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

Notre Dame faces daunting odds in the CFP National Championship against Ohio State. Here’s what it will take to pull off the upset.

The first 12-team version of the College Football Playoff has reached the national championship game and it will be Notre Dame against heavily favored Ohio State. The tantalizing matchup comes after some wondered if the CFP selection committee got it right.

Notre Dame football didn't do much right in the first half against Penn State, but in a second half where it needed to be better, it was.

During his press conference before the College Football Playoff semifinal, Penn State head coach James Franklin stated all teams, including Notre Dame, should be in the conference. Many fans were in agreement when news surfaced that the Irish gained $20 million by reaching the CFP national championship.

Notre Dame won't need to look too far for bulletin board material before it's matchup with Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship game next week. Oddsmakers in Las Vegas have already given the Fighting Irish more than enough.

Here's a look at the early betting odds for the College Football Playoff championship between Ohio State and Notre Dame on Jan. 20:

Early lines for the championship game between Notre Dame and Ohio State favor the Buckeyes by 9.5 points over the resilient but banged-up Irish. I don't think this line should be a surprise to anyone or cause offense to be taken by Irish-leaning fans.