College Football Playoff Bracket: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame Tops Potential National Championship Matchups
The College Football Playoff has reached its Final Four, and the field is set for some intriguing potential showdowns. Despite the surprises along the way, all eight games in the first two rounds saw favorites emerge victorious. Notably, no team that earned a conference championship or first-round bye remains standing.
This year, we’re guaranteed a first-time national title-winning head coach, and the Final Four still boasts a “blue blood” flavor. Ohio State ranks second all-time in wins with 975, Notre Dame and Texas share fourth place with 960, and Penn State is seventh at 942. No matter which team hoists the trophy, a storied powerhouse will claim the championship.
But which of the four possible matchups would be the most exciting for fans and viewers alike? To rank the options, I considered factors like competitive potential, visual appeal (yes, uniforms matter), and broad audience interest. Here’s how the potential national title games stack up:
1. (8) Ohio State vs. (7) Notre Dame
This is the dream matchup. Both programs are synonymous with college football’s rich history and boast two of the most passionate fanbases in the sport. With Ohio State and Notre Dame ranking among the top four in all-time wins, this matchup brings a heavyweight feel to the championship stage.
These teams have a storied history in the Midwest, a region that once dominated college football’s early days. While the modern game has seen Southeastern teams rise to prominence, this showdown would be a nod to the sport’s roots.
The stakes are especially high for both fanbases. Buckeyes supporters are still reeling from recent losses to Michigan and the Wolverines’ national title victory last year. Notre Dame, meanwhile, hasn’t claimed a national championship since 1988 and has endured tough losses in previous BCS and CFP appearances.
2. (5) Texas vs. (7) Notre Dame
While not quite as electrifying as Ohio State vs. Notre Dame, this matchup offers another clash of traditional powerhouses. Texas and Notre Dame both bring storied legacies, but neither team is known for high-flying offenses this season, making this matchup more likely to be a defensive battle—a “rock fight,” if you will.
Texas last won a national title in 2005, but with nearly two decades of ups and downs since, Longhorn fans are eager to reclaim glory. This matchup would deliver a classic showdown that, while lower-scoring, could still be thrilling.
3. (5) Texas vs. (6) Penn State
While this might not be the flashiest matchup for casual fans, it has the potential to be one of the most competitive. Both Texas and Penn State rely on strong defensive lines and have quarterbacks whose performances remain under scrutiny.
This is also the only possible “Big Ten vs. SEC” matchup in this year’s field, which could add an intriguing layer of conference pride for fans invested in the broader college football landscape.
4. (8) Ohio State vs. (6) Penn State
While a solid game on paper, this matchup ranks last due to its familiarity. Ohio State and Penn State have faced each other every season since 1993, when the Nittany Lions joined the Big Ten. Ohio State has dominated the series recently, winning eight straight, including a 20-13 victory in State College earlier this year.
Though it would undoubtedly feature two elite teams, this matchup might lack the appeal to casual fans outside the Big Ten’s regional footprint. Still, it would be a thrilling game for die-hard fans and conference executives alike.
No matter how the bracket unfolds, this year’s championship promises to deliver a clash of historic programs with plenty of star power and drama. The countdown to crowning a champion begins now.
