Notre Dame Defeats Penn State in Orange Bowl to Advance to 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship

Notre Dame's football team has recently achieved significant milestones, propelling them into the national spotlight. Under the leadership of head coach Marcus Freeman, the Fighting Irish secured a thrilling 27-24 victory over Penn State in the Orange Bowl, advancing to the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship.

This victory is historic, as Freeman becomes the first Black coach to lead a team to a Division I national title game. Additionally, Notre Dame's independent status in football means they will receive a $20 million payout for reaching the championship, funds that are not shared with any conference.

The team's journey to the championship has been marked by resilience and strategic prowess. Notably, quarterback Riley Leonard returned from a potential head injury during the Orange Bowl to lead the team to victory.

Looking ahead, Notre Dame is set to compete for the national title on January 20, 2025, in Atlanta. Their opponent will be determined by the outcome of the semifinal game between Ohio State and Texas.

This season has been a testament to Notre Dame's dedication and skill, with the team achieving a record-breaking 13-win season and ending a long-standing drought in major bowl games. The upcoming championship game presents an opportunity for the Fighting Irish to further solidify their legacy in college football history.

For a closer look at the team's recent performance, you can watch the highlights from the Orange Bowl below: