As the College Football Playoff championship game approaches, the spotlight shines brightly on the storied rivalry between Notre Dame and Ohio State. With No. 7 Notre Dame (14-1) facing off against No. 8 Ohio State (13-3), the stakes couldn’t be higher. This matchup isn’t just about the title; it’s also a chance for the Irish to reclaim their place in the national conversation and perhaps shift the balance of power in college football.
Growing up with Notre Dame in Ohio
For many young athletes in Ohio, the presence of Notre Dame looms large. Take Mitchell Evans, a tight end for the Irish, who grew up in Northeast Ohio, right in the heart of Buckeye territory. He recalls the social dynamics of supporting a team like Notre Dame in a state where Ohio State reigns supreme.
Wadsworth football coach Justin Todd texted Evans before the College Football Playoff Media Day, highlighting this dynamic. “His wife made cookies for the game,” Evans shared. “It’s got my name and my jersey on it, and then the rest of the cookies say, ‘Go Buckeyes!'”
Evans is one of nine players on the Notre Dame roster who played high school football in Ohio. He is determined to change the narrative, both on and off the field. “You go into restaurants, and there’s memorabilia everywhere for Ohio State,” he noted. “I hope to put some Notre Dame stuff in those places, too.” His efforts reflect a broader desire to elevate Notre Dame’s brand in a state that has historically favored the Buckeyes.
The shifting landscape of college football
ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit, who hails from the same corner of Southwest Ohio as Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, offers a unique perspective on this rivalry. He remembers a time in the 1980s when Notre Dame jackets were prevalent in Ohio. Back then, Gerry Faust was leading the Irish, and Lou Holtz was just beginning his legendary run.
“With Ohio State, their brand has grown so much in the last 20 years with Jim Tressel, Urban Meyer, and now Ryan Day,” Herbstreit explained. “If Ohio State wins, it elevates their status even further in the state.” This evolution has shifted the perception of both programs, making it a challenge for Notre Dame to maintain its foothold in Ohio.
Freeman, who played for the Buckeyes from 2004-08, acknowledges the power of the Notre Dame brand, even if its presence in Ohio has waned. “I don’t know how many Notre Dame fans I knew growing up in Dayton,” he said. “The Notre Dame network is national and worldwide, but I can’t say if it’s grown in Ohio.” His focus remains on preparing his team for the upcoming challenge against Ohio State.
Ohio State-Notre Dame series since 1995
The history between these two programs is rich and competitive. The first meeting since a home-and-home series in 1935-36 took place on September 30, 1995, when Eddie George led Ohio State to a 45-26 victory. Since then, the Buckeyes have dominated the series, winning six consecutive matchups, including the 2022-23 home-and-home series.
From 1995 onward, Ohio State has amassed an impressive record of 309-65, while Notre Dame stands at 233-122. This stark contrast highlights the challenges the Irish face in reclaiming their status as a national powerhouse.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day’s post-game comments after last year’s matchup, where the Buckeyes won on a last-second touchdown, underscore the intensity of this rivalry. “Will the Irish change that?” is the burning question as they prepare for this pivotal game.
Will Notre Dame win first national championship since 1988?
For Notre Dame, the potential prize is monumental: their first national championship since 1988. The Irish have faced disappointment in their recent attempts, falling short in the BCS championship game against Alabama in 2013 and losing in the College Football Playoff semifinals to Clemson in 2018 and Alabama in 2020.
Herbstreit reflects on the significance of this moment for Notre Dame. “It’s been a long time since that brand could get up into that stratosphere with the big boys in the Big Ten and the SEC,” he said. “If they win, it cements their place. Marcus Freeman is crucial to that ascent.” The stakes are high, and the pressure is palpable.
Freeman is committed to building a program that can consistently compete at the highest level. His defensive coordinator, Al Golden, emphasizes that this is not a “one-hit wonder.” The Irish are poised to be contenders for years to come, much like their opponent, Ohio State, which has claimed national championships in 2002 and 2014.
“Every season, you go in wanting to be national champions,” Freeman stated. “Ohio State has achieved that goal more recently, but those are the expectations.” This mindset is crucial as Notre Dame aims to reclaim its status among college football’s elite.
Looking ahead
As the championship game approaches, the excitement is palpable. Will Notre Dame’s victory lead to a resurgence of their brand in Ohio? Herbstreit believes it could. “If Notre Dame wins, it could change the recruiting landscape in Ohio,” he said. “Marcus has a unique angle being from Dayton, and he’s working hard to bring that brand back.”
Freeman’s focus remains steadfast on his team’s performance. “This isn’t about where I went to school,” he emphasized. “It’s about this opportunity and ensuring we’re ready to face this current opponent.” His calm demeanor and clear vision are vital as the Irish prepare for this monumental clash.
The stage is set, and the excitement is building. With a chance to win a national championship and reshape the narrative in Ohio, Notre Dame is ready to make its mark. Will they rise to the occasion and bring home the title? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the passion for college football is alive and well, and this game promises to be unforgettable.
