Ohio State vs Notre Dame
The story of ohio state vs notre dame started all the way back in 1935. At that time, people called it the “Game of the Century.” It was the first time these two giants ever met. Notre Dame won that first game with a late comeback, winning 18-13. They followed it up with another win in 1936. For a long time, the Irish held the upper hand.
However, things changed as the decades passed. The teams didn’t play again for nearly 60 years! When they finally met again in the 1990s, Ohio State started a winning streak that continues to this day. It is amazing to think that two schools only 250 miles apart stayed away from each other for so long. Now, whenever they meet, the whole country stops to watch.
The Ultimate Statistical Guide: Ohio State vs Notre Dame
| All-Time Record | 990–336–53 |
|---|---|
| Win Percentage | .737 (Ranked 1st All-Time) |
| National Championships | 9 (1942, 1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, 1970, 2002, 2014, 2024) |
| Conference Titles | 40 (Big Ten) |
| Heisman Trophy Winners | 7 (Archie Griffin – 2x, Eddie George, Troy Smith, etc.) |
| First Season | 1890 |
| 2025 Season Record | 12–1 (Regular Season) |
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| All-Time Record | 972–341–42 |
|---|---|
| Win Percentage | .733 |
| National Championships | 11 (Claimed) – Latest 1988 (National Finalist 2024) |
| Consensus All-Americans | 110 (Ranked 1st All-Time) |
| Heisman Trophy Winners | 7 (Tim Brown, Paul Hornung, Johnny Lujack, etc.) |
| Bowl Appearances | 47 |
| 2025 Season Record | 10–2 (Independent) |
| Year | Winner | Score | Key Statistic/Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 (Playoff) | Ohio State | 34-23 | Will Howard: 325 Passing Yards |
| 2023 | Ohio State | 17-14 | Game-winning TD with 1 second left |
| 2022 | Ohio State | 21-10 | Buckeyes defense allowed 0 points in 2nd half |
| 2016 | Ohio State | 44-28 | Ezekiel Elliott: 149 Yards, 4 Touchdowns |
| 2006 | Ohio State | 34-20 | Troy Smith: 342 Yards Passing |
| 1995 | Ohio State | 45-26 | Eddie George: 207 Rushing Yards |
| 1936 | Notre Dame | 7-2 | Historic defensive stand in South Bend |
| 1935 | Notre Dame | 18-13 | First-ever meeting (The Original Thriller) |
Career Years: 1972–1975 | Team: Ohio State
Archie Griffin remains the most decorated player in the history of college football. He is the only athlete to ever win the Heisman Trophy twice (1974 and 1975). Known for his incredible vision and balance, Griffin rushed for 31 consecutive games of 100+ yards. He represents the “gold standard” of the Buckeyes’ tradition and his number 45 is retired by the university.
Career Years: 1984–1987 | Team: Notre Dame
Tim Brown, often called “Touchdown Timmy,” was a revolutionary player for the Irish. In 1987, he became the first wide receiver ever to win the Heisman Trophy. His versatility as a receiver and a deadly punt returner made him a threat from anywhere on the field. He finished his career with over 5,000 all-purpose yards and went on to a legendary NFL Hall of Fame career with the Raiders.
Career Years: 1992–1995 | Team: Ohio State
Eddie George’s 1995 season is legendary, especially his performance against Notre Dame. He rushed for 207 yards in that specific matchup, proving he was the most physical back in the country. That year, he won the Heisman Trophy, the Doak Walker Award, and the Maxwell Award. His jersey number 27 is a symbol of power and perseverance in Columbus.
Career Years: 1918–1930 | Team: Notre Dame
No list is complete without the man who built the Notre Dame myth. As a coach, Rockne holds the highest winning percentage in college football history (.881). He led the Irish to 3 National Championships and was the mastermind behind the “Four Horsemen.” His motivational speeches and innovative offensive tactics changed the game forever.
Career Years: 2024–Present | Team: Ohio State
A modern superstar, Jeremiah Smith broke almost every freshman receiving record at Ohio State in 2024. In the 2025 campaign, he emerged as the premier deep threat in the nation, recording over 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns. His elite size and ball-tracking skills have many analysts comparing him to NFL greats before he has even finished his college career.
Why This Rivalry Matters So Much
You might wonder why ohio state vs notre dame is such a big deal if they aren’t in the same conference. The answer is simple: tradition. Both schools have massive stadiums, famous fight songs, and millions of fans. They both represent the gold standard of college sports. When they play, it feels like a heavyweight title fight.
This game often has huge stakes for the national championship. Since both teams are usually ranked in the Top 10, the winner often moves on to the playoffs, while the loser might see their season goals slip away. It is more than just a game; it is about proving who is truly the king of the Midwest.
Looking Back at the 2023 Instant Classic
The most recent regular-season meeting for ohio state vs notre dame was in September 2023. It was one of the most exciting games in recent memory. The game took place at Notre Dame Stadium under the lights. It was a defensive battle for most of the night, with both teams struggling to find the end zone.
In the final seconds, Ohio State trailed 14-10. With only one second left on the clock, the Buckeyes ran a gutsy play from the one-yard line. Chip Trayanum plunged into the end zone for a touchdown, giving Ohio State a 17-14 victory. It was a heartbreaking loss for the Irish but a legendary moment for Buckeye fans everywhere.
Understanding the Game Time and Channel
If you are looking for the ohio state vs notre dame game time and channel, you usually have to check the major networks. Because this is a high-profile matchup, it almost always airs on NBC or ABC in prime time. These networks love to show the game at night because the atmosphere in the stadium is electric under the lights.
Kickoff is typically set for 7:30 PM or 8:00 PM Eastern Time. This allows fans across the country to tune in after their local games have finished. If you can’t get to a TV, you can usually stream the game on platforms like Peacock or the ESPN app, depending on which network holds the rights for that specific year.
The Battle of the Coaches: Day vs Freeman
A huge part of the ohio state vs notre dame story involves the men on the sidelines. Ryan Day has led the Buckeyes with a high-powered offense for several years. On the other side, Marcus Freeman has a unique connection to both schools. He actually played linebacker for Ohio State before becoming the head coach at Notre Dame!
This connection adds a layer of respect and intensity to the game. Coach Freeman knows exactly what makes the Buckeyes tough, while Coach Day knows he has to prepare for a physical Irish defense. Watching these two young, talented coaches try to outsmart each other is a treat for any football fan.
Legendary Players Who Defined the Series
Many NFL stars have played in ohio state vs notre dame games. For Ohio State, names like Eddie George and Ezekiel Elliott come to mind. Eddie George had a massive game against the Irish in 1995 on his way to winning the Heisman Trophy. He rushed for over 200 yards, proving he was the best player in the country.
Notre Dame has also had its share of stars, like quarterback Brady Quinn and linebacker Jaylon Smith. Even though the Irish haven’t won a lot of the recent matchups, their players always show up with heart. Seeing these future pros compete at the college level is one reason why the scouts always show up to this game in droves.
The Atmosphere: Columbus vs South Bend
The location of ohio state vs notre dame changes the entire feel of the game. When the game is at “The Shoe” in Columbus, over 100,000 fans create a sea of scarlet and gray. The sound can be deafening, making it very hard for the visiting Irish to hear their play calls.
In South Bend, the vibe is more historic and “mystical.” Seeing the “Touchdown Jesus” mural and the golden helmets of the Irish under the stadium lights is a bucket-list experience for any sports fan. No matter where the game is played, the tickets are always some of the most expensive and hard-to-find items in the state.
Recent Trends: The Buckeyes’ Dominance
If we look at the numbers for ohio state vs notre dame, the Buckeyes have been on a roll. They have won the last six meetings in a row. This includes big wins in the Fiesta Bowl and regular-season matchups. Ohio State’s ability to recruit top-tier speed has often been the difference maker in these games.
However, the scores have been getting closer. The 2022 and 2023 games were both decided in the fourth quarter. This shows that Notre Dame is closing the gap. Many experts believe that it is only a matter of time before the Fighting Irish break the streak and get back into the win column against their rivals from Ohio.
What to Expect in Future Matchups
As college football changes with new playoff rules, ohio state vs notre dame might become even more frequent. Fans are hoping the schools schedule more “home-and-home” series. There is also a good chance these two could meet in the new 12-team playoff format.
Imagine a playoff game between these two at a neutral site like the Rose Bowl or the Sugar Bowl. The energy would be off the charts! Both programs are committed to staying at the top of the rankings, so we can expect many more Top-10 battles in the years to come. The future of this rivalry looks very bright.
How to Get Tickets for the Next Game
If you want to see ohio state vs notre dame in person, you need to plan ahead. Because these games are rare, tickets often sell out months in advance. Many fans use secondary markets like StubHub or SeatGeek, but be prepared to pay a premium price.
It is also a good idea to check the official school athletic websites. Sometimes, small batches of tickets are released to the public. If you are a student or an alum, you might have a better chance through the internal lottery systems. No matter the cost, being there to hear the crowd roar is an experience you will never forget.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who has won more games in the series? Ohio State currently leads the all-time series 6-2. They have won the last six meetings, while Notre Dame won the first two back in the 1930s.
2. Where can I find the ohio state vs notre dame game time and channel? The game time and channel are usually announced a few weeks before the game. It is almost always on a major network like NBC, ABC, or FOX during the evening.
3. When was the last time Notre Dame beat Ohio State? The last time the Fighting Irish defeated the Buckeyes was in 1936. The score of that game was 7-2.
4. Is this considered a “rivalry” game? While they aren’t traditional rivals like Ohio State and Michigan, it is considered a “modern rivalry” because of how often they meet in high-stakes games recently.
5. Do these teams play every year? No, they do not play every year. They usually schedule a “home-and-home” series where they play twice over two years and then take a long break.
6. What is the average score of their recent games? In the last few years, the games have been low-scoring and defensive, usually ending with scores in the 20s or high teens, like the 17-14 result in 2023.
Conclusion: A Rivalry for the Ages
The battle of ohio state vs notre dame remains one of the crown jewels of American sports. It brings together two fan bases that are incredibly passionate and two programs that define excellence. From the last-second touchdowns to the legendary coaches, every chapter of this story is worth reading.
As we look toward the future, the intensity of this matchup will only grow. Whether you root for the Buckeyes or the Fighting Irish, you have to respect the history they share. Next time these two take the field, make sure your schedule is clear—you won’t want to miss a single second!