Ohio State vs. Notre Dame: 5 bold predictions for CFP National Championship Game 2025

When Ohio State and Notre Dame battle on Monday for the CFP title game, it's the end of another amazing college football season. Surprises were a major part of the season. From Indiana making the playoff to Ashton Jeanty nearly setting the all-time rushing record to Florida State's collapse, the surprises of 2024 were memorable.

With one game left, it's time to predict some more possible surprises. Here are five bold predictions for the CFP national title game.

5 Bold Predictions for CFP national title game

Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch - Source: Imagn

#5. Jeremiah Smith will be OSU's top receiver

All-everything freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith is coming off a shockingly quiet game. Smith had just one catch for three yards in Ohio State's semifinal win over Texas. The prediction here is that it simply won't happen again. Smith has had a historic season with the Buckeyes. He's not going to be shut out for a second straight game. A handful of catches for 75+ yards and a touchdown are upcomimg.

#4. Notre Dame will win the turnover battle

Ohio State's offense isn't particularly turnover-prone. Only four times in 15 games have the Buckeyes had a negative turnover margin. But this game will be another one. This is less about OSU than about Notre Dame's astonishing ability to force turnovers. Notre Dame has forced 32 turnovers on the year.

The Irish lead the nation in interceptions with 19 and their 13 opposing fumbles recovered is third in all of FBS football. Ohio State has an offense which can be either efficient or explosive. But watch for Notre Dame to win the turnover battle.

#3. Jeremiyah Love will have a big game.

Much as with Jeremiah Smith above, Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love comes in off a disappointing game. In the case of the outstanding Notre Dame running back, it's actually two quiet games in a row. Love is battling injuries but in the last two games, has just 17 carries for 65 yards. Love will top that total in this game alone, and will have a touchdown on the ground.

#2. Notre Dame will lead at halftime.

While some pundits won't give Notre Dame much of a chance, that's unwarranted. The Irish's combination of a tremendous defense, an ability to force turnovers, and a mobile QB who can convert third downs can be lethal. The thinking here is that Ohio State will take a while to settle in and that Notre Dame will have a small lead, something around 14-10, at halftime.

#1.Ohio State ultimately covers the spread.

But while the CFP title game will be competitive into the fourth quarter, Ohio State's superior talent and depth will wear down the Irish late. In a scenario that mirrors last week's game with Texas, Ohio State will be protecting a one-score lead when a big play will put the Irish away in a two-touchdown Buckeye win.

What do you think about the upcoming CFP title game? Share your bold predictions below in our comments section!