Editor’s note: Stay tuned for live updates, scores, and highlights from the Ohio State vs. Notre Dame national championship game.

After a historic and prolonged College Football Playoff season, we’ve reached the final game. Ohio State and Notre Dame are the last two teams remaining, set to compete in Atlanta for the championship title of the 2024 season.

This matchup is quite unexpected as Notre Dame entered the playoffs as the No. 7 seed and Ohio State was the eighth seed. However, both teams secured impressive victories in their first-round games at home, subsequently defeating the champions of the SEC and Big Ten in the semifinals. Notre Dame achieved a dramatic late win against Georgia in the Orange Bowl, while Ohio State triumphed over Texas in the Cotton Bowl to earn their spot in the final.

Both of these storied programs are eager to break longstanding championship droughts. Notre Dame last claimed a national title in the 1988 season, whereas Ohio State hasn’t won since they were the inaugural champions of the College Football Playoff in 2012.

This game promises to showcase contrasting styles of play. Ohio State is known for its explosive, high-scoring offense, whereas Notre Dame boasts a formidable defense. The quarterbacks, Will Howard for the Buckeyes and Riley Leonard for the Fighting Irish, are both in their first year at their respective schools and are looking to cap off their college careers with a championship win. So, who will come out on top? Here’s what our analysts think.

Scooby Axson

Initially, at the start of the season, I predicted Ohio State would be the champions. Now that they’ve made it to the title game, I see no reason to change that expectation. Although game dynamics can be unpredictable, I anticipate the Buckeyes may face challenges running the ball, but they should exploit Notre Dame’s defensive weaknesses in the air. I believe Ohio State’s talented receiving unit will make enough impactful plays to secure a title for Columbus. Ohio State 27, Notre Dame 21.

Jordan Mendoza

A key matchup to keep an eye on will be the Notre Dame secondary against the Buckeyes’ Jeremiah Smith. Will the man-to-man defense be sufficient to contain the talented freshman and his teammates, or will the Buckeyes capitalize on potential mistakes? Both teams have strong defenses, suggesting a low-scoring game—provided Notre Dame maintains its composure. If the Fighting Irish struggle to keep it together, Ohio State will likely emerge as the champions, ensuring the security of Ryan Day’s job. Ohio State 23, Notre Dame 16.

Paul Myerberg

Ohio State has a wider margin for error with its high-powered offense and recent strong defensive performances. Notre Dame needs to avoid turnovers and establish control at the line of scrimmage to prevent the game from becoming too quarterback-centric, which would favor the Buckeyes. However, the Fighting Irish are quite capable of dictating the game’s pace and putting Ohio State in challenging positions. A low-scoring affair would favor Notre Dame, who has demonstrated mental toughness in their close playoff wins against formidable opponents. Notre Dame 24, Ohio State 20.

Erick Smith

Notre Dame features one of the top defenses in the nation, along with a secondary potent enough to contain the Ohio State offense effectively. The challenge will be how long the Fighting Irish can keep making stops while their offense provides minimal assistance. They might manage this for a half, but while Ohio State is the focus, the game’s narrative will hinge on quarterback Riley Leonard and Notre Dame’s ability to maintain ball possession and score effectively. Should they succeed, a dramatic finish is likely. If not, it could be a celebration in Columbus. Ohio State 30, Notre Dame 16.

Eddie Timanus

Both teams have tough defenses capable of limiting significant plays. However, a crucial difference lies in Ohio State’s plethora of offensive weapons, especially with running backs Treveyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, and a talented receiving unit led by freshman Jeremiah Smith. At some point, I expect one of these players to deliver a pivotal score. A late turnover could seal the deal for the Buckeyes again. Ohio State 27, Notre Dame 17.

Dan Wolken

While Notre Dame could keep things competitive through the fourth quarter, I believe Ohio State’s victory over Texas was a defining moment on their path to the championship. They passed that tough test and now face an Irish team that has been worn down by a challenging playoff run and lacks the offensive prowess to challenge a solid Ohio State defense. It may remain tight in the first half, but I expect a surge from the Buckeyes in the third quarter. Ohio State 33, Notre Dame 10.