment – the first Friday night game in Notre Dame Stadium history, where they opened the playoffs with a victory over Indiana. That win set the tone for what came next: a gritty Sugar Bowl battle that saw the Irish prevail over Georgia, followed by their commanding performance in the semifinals to take down Penn State.
Now, for the first time in the College Football Playoff era, the Irish find themselves one win away from the ultimate prize.
The Buckeyes Roll In
Ohio State, too, has plenty to be proud of as they make their way into Atlanta. Their playoff journey has been a masterclass in dominance and resilience. In the opening round, the Buckeyes delivered a lightning-quick start, storming past Tennessee with a 21-0 first-quarter lead that set the tone for the rest of the game.
Next, they headed to Pasadena for the 111th Rose Bowl Game and delivered an even stronger statement. By halftime, Ohio State had raced to a 34-0 lead, leaving no doubt about their place in the semifinals. At the Peach Bowl, it was a tougher test, but when it mattered most, the Buckeyes rose to the occasion. A game-clinching, 83-yard sack-fumble touchdown by Jack Sawyer put the exclamation point on a hard-fought win, sending them back to the national championship stage for the second time in the CFP era.
The Countdown Begins
Saturday marks Media Day, where the Irish and the Buckeyes will take questions and set the tone for championship weekend. Both teams will also take their first steps onto the Mercedes-Benz Stadium turf to prepare for Monday night’s battle.
This matchup has all the makings of a classic. Notre Dame, riding a wave of momentum and rewriting history, is hungry for their first CFP title. On the other side, Ohio State, with its proven ability to strike fast and hard, is aiming to add another chapter to its storied football legacy.
One thing is certain: Atlanta is ready. College football fans are ready. And when the dust settles Monday night, only one team will stand tall as the 2025 College Football Playoff National Champions.
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Written by Adrian Beecher