The final whistle had long since blown, the confetti had settled on the Mercedes-Benz Stadium turf, and the gleam of the College Football Playoff National Championship trophy had faded from the eyes of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. For head coach Marcus Freeman, however, the sting of that 34-23 loss to Ohio State on January 20, 2025, remains a vivid, unsparing lesson. In a recent candid interview with Fox’s Joel Klatt, Freeman acknowledged what the entire nation witnessed that night: his team simply didn’t play their best when it mattered most, against an Ohio State squad that did.
The game was a brutal reminder of the razor-thin margins at the pinnacle of college football. Notre Dame had fought valiantly throughout the inaugural 12-team playoff, navigating a challenging schedule and showcasing resilience to reach the championship game. But the encounter with Ohio State, Freeman’s alma mater, proved to be a bridge too far.
“I think in those biggest games, those biggest moments, you’ve got to play your best. You can’t make mistakes — not against a team like Ohio State,” Freeman admitted to Klatt, his voice carrying the weight of a coach dissecting a crucial defeat. This statement perfectly encapsulates the unforgiving nature of championship football. Against a powerhouse like Ohio State, renowned for its elite talent and disciplined execution, even minor errors are magnified and punished severely.
The game started with promising signs for the Fighting Irish. They executed a classic, methodical Notre Dame drive, chewing up nearly 10 minutes off the clock on an impressive 18-play, 75-yard march that culminated in a Riley Leonard touchdown run. It was a statement opening drive, signaling their intent to control the tempo and impose their physicality. However, the narrative quickly shifted.
Ohio State, under Ryan Day, responded with surgical precision. Quarterback Will Howard, then in his first season as the Buckeyes’ starter after transferring, was nearly flawless in the first half, completing 14 of 15 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Quinshon Judkins, another key transfer, ran for 100 yards and scored three touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving). The Buckeyes’ offense exploded, putting up 31 unanswered points to take a commanding 31-7 lead by early in the third quarter.
Freeman’s reflection highlights the defensive struggles. “Defensively, we didn’t play our best, and trust me, credit to Ohio State. They had some elite playmakers. They played really, really well.” This acknowledgment is significant. Notre Dame’s defense had been a stout unit throughout the 2024 season, often carrying the team and holding opponents to low scores. To see them seemingly outmatched by Ohio State’s offensive firepower was an anomaly, and Freeman wasn’t shy about admitting it. He noted the difficulty in defending Ohio State’s array of weapons, from receiver Jeremiah Smith to Emeka Egbuka, and the versatile rushing attack.
“I wish we could go back and, dang it, we got to play our best, and the outcome might still be the same, but there were moments in that game I thought that’s not how we have played all year long,” Freeman lamented. This speaks to the frustration of an ultimate competitor. While he credits Ohio State, there’s also an underlying sense that his team, individually and collectively, didn’t live up to its own high standards on the biggest stage. This kind of self-reflection is crucial for a program looking to take the next step.
Despite the lopsided score for much of the game, Notre Dame did show fight. They clawed their way back, scoring 16 unanswered points to cut the lead to eight, 31-23, with just over four minutes left in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Riley Leonard connected with Jaden Greathouse for a 30-yard touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion. This late surge offered a glimmer of hope, showcasing the resilience that Freeman has instilled in his squad. However, Ohio State managed to close out the game with a field goal, securing the 34-23 victory.
For Freeman, the loss wasn’t just a defeat; it was a profound learning experience. He immediately began dissecting the game, identifying areas for improvement and making “changes already after we debriefed from that game.” He stressed the importance of preparedness, stating, “And hey, if we’re in that situation, here are some different things we’ll do as we prepare for it. But at the end of the day, you’ve got to play your best when you’re playing the best.” This proactive approach is a hallmark of up-and-coming coaches like Freeman, who are constantly seeking ways to evolve and improve their programs.
The national championship appearance was a significant step for Notre Dame under Freeman. In his third season at the helm, he had guided the Fighting Irish to their first CFP National Championship game appearance in the playoff era (their previous official championship appearance was a loss to Alabama in the 2012 BCS National Championship). It showcased the program’s upward trajectory and Freeman’s ability to recruit talent and instill a competitive spirit. They had navigated the expanded 12-team playoff, defeating opponents like Indiana and Oregon to reach the pinnacle.
However, the loss also highlighted the gap that still exists between Notre Dame and the elite of the elite, particularly against a team like Ohio State, which has consistently been in the national championship conversation. The Buckeyes finished the season 14-2, winning their first national title since 2014, and solidifying Ryan Day’s place in Ohio State coaching history.
Marcus Freeman, a former Ohio State linebacker himself, carries a deep respect for the Buckeyes program. This adds another layer of complexity to the national championship defeat. Losing to his alma mater on such a grand stage must have been particularly bittersweet. Yet, his willingness to openly discuss the loss, to analyze its shortcomings, and to publicly credit Ohio State speaks volumes about his character and his commitment to growth.
As Notre Dame looks ahead to the 2025 season and beyond, Freeman’s acknowledgment of what transpired in Atlanta will serve as a powerful motivator. He has the Irish trending in the right direction, and with continued recruiting success and strategic adjustments, many believe it won’t be long before Notre Dame gets another shot at the ultimate prize in college football. The lesson learned from that night against Ohio State – that you must play your best when playing the best – will undoubtedly be a foundational principle as they strive to bring a national championship back to South Bend.
