In a hard-fought battle at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish fell to the Ohio State Buckeyes with a final score of 34-23 in the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Despite the defeat, head coach Marcus Freeman emphasized the resilience and character of his team.
“We may not have won the championship, but we are always winners,” Freeman stated. “We are strong, and that’s what makes us The Fighting Irish.”
A Gritty Performance
The Fighting Irish initiated the game with an impressive 18-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, culminating in a 1-yard run by quarterback Riley Leonard.
This early lead showcased Notre Dame’s offensive capabilities and set an optimistic tone.
However, Ohio State responded assertively. Quarterback Will Howard connected with wide receiver Jeremiah Smith for a touchdown, and running back Quinshon Judkins added two more scores, propelling the Buckeyes to a 21-7 lead by halftime.
Second-Half Struggles and Resilience
The Buckeyes extended their lead in the third quarter, with a significant 70-yard rush by TreVeyon Henderson setting up another touchdown, followed by a field goal to make it 31-7.
Despite the growing deficit, Notre Dame demonstrated resilience.
Wide receiver Jaden Greathouse caught two touchdown passes in the second half, narrowing the gap. A successful two-point conversion further reduced Ohio State’s lead, bringing the score to 31-23.
However, a critical missed 27-yard field goal by kicker Mitch Jeter, which struck the upright, hindered the Irish’s momentum.
Freeman’s Post-Game Remarks
In his post-game address, Coach Freeman highlighted the team’s unwavering spirit and determination.
“The scoreboard doesn’t always tell the full story,” Freeman said. “What I saw out there tonight was a group of young men who fought with everything they had, who stood together in the face of adversity. That’s what being part of this program is about.”
The Heart of the Fighting Irish
Freeman’s comments reflect the culture he is cultivating at Notre Dame—a program defined by grit, unity, and an unwavering belief in overcoming challenges.
“Winning isn’t just about trophies or rankings,” Freeman added. “It’s about how you respond when things don’t go your way. It’s about showing strength, not just as players, but as people. That’s what makes us The Fighting Irish.”
Learning from Defeat
While the loss was a setback, it provided valuable lessons for the team. Freeman emphasized the importance of using this experience as motivation for improvement.
“We’ll watch the film, we’ll learn from our mistakes, and we’ll come back stronger,” Freeman said. “This game doesn’t define us. What defines us is how we respond.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the outcome, the Fighting Irish have a foundation to build upon for future success. Freeman’s leadership and the team’s resilience suggest a promising path forward.
“This is just one chapter in our story,” Freeman concluded. “We’re not giving up, and we’re not backing down. That’s what makes us who we are.”
The Notre Dame community remains optimistic, believing that the lessons learned from this championship game will fuel future endeavors and successes for the Fighting Irish.