Ohio State Defeats Notre Dame 34-23 in National Championship

Notre Dame's football season ended in heartbreak as they fell to Ohio State 34-23 in the College Football Playoff national championship game, marking a missed opportunity for the team's first national title since 1988. The Irish, who finished the season with a 14-2 record, faced a significant deficit of 31-7 before staging a spirited comeback, driven by their quarterback Riley Leonard and receiver Jaden Greathouse. Despite their efforts, Notre Dame could not overcome Ohio State's strong defense and potent offense, leaving head coach Marcus Freeman and players grappling with both pride and disappointment. Freeman acknowledged that the team must improve offensively to close the gap with championship-caliber teams. However, many players expressed a sense of accomplishment, noting how they had changed the narrative of the program despite the loss. Looking ahead, there is optimism for the future as the Irish aim for another shot at the title as soon as the 2025 season.