Honestly, if you weren't glued to your screen for Ohio State vs. Notre Dame live on January 20, 2025, you missed what many are already calling the most stressful three hours in the history of the Midwest. People talk about the 1935 "Game of the Century," but this CFP National Championship felt different. It was personal. Marcus Freeman, a Buckeye alum, leading the Irish against Ryan Day’s juggernaut in the Benz. The atmosphere was basically a powder keg.
The Buckeyes took it 34-23. But the score doesn't tell the whole story. Not even close.
Why the 2025 Matchup Changed Everything
Most people get this wrong: they think Ohio State just steamrolled them because of the talent gap. Nope. Notre Dame actually led 7-0 after the first quarter. The Irish defense, coached by Al Golden, was playing like they had thirteen guys on the field. They were confusing Will Howard, disguising coverages, and making the Buckeyes look mortal. Then the second quarter happened.
Ohio State dropped 21 points in about ten minutes of game time. It was a blitzkrieg.
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The narrative heading into the game was all about whether Notre Dame could finally "get over the hump" against the Big Ten giants. They hadn't beaten Ohio State since 1936. Think about that. Nearly 90 years of frustration boiling over in a neutral-site game in Atlanta. When Ohio State vs. Notre Dame live streams hit peak viewership in the third quarter, the Irish actually fought back to within four points.
It was 24-23 for a minute there. You could hear a pin drop in Columbus.
Breaking Down the Key Moments
- The Mylan Graham Factor: You've probably heard the name by now. The former 5-star wideout who recently hopped in the portal to join the Irish? He was still wearing Scarlet and Gray during this title game. His 42-yard grab on 3rd-and-15 basically broke the Irish's spirit late in the fourth.
- The Red Zone Stand: Early in the fourth, Notre Dame had the ball at the 4-yard line. A touchdown puts them ahead. They ran three straight times and got stuffed. Ryan Day’s defense, which had been criticized for being "soft" in previous years, finally showed some teeth.
- The Howard-to-Egbuka Connection: It’s almost unfair. Emeka Egbuka played like a man possessed, finishing with 11 catches.
Ohio State vs. Notre Dame Live: How to Watch the Next Era
If you’re looking for the next scheduled regular-season game, you’re going to be waiting a bit. The 2022 and 2023 home-and-home series is over. However, with the new 12-team (and potentially expanding) playoff format, these two are basically destined to collide again sooner rather than later.
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When they do, you'll need to know where to find the broadcast. Usually, it's one of three places:
- NBC/Peacock: If the game is in South Bend, NBC has the rights. They’ve had them since the 90s, and they aren't letting go.
- FOX: If they meet in Columbus for a Big Ten non-conference clash, FOX usually grabs the "Big Noon Kickoff" slot.
- ESPN/ABC: For playoff matchups like the recent title game, ESPN is the exclusive home.
Streaming has gotten kinda complicated, hasn't it? You’ve got Fubo, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV all fighting for your $80 a month. If you're out of the country, a VPN like NordVPN is basically a requirement to bypass those annoying "not available in your region" screens.
The Recruitment War is Real
The rivalry isn't just on the grass. It’s in the living rooms of 17-year-olds. Just this week, Notre Dame landed Mylan Graham from the portal. It’s a huge get. Taking a former top recruit from the team that just beat you in the National Championship? That’s a statement.
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Marcus Freeman is building something in South Bend that relies on "Buckeye-level" talent. He knows the blueprint because he lived it. He’s targeting the same defensive linemen, the same speedy receivers. Honestly, the portal has made this rivalry a 365-day-a-year event.
What Most People Miss About the Series History
People love to cite the 7-2 record in favor of Ohio State. But if you look closer, the games are almost always coin flips. The 2023 game in South Bend was decided by one inch on a last-second run by Chip Trayanum. One second left on the clock.
That’s why Ohio State vs. Notre Dame live is such a massive draw for Google Discover and TV networks. It’s not just a game; it’s a cultural clash between the public-school powerhouse and the private-school prestige.
Actionable Tips for Fans
If you're planning on catching the next iteration of this matchup, or even just following the fallout from the National Championship, here is what you need to do:
- Track the Portal: Follow reporters like Pete Thamel or local beats like Austin Ward. The "roster raids" between these two schools are becoming a trend.
- Check the 2026 Schedule: Ohio State has Texas in 2026. Notre Dame has Wisconsin and Miami. While they aren't playing each other in the regular season, their respective strengths will determine their seeding in the next CFP.
- Set Your Alerts: If you’re a cord-cutter, don't wait until kickoff to realize your Peacock subscription expired. These games are frequently moved to streaming-only or specific "plus" tiers.
The 2025 National Championship wasn't the end of this story. It was just the loudest chapter yet. The Buckeyes might have the trophy, but the Irish are currently raiding their cupboard. Keep an eye on the 2026 recruiting rankings; that’s where the next "live" battle is actually happening.