College Football Playoff national championship game odds, predictions, picks for Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Ohio State Buckeyes on Monday, Jan. 20.

In a roller-coaster season, the Irish took a deep dive early before slowly ascending over the last four months. They entered 2024 with postseason aspirations and an intriguing roster, led by Duke transfer Riley Leonard at quarterback, an explosive running back in Jeremiyah Love and a formidable defense. It lasted two weeks.

Big-time college football has rarely been king in New England, a region long dominated by pro sports. But when Notre Dame takes on Ohio State in the College Football Playoff national championship game on Monday night, there will be plenty of Massachusetts natives, at least on one sideline.

A four-team College Football Playoff would have omitted the nation's best team from the bracket. The bigger playoff saved this matchup.

Notre Dame (14-1) and Ohio State (13-2) will meet on Jan. 20 in Atlanta to claim the first championship of the 12-team CFP.

Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday in Atlanta. The Buckeyes are seeking their first title since 2014 -- the first year of the expanded four-team CFP -- while Notre Dame is trying to snap a championship drought that dates back to 1988.

Cord cutters can watch the Buckeyes-Fighting Irish game on any live TV streaming service that carries ESPN, such as DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV and others. All web-based services are accessible on your smartphone, tablet, laptop or smart TV.

SportsLine's model simulated Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 CFP National Championship game 10,000 times

Four NFL playoff matchups over two days are followed by Monday's college football national championship between Notre Dame and Ohio State.

Ohio State’s defense is ranked No. 1 overall and No. 3 against the run. The Buckeyes have outscored playoff opponents Tennessee, Oregon and Texas 111-52, and have limited them to 62.3 yards a game rushing (1.9 yards a carry).

Analyst Tim Hyde, recruiting insider and host Mike Singer and former Notre Dame captain Mike Goolsby broke down the Fighting Irish versus Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff national championship game from all angles.