Ohio State and Notre Dame are set to clash in the national championship game, a thrilling matchup that showcases the evolution of the College Football Playoff (CFP). In previous years, these powerhouse programs might have missed the playoff boat, but the revamped format has opened the door for more teams to compete at the highest level. This season, the CFP has expanded to include 12 teams, allowing both the Buckeyes and the Fighting Irish to battle their way through three intense rounds of playoff action to earn their spots in the championship.
The Buckeyes have been nothing short of dominant on their path to the final. They faced formidable opponents, including No. 9 Tennessee, No. 1 Oregon, and No. 5 Texas. Despite a setback against Michigan in the season finale that cost them a shot at the Big Ten championship, Ohio State proved their mettle by defeating Oregon, the Big Ten champions, in the quarterfinals of the CFP. Their performance has been impressive, showcasing their talent and resilience.
On the other hand, Notre Dame’s journey to the championship has been marked by strategic victories. The Fighting Irish navigated through the first two rounds with relative ease, defeating No. 10 Indiana and No. 2 Georgia. Their semifinal matchup against No. 6 Penn State was a nail-biter, but Notre Dame emerged victorious with a narrow 27-24 win, thanks to a late interception and a clutch field goal. Each team has demonstrated their ability to rise to the occasion and defeat top-tier opponents, setting the stage for an exhilarating championship showdown.
Both teams have taken vastly different paths this season, yet they share a common goal: to claim the first-ever College Football Playoff national championship in this new 12-team format. The stakes are high, and fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an unforgettable game.
CFP national championship game kickoff time
- Date: Monday, Jan. 20
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
The CFP national championship is scheduled to kick off on Monday, Jan. 20, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The excitement will unfold at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, a venue known for hosting some of the biggest events in sports.
How to watch CFP national championship
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live stream: Fubo
Fans won’t want to miss a second of the action, and there are plenty of ways to catch the game live. The national championship will be broadcast on ESPN, which will offer a variety of viewing options across its “megacast.” This includes a main telecast on ESPN, a field pass featuring The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN 2, a command center broadcast on ESPN U, and a skycast on ESPN News. For Spanish-speaking audiences, ESPN Deportes will also provide coverage.
For those who prefer streaming, Fubo will have a live stream available. New subscribers can take advantage of a free trial, allowing them to experience the excitement of the game without any upfront commitment. Fubo offers a range of channels, including ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC, so fans can enjoy a variety of live sports and entertainment.
CFP national championship radio station
- Radio station: SiriusXM channels 81, 84, ESPN Radio
If you’re on the go or prefer to listen to the game, you can tune into the CFP national championship on SiriusXM. Channels 81 and 84 will feature the Ohio State and Notre Dame broadcasts, respectively. Additionally, ESPN Radio will provide coverage of the game, ensuring that fans can stay connected no matter where they are.
College Football Playoff schedule
Quarterfinals
| Date | Bowl Game | Matchup | Location |
| Dec. 31 | Fiesta Bowl | Penn State 31, Boise State 14 | Glendale, AZ |
| Jan. 1 | Peach Bowl | Texas 39, Arizona State 31 (2OT) | Atlanta, GA |
| Jan. 1 | Rose Bowl | Ohio State 41, Oregon 21 | Pasadena, CA |
| Jan. 2 | Sugar Bowl | Notre Dame 23, Georgia 10 | New Orleans, LA |
Semifinals
| Date | Bowl Game | Matchup | Location | Time | TV Channel |
| Jan. 9 | Orange Bowl | Notre Dame 27, Penn State 24 | Miami | 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN, Fubo |
| Jan. 10 | Cotton Bowl | Ohio State 28, Texas 14 | Dallas | 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN, Fubo |
National Championship
| Date | Bowl Game | Matchup | Location | Time | TV Channel |
| Jan. 20 | CFP National Championship | Notre Dame vs. Ohio State | Atlanta | 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN, Fubo |
As the championship game approaches, the excitement is palpable. Fans are gearing up for what promises to be a historic showdown between two storied programs. Will Ohio State’s power and speed prevail, or will Notre Dame’s strategic prowess lead them to victory? One thing is for sure: this game will be one for the ages, and college football fans everywhere are ready to witness history in the making.
